If you’re a business traveler who frequents Delta Sky Clubs and constantly tracks your progress toward next-tier Medallion status, you may already know the value of a Delta Amex business card.
Following changes to the Delta SkyMiles program over the past few months, though, the airline’s lineup of business cards with American Express is getting an overhaul, too. Added benefits, updated annual fees, and new rewards categories may change how new applicants and existing cardholders alike use these cards to maximize business travel.
Here are all the changes you can expect from the Delta SkyMiles business credit cards, and how to choose the best Delta card for your small business.
Delta SkyMiles business credit card changes
Delta’s small business card update will affect three co-branded credit cards with Amex:
While the card changes vary, there are a few details that apply across the board. For one, annual fees are increasing. While it’s definitely possible to make up the difference with added benefits, it does require more of a yearly commitment.
Welcome bonuses can be extremely valuable for new cardholders. With the potential to earn between 55,000 and 75,000 bonus miles, these offers can potentially give you hundreds of dollars back in flight value with Delta.
We’ll go through the individual card updates you need to know below, alongside more details about each Delta Amex business card.
Alongside the annual fee and welcome offer update, there are a couple of new perks with the SkyMiles Gold Business Card.
$200 flight credit after spending $10,000 on purchases each year.
Up to $150 back in statement credits on eligible prepaid bookings through Delta Stays.
Here are the other important details about the SkyMiles Gold Business Card:
Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees)
Welcome offer: Earn 55,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months
Rewards:
2x miles on Delta purchases
2x miles at restaurants
2x miles with U.S. shipping providers and U.S. advertising providers in select media (up to $50,000 in purchases each, per year)
1x miles on everything else
The Platinum SkyMiles business card is undergoing a huge change. For the extra $100 you’ll pay annually (see rates and fees), you’ll get a few additional rewards categories, 65,000 welcome bonus miles, and the following benefits:
Companion Certificate (annual benefit after renewal) may now apply to a Main Cabin round-trip ticket to the Caribbean or Central America, in addition to domestic flights (not including taxes and fees).
Get $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year (along with $1 of MQD per $20 spent with your card).
Up to $150 back in statement credits on eligible prepaid bookings through Delta Stays.
$120 back in annual Resy statement credits (up to $10 per month, with enrollment).
Up to $120 annual rideshare credits ($10 back per month, with select providers).
Get added to the complimentary upgrade list for eligible flights, even if you’re not a Medallion member.
Get Hertz Five Star status (with enrollment).
Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
Here are more details about the Delta Platinum business card, along with a rundown of existing and new rewards categories:
Annual fee: $350 (see rates and fees)
Welcome offer: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
Rewards:
3x miles on Delta purchases
3x miles on purchases directly with hotels
1.5x miles on eligible transit
1.5x miles on U.S. shipping purchases
1.5x miles on single purchases of $5,000 or more, up to $100,000
1x miles on everything else
Like the Platinum SkyMiles business card, the SkyMiles Reserve Business Card has a vast number of new benefits to help cardholders make up the steep new $650 annual fee (see rates and fees). Here are the updates you’ll get in addition to the incredible welcome bonus:
Annual Companion Certificate (applies after renewal) may now be used for a round-trip First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin ticket to the Caribbean or Central America, as well as domestic destinations (not including taxes and fees).
Get $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year (along with $1 of MQD per $10 spent with your card).
Up to $250 back in statement credits on eligible prepaid bookings through Delta Stays.
Up to $240 back in annual Resy statement credits ($20 per month, with enrollment).
Up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
Save 15% when booking award travel on Delta flights.
Get added to the complimentary upgrade list for eligible flights, even if you’re not a Medallion member.
Get Hertz President’s Circle status (with enrollment).
Benefits aren’t the only way to get value from this card, though. Here are some more details and overview of the SkyMile Reserve Business Card’s rewards categories:
Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees)
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 in the first 6 months
Rewards:
3x miles on Delta purchases
1.5x miles on eligible transit
1.5x miles on U.S. shipping
1.5x miles at U.S. office supply stores
1.5x miles on all eligible purchases after spending $150,000 in a year
1x miles on all other purchases
Who are Delta SkyMiles business cards good for?
We like the Delta SkyMiles business cards from American Express for the potential value they offer travelers — especially with the latest overhaul of benefits. But they’re not for everyone.
Say you’re a small business owner who travels a lot and you prefer flying Delta; maybe you live near a hub like Atlanta, or you fly routes most frequented by the airline. These co-branded cards can help you save on your most frequent expenses with miles you can put toward future spending. They come with a variety of rewards categories, benefits to help you travel more efficiently, and perks designed to reward loyalty.
However, not every type of business owner will get the same benefit. If you don’t travel often, for instance, SkyMiles may not be the most valuable rewards currency for your business. Consider a more general points-earning business rewards card or even cash back that can go directly toward helping you save on business expenses.
Even if you do travel often, make sure you’re able to primarily fly Delta before you sign up for a SkyMiles card. If you’re unable to choose your preferred airline or your most common routes are better served by other carriers, you’ll probably maximize your spending more easily with another business credit card.
Whether choosing a card for personal use or business use, always compare your most frequent spending with the card’s rewards and benefits. Make sure the potential value not only outweighs the annual fee, but offers savings on your regular purchases over the long run.
This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn’t include all currently available offers.
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