10 Best Credit Cards for Delta XL of October 2026
Top picks for Delta XL 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 XL. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns the top spot for Delta XL purchases at 3.0¢ per dollar on delta — a $650 annual fee. We ranked every card in our database against Delta XL 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.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
American Express
- +3x on delta — points worth 1.0¢ each
- +Est. $120/yr value — $240 Resy Credit
- +Est. $100/yr value — $200 Delta Stays Credit
Bilt Palladium Card
Cardless
- +50,000 points bonus (~$1,100.00 value)
- +Est. $300/yr in usable credits offset part of the $495 fee — actual value depends on use and eligibility
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
American Express
- +2x on delta — points worth 1.0¢ each
- +Est. $120/yr value — $200 Delta Flight Credit
- +Est. $50/yr value — $100 Delta Stays Credit
Why Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card wins for Delta XL
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns 3.0¢ per dollar on delta when you shop at Delta XL, the highest marginal rate in our list for this brand. At 3.0¢ per dollar, rewards cover the $650 fee after about $21,670 a year in Delta XL spending. To come out ahead of Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card (2.0¢), you'd need about $65,000 a year here. It's the right pick if you want maximum earn rate on this category and don't mind paying for a premium card.
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Delta Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Est. Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express CardAmerican Express | 3x SkyMiles | 3.0¢/$ | $650 | $60 | amex |
| Bilt Palladium CardCardless | 2x Bilt Rewards | 4.4¢/$ | $495 | $300 | mastercard |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express CardAmerican Express | 2x SkyMiles | 2.0¢/$ | $150 | $120 | amex |
| Air France KLM Visa Signature® Credit CardBank of America | 3x Flying Blue | 3.0¢/$ | $89 | — | visa |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express CardAmerican Express | 3x SkyMiles | 3.0¢/$ | $350 | $180 | amex |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 2x Capital One Miles | 2.6¢/$ | $95 | $15 | mastercard |
| Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature CardElan Financial | 2% cash back | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | $25 | visa |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 2x Capital One Miles | 2.6¢/$ | $395 | $315 | visa |
| Citi Double Cash CardCiti | 2% cash back | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 1x Membership Rewards | 1.5¢/$ | $895 | $1,317 | amex |
More Options
How to maximize value at Delta XL
- Use Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card for Delta XL purchases — it earns 3.0¢ per dollar on delta at Delta XL in our scoring.
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Delta XL; check current portal rates before you buy.
- Pair Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card with Bilt Palladium 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.
Similar Brands
Other brands in Shopping where the top picks above also earn well.
Frequently asked
- What credit card earns the most at Delta XL?
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card ranks #1 for Delta XL in our list at 3.0¢ per dollar on delta (including Delta XL) — $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.
- Can I stack a shopping portal with my credit card at Delta XL?
- Shopping portals sometimes offer extra rewards at Delta XL; check current portal rates before you buy.
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