Should you apply for the Delta Reserve credit card? If you’re a Delta Airlines frequent flyer here are some important things you need to know.

Delta Reserve Credit Card Review: 10 Things To Consider

You probably already know the Delta Reserve is the most prestigious and elite airline credit card on the market, but did you also know it has the potential to be the most rewarding? Without a doubt this card has the most lucrative airline rewards program for Delta, if you fully utilize the benefits (which can save even the occasional flyer a significant amount of money).

Delta Reserve card
#1. Up to 30,000 bonus Sky Miles every year
The Delta Reserve offers an unbeatable Sky Miles bonus each and every year on your spending:
  • For spending of $30k or more in a calendar year, you will be awarded 15,000 bonus miles.
  • For spending of $60k or more in a calendar year, you will be awarded 30,000 bonus miles
Remember in addition, you’re also earning at least 1 Sky Mile for every dollar spent and 2 per dollar on Delta purchases. When you add them all up, you’re really raking up those miles fast.

#2. Up to 40,000 bonus Delta Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM)
If you're not already familiar, the Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM) are a point system to determine your SkyMiles Medallion status. Accumulating more MQMs leads to a higher Medallion status. The American Express Delta Reserve card is the ultimate way to fast track your level:
  • In any calendar year your eligible spending on your card is $30k or more, you will be awarded 15,000 bonus Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs).
  • If you have spending of $60k or more in a calendar year, you will be awarded 30,000 bonus MQMs.
  • Plus, you might be able to get a bonus of 10,000 MQMs on your first purchase using this link. AmEx will check if you are pre-selected for a bonus. Don't worry, they only do a soft pull to show your customized promotions.
A unique benefit on the Reserve card tier is that while you can use these MQMs to upgrade your own Medallion status, you can also gift them to your family and friends to help them reach their Medallion upgrade faster.

#3. Free coach or first-class companion airfare every year
Every year you receive one domestic companion certificate that can be redeemed for a coach or first-class ticket. Just this one benefit alone easily justifies the annual fee.

#4. Free first checked bag
As you've probably heard, one of the Delta Reserve card benefits is that your first checked bag will always be free - that saves you $50 per round-trip flight. Not only do you get this perk, but also up to 8 more people on your same reservation.

#5. Complimentary Delta Skyclub Lounge access
fees for Delta Sky Club
You get complimentary access for yourself and up to two guests with the Reserve. Without the card, it normally costs you a boatload. The Delta Skyclub is a great place to unwind and de-stress during your travels. Amenities include complimentary beverages and snacks, Wi-Fi, clean private restrooms (some with showers), satellite TVs, and sometimes even putting greens!

#6. Complimentary concierge service
American Express gives Delta Reserve cardmembers complimentary concierge service. Whether it’s hunting down hard-to-get dinner reservations, help with gift giving, travel arrangements, entertainment planning, or something else… this credit card comes with the premium American Express concierge service to help you out.

#7. No award redemption fees
Normally redemption fees run as high as $150 per award ticket. Plus when your flight (or just a leg of your flight) is on a partner airline, normally you're charged a $25 fee per ticket. However these fees are waived for card holders.

#8. Cancel your AAA Membership... Wait. What?!
It's surprising how many current cardholders aren't even aware of this benefit. Through American Express you get roadside assistance up to 4x per year, $50 each service call (so that means up to a $200 value). Coverage is nationwide, Hawaii and Alaska excluded.

#9. Discount of 20% on many in-flight purchases
You automatically score a 20% discount on food, alcoholic beverages, and movies/TV that are purchased in-flight.

#10. Now for the catch...
Being the highest tier card, as you can guess it doesn't come cheap... 450 smackeroos per year. This is obviously a drawback if you aren't actually using the benefits.

However if you use the (1) annual free companion ticket, (2) Skyclub access, and (3) earn the yearly 30k bonus miles... it's clearly the card to go with. But if you don't, then review the Delta Skymiles credit card offers side-by-side, because the lower tier options might make more sense.

So what's the absolute best offer you can get?
Well that will depend on your credit and whether you've had this card in the past (because you normally can't get a promotion twice for the same card).

As an advertiser of American Express, we are proud to feature this special Delta Reserve credit card promotion for those who qualify. Find out which offer(s) you are eligible for!