Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Review
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is a compelling card for Delta frequent flyers, especially those who are into Delta status and upgrades. The card also offers complimentary Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta. 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.
Current Welcome Offer
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card currently has the following welcome offer:
- Earn 100,000 SkyMiles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months. Terms Apply
- The card has an annual fee of $550. (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 Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card 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
- 1x Delta Skymiles on all other spend
Delta Business Reserve Card Benefits
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card offers the following benefits:
- MQM boost of 15,000 after $30,000 in spend in a calendar year (up to four times per year)
- Mileage Qualifying Dollars waiver with $25,000 in spend for Silver, Gold, and Platinum status; Diamond Medallion requires $250,000 in spend
- 15% discount on award redemptions (not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees)
- Complimentary Sky Club access
- 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
- Trip delay (6 hours) and cancellation protections (up to $500 per trip) (terms apply)
ToP Analysis
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card likely appeals to a limited audience: Delta flyers looking for a boost towards their elite status. 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 great value if used during sales, deals, or the right airports.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Review: ToP Thoughts
Delta remains a favorite of many due to their outstanding service. With American Express having increased the annual fee for its personal Platinum and Business Platinum cards in 2022, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card offers some good value for Delta frequent flyers despite its annual fee of $550.
Do you plan to open a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card? Come over to our Facebook group and share your thoughts about this card.
