Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Review
The Quidget_DLbizReserve used to be a compelling card for Delta frequent flyers, especially those who are into Delta status and upgrades. However, Delta's major change to its SkyMiles loyalty program and a negative change to this card's Sky Club access perk have drastically changed the card's value proposition. In our Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card review we will look at the welcome offer, card benefits, spending structure and give our overall thoughts in light of these changes.
Current Welcome Offer
The Quidget_DLbizReserve currently has the following welcome offer:
- Quidget_DLbizReserve_Bonus
- The card has an annual fee of annual_fees and it is NOT waived the first year. (Rates & Fees)
Amex Application Rules
If you choose to apply, remember that Amex typically will not approve you for more than two Amex credit cards during a 90-day period. They also have a limit of 5 credit cards per person, of which this is one. There is also a 10 card limit on the colored Membership Rewards earning cards (of which this is not one of).
Amex also has a once per lifetime welcome offer rule on each card. This is more like every 5 – 7 years in reality though, and not actually your lifetime. That timeline is based off of when you last held a card, not when you last earned a welcome offer on the product though. If you are ineligible for the welcome offer for any reason American Express will usually let you know that with a pop-up before the application is processed. You can cancel the application at this time with no hard pull.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Review: Earning Structure
The Quidget_DLbizReserve has the following earning structure:
- 3x Delta Skymiles on Delta purchases
- 1.5x Delta Skymiles on any spend per year after spending $150,000 in a calendar year on eligible purchases
- 1x Delta Skymiles on all other eligible purchases
Delta Business Reserve Card Benefits
The Quidget_DLbizReserve offers the following benefits:
- MQM boost of 15,000 after $30,000 in spend through December 31, 2023 (up to four times per year)
- Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more.
- 15% discount on award redemptions (not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees)
- Complimentary Sky Club access
- Effective February 1, 2025, cardholders will receive 10 visits per year. To earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on February 1, 2025, cardholders must spend $75,000 or more each calendar year.
- 2 one-time guest passes for Sky Club per year
- Complimentary Centurion Lounge access when you purchase a Delta flight with the SkyMiles Reserve Business card
- If you don't have Medallion Status, your Card adds you to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Medallion Members
- A companion certificate for a domestic first class, Delta comfort+ or main cabin round-trip each year upon card renewal (plus taxes and fees of up to $75)
- TSA Precheck ($85) or Global Entry ($100) fee statement credit every 4.5 years
ToP Analysis
Until Delta's overhaul of the SkyMiles program, the Quidget_DLbizReserve appealed mostly to a limited audience: Delta flyers looking for a boost towards their elite status. Starting January 1, 2024, this card will no longer be as useful to help achieve elite status since the need for MQMs will be eliminated.
In another negative development, complimentary Sky Club access has been reduced drastically to just 10 visits per year. For a card with an annual fee of $550, this is simply astonishing. For unlimited visits, cardholders will have to spend $75,000 or more on the card every calendar year.
Simply put, it has become very difficult to justify the Quidget_DLbizReserve‘s hefty annual fee.
Opening a personal Amex co-branded Delta card is a common newbie mistake, especially when under 5/24. This card can still be helpful for those who are under 5/24, since it will not affect that being a business card, and find value in having status with Delta. Delta frequent flyers will likely enjoy access to Delta's Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounge access (when flying Delta). The companion certificate can be challenging to use because of its terms, but it can come close to offsetting the annual fee on some redemptions.
The card's current welcome offer looks tempting, but it's worth remembering that not all miles are created equally, and transferable currencies are generally more valuable than airline miles. Nonetheless, Delta SkyMiles can offer some good value if used during sales, deals, or the right airports.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Review: ToP Thoughts
With Delta's overhaul of its loyalty program, the Quidget_DLbizReserve no longer offers the same boost towards elite status it once did. And the drastic cuts to the complimentary Sky Club benefit (from unlimited visits to just 10 per year) is also a major set back. These negative changes make it tough to justify the card's $550 annual fee long-term.
Do you plan to open a Quidget_DLbizReserve? Come over to our Facebook group and share your thoughts about this card.
For rates and fees of the Delta Skymiles Reserve Business please visit here
