10 Best Credit Cards for Delta Air Lines of October 2026
Top picks for Delta Air Lines from our scoring engine.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts, co-brand fit for this brand. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Delta Air Lines, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns the top spot for Delta Air Lines purchases at 3.6¢ per dollar at delta air lines — a $650 annual fee. We ranked every card in our database against Delta Air Lines purchases using the same scoring engine that powers our search. See the note above the list for what drives order versus the ¢ per dollar column. Cards 4–10 are still solid picks; they just trade off some headline earn rate for fewer fees, broader networks, or simpler redemptions.
Store card
Delta Air Lines's co-branded cards — shown here because they are not in the ranked list above.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
American Express
- +Official cobrand card — earns SkyMiles on all purchases
- +3x on Delta — points worth 1.2¢ each
- +Est. $120/yr value — $240 Resy Credit
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
American Express
- +Official cobrand card — earns SkyMiles on all purchases
- +2x on Delta booked direct — points worth 1.2¢ each
- +Est. $120/yr value — $200 Delta Flight Credit
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
American Express
- +Official cobrand card — earns SkyMiles on all purchases
- +3x on Delta — points worth 1.2¢ each
- +Est. $120/yr value — $120 Rideshare Credit
Why Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card wins for Delta Air Lines
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns 3.6¢ per dollar at Delta Air Lines, the highest marginal rate in our list for this brand. At 3.6¢ per dollar, rewards cover the $650 fee after about $18,060 a year in Delta Air Lines spending. It's the right pick if you want maximum earn rate on this category and don't mind paying for a premium card.
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Flights Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Est. Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express CardAmerican Express | 3x SkyMiles | 3.6¢/$ | $650 | — | amex |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express CardAmerican Express | 2x SkyMiles | 2.4¢/$ | $150 | — | amex |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express CardAmerican Express | 3x SkyMiles | 3.6¢/$ | $350 | $60 | amex |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 4x Ultimate Rewards | 7.2¢/$ | $795 | $588 | visa |
| Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express CardAmerican Express | 2x SkyMiles | 2.4¢/$ | $0 | — | amex |
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 5x Membership Rewards | 7.5¢/$ | $895 | $632.50 | amex |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Credit CardWells Fargo | 4x Wells Fargo Rewards | 5.8¢/$ | $95 | — | visa |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 5x Capital One Miles | 6.5¢/$ | $395 | — | visa |
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 4.8¢/$ | $95 | — | mastercard |
| Chase Freedom FlexChase | 5x Ultimate Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
More Options
How to maximize value at Delta Air Lines
- Use Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card for Delta Air Lines purchases — it earns 3.6¢ per dollar at Delta Air Lines in our scoring.
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Delta Air Lines; check current portal rates before you buy.
- Pair Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card with Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card to cover categories where it earns more — diversifying your spend can lift your blended return.
- Pay your statement in full each month — interest charges almost always exceed the rewards you'd earn.
Cards with credits at Delta Air Lines
Statement credits or cash applied to your bill at Delta Air Lines, separate from earn rate.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card$250 Delta Stays Credit$250
- Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card$200 Delta Flight Credit$200
- Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card$200 Delta Flight Credit$200
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card$200 Delta Stays Credit$200
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card$200 Delta Stays Credit$200
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card$150 Delta Stays Credit$150
- Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card20% Back on In-Flight Purchases
Similar Brands
Other brands in Airlines where the top picks above also earn well.
Frequently asked
- What credit card earns the most at Delta Air Lines?
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card ranks #1 for Delta Air Lines in our list at 3.6¢ per dollar at Delta Air Lines — $650 annual fee. Order uses the full scoring key described above the list (earn rate, redemption value, fee/credit balance, portals, and co-brand fit); welcome offers are not part of that default brand ranking.
- Does Delta Air Lines have a co-branded credit card?
- Yes — Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is Delta Air Lines's co-branded card. See our Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card page for earn rates and fees. Delta Air Lines also offers Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card.
- Can I stack a shopping portal with my credit card at Delta Air Lines?
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Delta Air Lines; check current portal rates before you buy.
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