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Delta SkyMiles credit cards add new benefits – but at a cost

Frequent Flyer Baggage Tag. Luggage Identity Label. (Photo by: myLoupe/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Delta is changing the benefits of its four Delta SkyMiles credit cards. (Photo: myLoupe/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Some of the perks on your Amex Delta SkyMiles card are getting richer starting next year. But you might have to pay more for the benefits.

Delta and American Express announced this week the relaunch of the four-level personal card suite. All cardholders will be able to earn more Delta SkyMiles, while others gain access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges or receive up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment fees.

But the changes also come with trade-offs. Annual fees on three of the four cards are increasing, while Gold SkyMiles cardholders will no longer be able to visit Delta Sky Clubs.

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The changes to benefits go into effect on January 30, 2020. Here’s what you need to know about your card’s new features.

Blue Delta SkyMiles

What’s new?

  • Cardholders can use their card to pay for a flight’s remaining balance

  • 2x miles earned at worldwide restaurants instead of just at U.S. restaurants

  • No foreign transaction fees

What stays the same?

  • $0 annual fee

  • 2x miles earned on Delta purchases

  • 1x miles earned on other purchases

  • 20% back on in-flight purchases like meals, audio headsets, and alcoholic beverages

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 4, 2019: A Delta Connection passenger jet (Bombardier CRJ900) parked at a gate beside a Delta Airlines plane at Nashville International Airport in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Delta is adding new benefits to its Delta SkyMiles credit cards, but raising some of the annual fees. (Photo: Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

Gold Delta SkyMiles

What’s new?

  • Annual fee will increase to $99 from $95

  • Earn 2x miles at worldwide restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, up from 1x miles

  • $100 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year

  • Access and privileges to Delta Sky Club will be revoked

What stays the same?

  • First checked bag free

  • Main Cabin 1 priority boarding

  • Pay with miles

  • 2x miles on Delta purchases

Platinum Delta SkyMiles

What’s new?

  • Annual fee will increase to $250 from $195

  • Earn 3x miles on Delta purchases, up from 2x miles

  • Earn 3x miles at hotels, up from 1x miles

  • Earn 2x miles at worldwide restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, up from 1x miles

  • $100 credit that can be applied to a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee

What stays the same?

  • Companion certificate on all domestic Main Cabin round-trips

  • First checked bag free

  • Main Cabin 1 priority boarding

  • No foreign transaction fees

LYNDHURST, NJ - SEPTEMBER 16: A Delta Air Lines airplane passes the sun on approach to Newark Liberty Airport on September 16, 2018 as seen from Lyndhurst, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
LYNDHURST, NJ: Delta is changing its benefits for its Delta SkyMiles credit cardholders. (Photo: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)

Delta Reserve Credit Card

What’s new?

  • Annual fee will increase to $550 from $450

  • Complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges

  • Two one-time guest passes to Delta Sky Club each year

  • Accelerate your path to Medallion Status with up to four status boosts annually

  • Access to complimentary upgrades

  • 3x earned on Delta purchases, up from 2x miles

  • $100 credit that can be applied to a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee

What stays the same?

  • Companion certificate on all domestic Main Cabin round-trips

  • First checked bag free

  • Main Cabin 1 priority boarding

  • No foreign transaction fees

Stephanie is a writer for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @SJAsymkos.

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