Best Credit Card For Skymiles

Choosing the right credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience, especially if you're a frequent Delta Air Lines flyer. SkyMiles credit cards offer a valuable way to earn miles on everyday spending, redeem them for flights and other rewards, and enjoy perks like priority boarding and free checked bags. This article will guide you through the best SkyMiles credit card options available in 2024, helping you make an informed decision based on your spending habits and travel goals.

Detailed Explanations

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This is the premium card in the Delta SkyMiles lineup. It's designed for frequent Delta travelers who want the most comprehensive benefits. The high annual fee is justified by the significant perks it offers. You'll earn a generous amount of SkyMiles on Delta purchases and enjoy access to Delta Sky Clubs (and Amex Centurion Lounges when flying Delta). A standout feature is the annual companion certificate, allowing you to bring a travel companion on a round-trip domestic flight in Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+®, or First Class (pay only government taxes and fees). The card also provides a Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) boost, helping you achieve or maintain Delta Medallion status.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: A step down from the Reserve card, the Platinum card still offers substantial benefits for Delta loyalists. While the SkyMiles earning rates are slightly lower than the Reserve card, you still earn a significant number of miles on Delta purchases. It also includes an annual companion certificate (for Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+®, or First Class domestic flights). The MQD boost also applies to this card. Cardholders also receive free checked bags and priority boarding on Delta flights.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: This card strikes a balance between benefits and affordability. It's a great option for those who fly Delta occasionally and want to earn SkyMiles on everyday spending. The card offers a solid earning rate on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide. Benefit from the free checked bag and priority boarding. The lower annual fee (waived for the first year) makes it an attractive entry point into the SkyMiles program.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: The Blue card is the most basic option, ideal for those who want to earn SkyMiles without paying an annual fee. It offers a straightforward earning structure on all purchases. While it lacks the premium perks of the other cards, it provides a simple way to accumulate SkyMiles for future travel. This card is a good starting point for building credit and familiarizing yourself with the SkyMiles program.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Mirrors the benefits of the personal Reserve card, but tailored for business owners. It offers the same high SkyMiles earning potential on Delta purchases, Delta Sky Club access, companion certificate, and MQD boost. The card helps business owners maximize their travel rewards and streamline their expenses.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Similar to the personal Platinum card, but designed for business use. It provides elevated SkyMiles earning on Delta purchases, companion certificate, MQD boost, free checked bag, and priority boarding. This card is a good choice for businesses that want to reward employees for travel and earn valuable SkyMiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a SkyMile? A SkyMile is the loyalty currency of Delta Air Lines. You can redeem SkyMiles for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related rewards.

How do I earn SkyMiles? You can earn SkyMiles by flying with Delta or its partner airlines, using a Delta SkyMiles credit card, and through various partnerships (e.g., hotels, car rentals).

What is an MQD? MQDs (Medallion Qualification Dollars) are used to determine your Delta Medallion status. Higher status levels offer more benefits, such as upgrades and bonus miles.

Which SkyMiles card is best for free checked bags? The Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards (both personal and business versions) offer a free checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation.

What is a companion certificate? A companion certificate allows you to book a round-trip flight for a companion in Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+®, or First Class (domestic flights only for Platinum cards) and only pay government taxes and fees.

How can I use SkyMiles? You can use SkyMiles to book flights on Delta and its partner airlines, upgrade your existing flights, pay for Delta Vacations packages, and redeem for merchandise or gift cards.

Do SkyMiles expire? No, SkyMiles do not expire, so you can accumulate them over time without worrying about losing them.

What is Delta Sky Club access? Delta Sky Club access allows you to relax and enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi in Delta's airport lounges. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve cards offer complimentary access when flying Delta, while other cards may offer discounted access.

How does the MQD boost work? The MQD boost helps you reach Delta Medallion status faster by giving you a head start on earning MQDs each year. The amount of the boost varies depending on the card.

What is the best SkyMiles card for a frequent traveler? The Delta SkyMiles Reserve cards are generally the best choice for frequent travelers due to their higher earning rates, Delta Sky Club access, and other premium benefits.

Conclusion

Choosing the best SkyMiles credit card depends on your individual spending habits, travel frequency, and desired benefits. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve cards offer the most comprehensive perks for frequent Delta flyers, while the Delta SkyMiles Gold card provides a solid balance of benefits and affordability.