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Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Review
February 6, 2025
If you're looking to dip your toes into the world of airline credit cards without committing to an annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card might catch your attention. As the entry-level option in Delta's credit card lineup, this card offers a straightforward way to earn miles while enjoying a few Delta-specific perks. But is it the right choice for your wallet? Let's dive into the details to help you decide.
What Is The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card?
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is American Express's no-annual-fee Delta co-branded credit card. It's designed for casual Delta flyers who want to earn SkyMiles without paying for premium travel benefits. With this contactless card, you'll earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery), plus 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.
While it doesn't offer the premium travel perks found on higher-tier Delta cards (like free checked bags or priority boarding), it does provide 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases on Delta-operated flights in the form of a statement credit. The card also features no foreign transaction fees, making it a decent option for international travel.
New cardholders can typically expect an introductory offer of bonus miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement, though the specific offer may vary. Additionally, the card occasionally features a 0% APR offer for new accounts, providing payment flexibility for large purchases or monthly expenses.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Pros & Cons
Before applying for any credit card, it's important to weigh its advantages and disadvantages to determine if it aligns with your spending habits and travel goals.
Pros:
- $0 annual fee, making it a risk-free way to earn Delta SkyMiles
- 2x miles on Delta purchases and restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery)
- No foreign transaction fees, saving you money when traveling internationally
- 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases on Delta-operated flights
- Payment flexibility with Pay Over Time option for certain purchases
- Access to American Express experiences including presales and preferred seating for select events
Cons:
- Limited Delta-specific benefits compared to annual-fee Delta cards
- No free checked bags or priority boarding privileges
- No Delta flight credit or Delta stays credit
- Lower miles-earning potential on everyday spending compared to premium travel cards
- Limited travel redemption options outside of the Delta SkyMiles program
- Variable APR that can be high based on creditworthiness
Who Is The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card For?
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is ideally suited for:
- Occasional Delta flyers who want to earn SkyMiles without paying an annual fee
- Budget-conscious travelers who prioritize no annual fee over premium travel benefits
- Dining enthusiasts who can maximize the 2x miles at restaurants worldwide
- International travelers seeking a card with no foreign transaction fees
- Delta loyalists looking for an entry-level way to participate in the Delta SkyMiles program
- Credit card minimalists who prefer fewer cards with no carrying costs
If you fly Delta a few times a year but not frequently enough to justify paying for a premium Delta card, this could be a good fit. It's also suitable for those who are new to the Delta SkyMiles program and want to test the waters before committing to a higher-tier card.
However, if you're a frequent Delta traveler who values benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, or lounge access, you might find more value in one of Delta's annual-fee cards, despite the upfront cost.
Comparing The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card With Other Credit Cards
When considering the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the mid-tier travel card category:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1X on other purchases
- Standout feature: 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase TravelSM
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X miles on all purchases, 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Miles transferable to travel partners
American Express® Gold Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $325
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 4X points at restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X on booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
- Standout feature: Up to $120 dining credit and up to $120 Uber Cash annually. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card excels in providing 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases on Delta-operated flights in the form of a statement credit
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers versatile travel rewards
- Capital One Venture provides simple, flat-rate miles earning
- American Express® Gold Card features strong dining and groceries rewards
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Consider Using Kudos
While the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offers decent value for Delta enthusiasts, savvy travelers know that maximizing credit card rewards often requires strategic card selection for each purchase. This is where Kudos comes in handy.
Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you automatically select the best credit card for each online purchase, ensuring you earn the maximum possible rewards. Whether you're booking a Delta flight, ordering takeout, or shopping for groceries, Kudos can instantly recommend which of your cards—including your Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card—will earn you the most miles, points, or cash back.
With Kudos working alongside your Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, you can:
- Ensure you're always using the optimal card for each category
- Discover exclusive "Flash Boost" events that multiply your rewards up to 5X
- Integrate seamlessly with over 15,000 online stores
- Receive personalized recommendations for additional credit cards that might complement your spending patterns
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card occupies a specific niche in the airline credit cards market—it's an entry-level option for Delta flyers who want to earn SkyMiles without paying an annual fee. While it doesn't offer the premium travel benefits that frequent Delta travelers might value (like free checked bags or priority boarding), it does provide a straightforward way to earn miles on everyday spending.
For occasional Delta flyers who dine out frequently and want to slowly accumulate SkyMiles without an annual commitment, this card offers decent value. The 20% savings on in-flight purchases and no foreign transaction fees add modest travel benefits that enhance its appeal for budget-conscious travelers.
However, if you fly Delta more than a few times per year—especially if you regularly check bags—you'll likely find more overall value in one of Delta's annual-fee cards despite the upfront cost. Similarly, if you're not specifically loyal to Delta, a general travel rewards card might offer more flexibility and potentially higher rewards on your spending.
The ultimate value of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card depends on your personal travel patterns, spending habits, and how much you value the simplicity of a no-annual-fee card versus premium travel benefits. For the right user, it can be a solid introduction to the Delta SkyMiles program without any financial commitment.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card FAQ
What is the annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card?
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card has a $0 annual fee, making it the only Delta co-branded credit card without an annual fee.
How many miles do you earn with the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card?
You earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery), and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.
Does the Delta SkyMiles® Blue card offer free checked bags?
No, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card does not offer free checked bags. This benefit is available on higher-tier Delta cards like the Gold, Platinum, and Reserve.
Can I get priority boarding with the Delta SkyMiles® Blue card?
No, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue card does not offer priority boarding. Cardholders will board with their assigned boarding groups, which are typically among the final boarding groups unless they have elite status with Delta.
What is the current welcome bonus for the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card?
Welcome bonuses vary over time, but typically involve earning bonus miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of card membership. Check the American Express website for the current introductory offer.
Do Delta SkyMiles expire?
No, Delta SkyMiles do not expire, so you can accumulate miles earned with your Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card without worrying about losing them due to inactivity.
Can I access Delta Sky Clubs with the Delta SkyMiles® Blue card?
No, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card does not include Delta Sky Club lounge access. This benefit is reserved for higher-tier cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Platinum Card® from American Express.
What are the redemption options for miles earned with the Delta SkyMiles® Blue card?
Miles earned can be redeemed for flights on Delta and its partner airlines, upgrades, gift cards, experiences, and more through the Delta SkyMiles program. You can also use the Pay with Miles feature to redeem miles for a partial payment on Delta flights.
Does the Delta SkyMiles® Blue card have foreign transaction fees?
No, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travel.
What credit score do I need for the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card?
While American Express doesn't publish specific credit score requirements, you typically need good to excellent credit (generally a FICO score of 670 or higher) to qualify for the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card.
How does the 20% in-flight savings work?
When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card for eligible in-flight purchases on Delta-operated flights (such as food, beverages, and headsets), you'll receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit that will appear on your billing statement.
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