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