Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card Review

Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card Full Review

Card Type

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is a co-branded airline credit card that earns miles toward Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty program.

Annual Fee

This card charges no annual fee, which is relatively rare among airline credit cards.

Welcome Offer

After approval, you can earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending at least $500 on new purchases within three months of account opening.

Introductory Offer

This card does not offer an introductory APR for purchases or balance transfers.

Rewards

You’ll earn 2X miles on all Delta purchases and on purchases made at restaurants worldwide with the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card. All other purchases get 1X miles per dollar.

Fees

This airline card comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Fees that can apply include a 3% balance transfer fee (minimum $5) and a 5% cash advance fee (minimum $10). However, since there’s no intro offer for balance transfers, it’s not a good choice for debt payoff.

Other fees to watch out for include a late fee and returned payment fee, which can both be up to $40. You may also incur a penalty APR up to 29.99% for late or returned payments. This card does not charge an over-the-limit fee.

Other Benefits

While the Delta Skymiles Blue American Express Card doesn’t come with the same frequent flyer perks as other Delta co-branded credit cards, you will get 20% off in-flight purchases made with your card. 

This card is also eligible for Amex Offers (targeted savings and rewards at certain retailers), and it comes with a free ShopRunner membership, secondary auto rental coverage, extended warranties and purchase protection against damage or theft.

Benefits of Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card

Consider this card if you want to earn Delta SkyMiles without having to pay an annual fee. 

This is the only Delta co-branded card that doesn’t charge a fee, and the card at the next price level, (the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card) charges an annual fee of $99, which is waived the first year. While you won’t get a ton of added perks, you can use this card to double your miles on spending with Delta and at restaurants while traveling and at home.

Drawbacks of Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card

While the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card does let you earn miles with no annual fee required, it may not be the best travel card pick for you. Compared to other co-branded options, it lacks any meaningful frequent flyer benefits, which can be some of the most valuable perks of an airline credit card in the first place.

For example, other Delta credit cards come with perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding and a “Status Boost” feature that lets you earn miles toward Delta Medallion status through credit card spending.

Some of these features can also save you a lot more than the cost of an annual fee, even if you only fly a few times each year. For example, the free checked bag benefit on the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is good for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same itinerary. Considering checked bags on Delta normally cost $30 each way, the average family of four could save $240 round-trip with this perk. 

How to Use Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card

To maximize your Delta Skymiles Blue American Express Card, simply use your card for all your everyday purchases and you’ll earn miles over time. If you use your card for Delta airfare and restaurant purchases, you’ll earn double miles on those purchases. And when you fly with Delta, use your card onboard for 20% off food, beverages, headphones, and other in-flight purchases.

In the meantime, make sure you pay your bill in full each month so you can avoid interest charges. If you don’t, the high variable APR you’ll pay will outweigh any benefit of the miles you earn.

When you’re ready to redeem your miles, you can choose to book with Delta or the airline’s SkyTeam partners to more than 1,000 destinations worldwide. This card also comes with a “Pay with Miles” feature that lets you redeem miles for flight discounts at a rate of one cent per mile. Just note that you can only use Pay with Miles to reduce your flight cost in increments of 5,000 miles or $50.

Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card Compared to Other Cards

Is the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card Right for You?

If you want to earn Delta SkyMiles with no annual fee, the Delta Skymiles Blue American Express Card can help you earn bonus miles on your spending. If you want frequent flyer perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, however, you’ll want to look at other co-branded Delta cards. Even if you only fly a couple times per year, you can easily earn the fee back if you’re able to take advantage of the added benefits.

Also consider whether a co-branded airline card is right for your spending. You may get more value from a general travel rewards card if you travel often but aren’t loyal to a single airline, for example. Or if you travel infrequently, you may find a cash back card with rewards on everyday spending like groceries or gas offers more lucrative rewards value. Compare your budget and most frequent purchases to the best credit cards on the market today to find the best option for your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)