My foray into the world of credit cards, points and miles began when I joined TPG four years ago. I had a couple of cards before working here, but I didn’t put much thought into which card to use or when or how to maximize the benefits.
Now that I’m surrounded by credit card experts every day, my strategy has changed dramatically. I added four new cards to my wallet and made a spreadsheet to track my rewards earnings and credit card benefits.
Of those new cards, my Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has provided some of the most useful benefits. And if you apply now, you’re eligible for the highest offer ever for this card.
Here are five reasons why I love this card and how I can get the most out of it.
Benefits of flying Delta
I hadn’t actually set foot in a airport lounge until I started working at TPG, but this card comes with free access to Delta Sky Club Lounges and American Express Centurion Lounges*when traveling on a same-day flight operated or marketed by Delta. Now I can visit a lounge almost every time I fly.
*You must purchase your flight with your Reserve card to access the Centurion Lounge.
Having a quiet space to work or rest during a layover is a game-changer. Or, if I’m a responsible adult and get to the airport early, I can grab a bite to eat or a drink before my flight without paying high airport prices.
With my Delta SkyMiles reservation, I also get four unique Sky Club guest passes each year when I renew my account, allowing me to bring family or friends to the lounge when we travel together.
Delta Reserve cardholders receive 15 Delta Sky Club visits per year (or unlimited visits after spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year) and it’s easy for me track my visits in the Delta app. Centurion Lounge visits are unlimited (you must purchase your Delta flight with your Reserve card), so even if I used up my Sky Club’s 15 visits, I could still head there.
Reward your inbox with TPG’s daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers to receive breaking news, in-depth guides, and exclusive offers from TPG experts.
In addition to lounge access, I get my first checked bag free (this extends to up to eight passengers traveling with me, so it’s a big plus when traveling with my husband and three children), priority boarding and discounts on onboard purchases and prize exchanges. Delta SkyMiles booking also provides a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ($120 every four years with Global Entry or up to $85 every 4½ years with TSA PreCheck), so I can get through the airport quickly every time I fly.
welcome offer
Right now, the Delta Amex Reserve offers new cardholders the chance to earn up to 125,000 bonus miles by meeting two different spending thresholds:
- Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 on purchases during the first six months of card membership
- Plus, earn 25,000 bonus miles after you spend an additional $3,000 on purchases (for a total of $9,000) in the first six months of card membership.
This offer ends April 1.
This matches the highest bonus miles we’ve seen in the card history.
According to TPG March 2026 ratingsDelta SkyMiles are worth 1.25 cents each, making this bonus worth up to $1,563. The card comes with an annual fee of $650 (see rates and fees).
After earning the bonus, I redeemed some miles to book positioning flights for my first big prize redemption trip to Belgium and Germany with my husband.
A few months later, I also used some of the points to take my family on a work trip to Disneyland. The cost of flights when the five of us travel together can add up quickly. The welcome bonus I got with Delta SkyMiles Reserve was a huge help in keeping our flight costs down so we could splurge a little during our travels.
Helpful Statement Credits
In recent years, Delta added monthly and annual statement credits on its co-branded cards, including Delta Reserve Amex. I admit I’m not the biggest fan of tracking statement creditsbut I want to maximize the value of my card, so I do my best to plug them all into a spreadsheet and keep it up to date.
The easiest to use is up to $10 in monthly rideshare statement credits (up to $120 annually). Not a month goes by that I don’t use Lyft or Uber at least once (credit valid on select transportation services in the US; registration required).
My card also comes with up to $200 in Delta Stays credits each year. My husband travels almost every week for work, so we have several opportunities to use this credit on one of his eligible hotel stays. All you have to do is book through the Delta Stays website and pay with Delta Reserve to get this benefit.
This card also allows me to earn up to $20 in monthly statement credits to use at Resy restaurants in the US (up to $240 annually; enrollment required). There aren’t many eligible restaurants in my area, so I don’t always remember to use this one. However, I have gotten creative by purchasing gift cards to eligible restaurants and finding eligible dining spots when I travel. Most months, I find a way to use it, even if it requires a little virtual work on my part.
Related: How do I get this monthly credit on my Delta Amex without even trying?
Flexible prize redemptions
When I have searched Delta Sky Miles trades, I have been impressed with my options. You can redeem SkyMiles for Delta flights (like I have) and for flights on partner airlines like Air France, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet. This opens up a lot of flight options.
I also like how Delta displays their award prices. In the example below, I entered flexible dates in July for a round-trip flight between my home airport and Orlando International Airport (MCO).
In addition to seeing prices for my dates, Delta shows prices for alternative date combinations. You can get even better trade-in value if your dates are flexible. Some airlines make it difficult to find the best award availability, so I appreciate Delta’s easy-to-use calendar.
My card also gives me a 15% off Delta-operated award flightsallowing me to stretch my miles even further.
Annual companion certificate
with me Book Delta SkyMilesI get a annual companion certificate added to my account every year after my anniversary date. The companion certificate is valid for one round-trip ticket within the US (all 50 states) and to destinations in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico.
When you purchase a round-trip ticket in first class, Delta Comfort, or Main Cabin, you can use the certificate to have a companion fly with you for free. You will only have to pay the taxes and fees for the second ticket.
I used my first companion certificate to take my oldest son and I to New York before flying to Paris. Last year, I used it to take my husband to Disney World with me for a runDisney race. This year is still up in the air (so to speak).
In a nutshell
Requesting the Book Delta SkyMiles It was a no-brainer for someone still relatively new to points and miles. While not the most lucrative source of points, the earning structure is simple. But that’s not the real reason I love this card.
As someone who flies Delta frequently, perks like lounge access, a free checked bag, and an annual companion certificate are unmatched.
For more information, read our complete review of the Delta Reserve.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
For Delta SkyMiles booking rates and fees, click here.
