Delta Airlines SkyMiles Reserve Credit Card Changes

Matthew Justice
blue background with delta logo and Delta SkyMiles writing.

American Express has announced a price increase to the Delta Airlines SkyMiles Reserve credit card. Upon renewal, starting on May 1, 2024, the annual fee will increase from $550 to $650 per year. A handful of new benefits will be added along with the increased price.

email from American Express talking about the changes
Email from American Express

Changes

For Delta Airlines SkyMiles Reserve cardholders with accounts opened before February 1, 2024, these members will receive two premium perks!

  1. a one-time $100 flight credit will be deposited into your SkyMiles account on April 4, 2024.
  2. a one-time $1,000 MQD deposited into your account 6 to 8 weeks after January 31, 2024.

The following new benefits have been added for new and existing card members.

  1. Quicker path to Medallion status each year by receiving an annual $2,500 MQD as well as $1 MQD for every $10 in purchases.
  2. Receive a monthly $10 rideshare credit for a total of $120 per year (enrollment is required).
  3. Receive a monthly $20 Resy dining credit for a total of $240 per year (enrollment is required).
  4. Receive an annual $200 Delta Stays (hotel) credit each year.
  5. Hertz President's Circle rental car status (guaranteed upgrades and higher reward earnings per dollar)
  6. Companion Ticket Upgrade to use with the included annual companion ticket for use in First Class, Comfort+, and Main Cabin has now been extended for travel to Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Note: you must  pay taxes and fees on the companion ticket.

Lounge Changes

No new lounge changes, but as previously announced, starting February 1, 2025, Delta Reserve Card Members will only receive 15 (Sky Club) visits per year to the Delta Sky Club vs unlimited current visits. To earn unlimited visits, customers must spend $75,000 or more between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and each calendar year after that. You will also receive four one-time lounge passes for use in the Sky Club.

Amex Gold and Platinum Card Changes

The Gold and Platinum cards do not have lounge access, so I will not cover the detailed changes to those cards. But their annual fees are also increasing along with some new benefits.

  • Delta American Express Gold (Personal and Business) annual fee will increase from $99 to $150.
  • Delta American Express Platinum (Personal and Business) annual fee will increase from $250 to $350.

These cards will also come with statement credits for Resy and rideshare (Uber, Lyft, Alto, Curb, and Revel); enrollment is required.

Closing Thoughts

Since I am an existing card member, these are great upgrades to my card—especially the premium perks. I will also use the rideshare and Resy credits. I am still determining if I will keep the card due to the annual limit of 15 visits; I have already had 6 Sky Club visits in the first 30 days of this year.