Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories.
Olivia Mittak is a credit cards editor at TPG. She specializes in maximizing earn for points and miles, finding the best welcome bonuses and choosing the right credit cards for your wallet.
also contributed to this story
November 5, 2026 • 18 min read
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
A range of airline cobranded cards is available for both personal and business users, catering to infrequent travelers and loyal flyers alike.
Current welcome offers vary by product, with some matching or nearly matching historical highs, and bonus values are based on TPG’s November 2026 valuations.
Key perks include lounge access, annual companion certificates, priority boarding, free checked bags and discounts on award redemptions for eligible cardholders.
Eligibility for welcome offers is subject to specific lifetime rules and may depend on whether you have or had higher-tier versions.
What to consider
Eligibility for a welcome offer is typically once per card per lifetime, and holding or having held a higher-tier personal card may exclude you from offers on lower-tier versions.
Business cards are not subject to the same 'family rule' as personal cards, but all offers require meeting minimum spending thresholds within six months.
Bonus values are based on TPG’s November 2026 valuations and may change over time.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of each product’s benefits, welcome offers and which option best fits different travel habits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Delta Air Lines and American Express offer seven cobranded cards for everyone from occasional Delta flyers to frequent travelers.
Depending on the card and the offer you qualify for, you could earn up to 125,000 bonus SkyMiles.
Here’s how the current offers compare and what to consider before applying.
Comparing Delta credit card welcome offers
Here’s how the welcome offers compare:
Card
Welcome offer
Annual fee
Bonus value*
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 90,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 80,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees)
Up to $960
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 85,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees)
Up to $1,020
*Bonus value is based on TPG’s November 2026 valuations and is not provided or reviewed by the issuer.
Who is eligible for Delta American Express cards?
American Express has a few eligibility rules to keep in mind before applying for one of these cards. For starters, Amex typically only allows a person to earn one welcome bonus per card in their lifetime. That means you'll want to prioritize applying when a card offers an elevated, limited-time offer, such as the ones all but one of these cards have right now.
You also may not be eligible for a welcome bonus on a personal Delta Amex card if you have or previously had a higher-tier Delta Amex card. For example, if you have or previously had the Delta Reserve Amex, you may not be eligible for the welcome offers on the Delta Blue, Delta Gold or Delta Platinum.
Delta's business Amex cards are not subject to this same "family rule."
Amex may consider other factors when determining your eligibility, including your income, credit score and history with the issuer. Fortunately, you'll generally find out whether you're eligible for a welcome offer before accepting the card.
Delta personal cards
Delta offers four personal cards. The card that is right for you depends on how frequently you fly with Delta and how much you’re willing to pay for an annual fee.
Let’s take a look at what differentiates each of the Delta SkyMiles personal cards.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Best for: Delta loyalists or those who want Sky Club access (subject to limitations)
The is ideal for hardcore Delta fans and frequent flyers.
Current welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 125,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
This bonus is worth up to $1,500 per our valuations.
If you qualify for the full 125,000 miles, this is an excellent time to apply. It matches the highest mileage bonus we’ve seen on the card and requires $1,000 less spending than the previous 125,000-mile offer with the lowest spending requirement.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $650
Key benefits: Delta’s premium consumer credit card offers a range of valuable perks. For loyal Delta flyers who enjoy visiting the Sky Club, this card can pay for itself through lounge access, spending boosts and other benefits.
With this card, you’ll earn 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases made directly with the airline. Plus, you'll enjoy a slew of Delta-related perks, including:
Annual companion certificate upon card renewal for round-trip travel in first class, Comfort or Main Cabin within the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii) as well as other select destinations. (Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.)
Delta Sky Club access, plus four one-time guest passes each year (you’ll receive 15 visits per year; earn an unlimited number of visits when you spend $75,000 or more between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of each calendar year)
Earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar per $10 spent on your card, plus 2,500 MQDs at the start of each Medallion qualification year
Two free checked bags, first checked bag free worldwide, second on U.S. domestic Delta flights
15% off award redemptions for Delta flights for eligible cardmembers (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
If you fly frequently with Delta but can’t justify the pricier Delta SkyMiles Reserve, the is worth considering.
Current welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 90,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Per TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,080.
If you qualify for the full 90,000 miles, this is a strong offer for $3,000 in spending. We’ve seen offers with more miles or a statement credit, though they required more spending.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $350
Key benefits: This card is a good option if you fly Delta regularly and want to earn miles on purchases and reach elite status. However, even if you aren’t pursuing status, the companion certificate alone can make the annual fee for this card worth it.
With this card, you’ll earn 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases made directly with the airline.
It also includes the following perks:
Annual companion certificate upon card renewal for Main Cabin round-trip flights within the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii), as well as destinations in Mexico, and select destinations. (Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.)
Earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent on your card, plus a 2,500 MQD Headstart at the beginning of each Medallion qualification year
Priority boarding
Two free checked bags, first checked bag free worldwide, second on U.S. domestic Delta flights
15% off award redemptions for Delta flights for eligible cardmembers (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
Best for: Occasional Delta flyers or those test-driving a Delta card
If you want to take advantage of a welcome bonus but don’t fly Delta frequently, the is a strong option.
Current welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 80,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
TPG's valuations place this bonus at up to $960.
If you qualify for the full 80,000 miles, now is a good time to apply. However, we have seen up to 90,000 miles — as well as up to 80,000 miles plus a statement credit — offered before.
THE POINTS GUY
Annualfee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
Key benefits: This card is ideal for occasional Delta flyers seeking a few extra perks when flying with the airline.
With this card, you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases made directly with the airline.
Other perks include:
Two free checked bags, first checked bag free worldwide, second on U.S. domestic Delta flights
Priority boarding
$200 Delta flight credit annually after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
20% inflight discount on purchases of food and beverages (in the form of a statement credit)
15% off award redemptions for Delta flights for eligible cardmembers (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
If you want an entry-level card to start earning SkyMiles and fly less frequently with Delta, then is the card for you.
Current welcome offer: Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
According to TPG’s valuations, these miles are worth $120. The SkyMiles Blue typically doesn't receive an elevated offer, so we recommend applying whenever you're ready.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $0
Key benefits: As a no-annual-fee card, it offers fewer benefits than the others. Still, there are some simple perks for cardmembers.
With this card, you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases made directly with the airline.
Other benefits include:
Pay with Miles (take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem when booking on delta.com)
20% inflight discount on purchases of food and beverages (in the form of a statement credit)
If you own a small business or have a side hustle through which you pay business expenses, one of these offers may be a great addition to your work wallet.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
Best for: Business owners who fly Delta frequently and want lounge access
As the most expensive business card Delta offers, the comes packed with great perks for Delta loyalists.
Current welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Per TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,500.
If you qualify for the full 125,000 miles, this clears our usual threshold. The highest offer we’ve seen was 200,000 miles after $20,000 in spending, compared with $15,000 for this offer.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $650
Key benefits: This card offers a range of useful perks for Delta-loyal small-business owners.
With this card, you’ll earn 3 miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta.
Its suite of Delta-related benefits includes:
Access to complimentary upgrades (when available) for non-Medallion members and priority boarding
Annual companion certificate upon card renewal for round-trip travel in first class, Comfort or Main Cabin within the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii) as well as other select routes, including some destinations in Mexico. (Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.)
Complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying on a same-day Delta flight with a ticket purchased using the card (up to two guests may also enter for a fee of $50 each)
Delta Sky Club access (you’ll receive 15 visits per year; earn an unlimited number of visits when you spend $75,000 or more between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of each calendar year)
Earn 1 MQD per $10 spent on your card, plus 2,500 MQDs at the start of each Medallion qualification year
Two free checked bags, first checked bag free worldwide, second on U.S. domestic Delta flights
15% off award redemptions for Delta flights for eligible cardmembers (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
Best for: Business owners who fly frequently with Delta
Business owners who are looking for a good mid-tier airline business card should consider the for its earnings potential and benefits.
Current welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
According to TPG's valuations, this offer is worth up to $1,200.
The full 100,000-mile bonus matches the highest mileage offer we’ve seen, though previous offers awarded the same bonus after $8,000 in purchases. If you already have $10,000 in eligible business spending planned and want the card now, this is a good offer. If you’re flexible on timing, we’d consider waiting for the same bonus with a lower spending requirement.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $350
Key benefits: This is a solid mid-tier option for business owners who travel with Delta semi-frequently.
With this card, you’ll earn 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases made directly with the airline.
Other Delta-related perks include:
Annual companion certificate each year upon card renewal for Main Cabin round-trip flights within the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii), as well as other select routes, including some destinations in Mexico. (Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.)
Complimentary upgrades (when available) for non-Medallion members and priority boarding
Earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent on your card, plus a 2,500 MQD Headstart at the beginning of each Medallion qualification year
Two free checked bags, first checked bag free worldwide, second on U.S. domestic Delta flights
15% off award redemptions for Delta flights for eligible cardmembers (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
Best for: Business owners who fly occasionally with Delta
The is ideal for smaller businesses or business owners who aren’t Delta loyalists.
Current welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 85,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
The bonus is worth up to $1,020 when factoring in TPG's valuations.
If you qualify for all 85,000 miles, this is a good time to apply. It’s just 5,000 miles shy of the highest offer we’ve seen, which also required $6,000 in purchases. If the card already fits your business, we’d take the full offer.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
Keybenefits: Even if they don't fly Delta often, small-business owners can still benefit from this card's perks.
With this card, you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases made directly with the airline.
Other perks include:
Two free checked bags, first checked bag free worldwide, second on U.S. domestic Delta flights
Priority boarding
Up to $200 annual Delta flight credit (after spending $10,000 in a calendar year)
20% inflight discount (in the form of a statement credit)
15% off award redemptions for Delta flights for eligible cardmembers (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
With a full lineup of Delta cards, you may wonder how to pick the best offer for your needs. While it might be tempting to go with the highest offer, you should also consider its long-term value to your wallet.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
The good news is that many of these offers can be a great fit, depending on your travel habits. As a round-up:
Reserve: Loyal Delta flyers who want lounge access
Delta and American Express offer a wide range of cobranded cards, whether you fly with the airline occasionally or are a frequent Delta loyalist.
Just remember that American Express has a once-per-card, per-lifetime rule for welcome offers. If you've had a particular Delta Amex before, or, in some cases, a higher-tier personal Delta card, you may not be eligible for that card's welcome offer.
Welcome offers vary, so check the bonus you’re offered and make sure you can meet the spending requirement with purchases you already plan to make.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Blue Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Business Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Business Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Business Amex, click here.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
