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The Delta SkyMiles Reserve® Business American Express Card is a pretty straightforward travel credit card that allows business owners and frequent Delta flyers to get big welcome offers, access to VIP lounges, and more. It’s also one of the few Amex cards that can give you a boost to reach Delta Medallion Status.
Credit Card Basics
Cardholders can earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on non-Delta purchases. However, your earnings for non-Delta purchases will increase to 1.5 miles per dollar for the rest of the year, once you spend a minimum of $150,000.
Fees And Bonuses
Take note that this is a premium card with premium benefits, hence, the $550 annual fee. The price may sound like a lot, but the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card has a pretty good welcome offer. New cardholders will earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 within the first 3 months of card membership. Offer ends on 11/9/22.
In addition to the welcome MQM bonus, you can get an additional 15,000 MQMs after spending $30,000 on your Card per calendar year. You can do this 4x per year so it’s easier to reach Medallion Status.
MQMs or Medallion Qualifying Miles determine a cardholder’s Medallion status. If you have Medallion Status, you’ll get additional perks and benefits that are not available to regular Delta SkyMiles members.
Why You Should Get The Delta Reserve Business Card
Reach Medallion Status Fast
The welcome offer alone gives Delta SkyMiles members 15,000 MQMs, which is just 10,000 MQMs short of reaching Delta Medallion Silver status.
Get Access To Delta SkyClub Lounges
Get complimentary access to The Centurion (R) Lounge or Escape Lounge (The Centurion(R) Studio Partner) when you purchase a Delta flight with your Card. Enjoy complimentary Delta Wi-Fi, fresh food, and other amenities in over 200 Delta SkyClub locations.
Zero Transaction Fees For Purchases Abroad
Enjoy zero foreign transaction fees when you spend on your travels while earning miles and rewards at the same time.
First Checked Bag Is Free
Delta baggage fees typically cost $30 per trip but the primary cardholder and up to eight companions who are traveling under the same reservation on a Delta-operated or -marketed flight will have your first checked bag for FREE.
Priority Boarding
You and up to eight additional travelers on the same reservation will get Main Cabin 1 priority boarding. The perks of having priority boarding is you can put your carry-on luggage in the overhead storage earlier than the other boarding groups.
Exclusive Benefits For Business Owners
Your Amex card allows you to register for an online management account, where you can organize business purchases and track your spending. You can also get free (and zero-fee) supplementary cards for your employees and set spending limits for each one.
Complimentary Annual Companion Certificates
Companion certificates are awarded every year to cardholders that renew their cards. The certificate allows you to bring another person with you for free on eligible round-trip domestic flights.
TSA PreCheck & Global Entry Credits
Get Up to a $100 statement credit available to cover a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application.
Other Notable Features
The other perks that come along with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card include 20% discounts on in-flight purchases (like Delta Wifi), free checked bags, ticket presales, VIP events, travel package discounts, ShopRunner service, and car purchase discounts.
Drawbacks Of The Card
- Costly Annual fee – If you’re not a frequent Delta flyer, it doesn’t make sense paying for a $550 annual fee. You won’t be able to maximize all of the benefits because you can only earn a big chunk of miles and MQMs through Delta purchases.
- Balance Transfers Are Not Allowed: A lot of credit card holders do balance transfers from one credit card to another to save money on interest. It’s quite unfortunate that this card does not have that option.
- High APR Penalties: APR penalties are variable and late fees can reach up to $39
Our Recommendation
We’ve mentioned at the beginning of this article that the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card is perfect for big spenders on Delta flights and business purchases. It just makes total sense because you’d reach Medallion status at a much faster pace, and automatically get a Delta SkyClub membership.
It’s even a plus for you if you’re a business owner because your frequent spending activity can help you earn more miles and MQMs. You’ll also receive more perks and benefits once you reach Medallion status.
If you’re not a business owner or a frequent traveler, you can opt for the Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card instead or other rewards credit cards that don’t have big annual fees. It’s perfect for big spenders on groceries, gas, and streaming services because it has cashback rates that reach up to 6%. If you’re still having a hard time picking a credit card, you can sign up for our travel concierge and get unlimited award booking and credit card assistance for one year.
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