The Amex SkyMiles Card is one of the most popular credit cards for frequent travelers, especially those who often fly with Delta Airlines. This co-branded American Express card is designed to help you earn SkyMiles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other valuable travel benefits.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world of credit card rewards, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to understand how the Amex SkyMiles Card works and how you can make the most of it.
What is the Amex SkyMiles Card?
The Amex SkyMiles Card is a co-branded credit card between American Express and Delta Airlines. It allows cardholders to earn SkyMiles on every purchase, which can be redeemed for various rewards, including free flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals.
There are several versions of the Amex SkyMiles Card, each offering different benefits and rewards, but all are designed to help frequent travelers earn miles quickly and efficiently.
How Does the Amex SkyMiles Card Work?
The Amex SkyMiles Card works by rewarding cardholders with SkyMiles points for every eligible purchase made. The number of miles earned depends on the category of spending and the version of the card you hold. These miles can be used to book flights with Delta Airlines and their partner airlines, upgrade your seat, access airport lounges, and more. Additionally, cardholders often enjoy perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and bonus miles for meeting spending thresholds.
Types of Amex SkyMiles Cards
There are several types of Amex SkyMiles Cards, each offering a different set of features and rewards. Below are the main versions of the card that cater to different travel needs and spending habits:
1. Amex SkyMiles® Blue Card
The Amex SkyMiles® Blue Card is an entry-level card that allows you to earn SkyMiles on every purchase. This card is ideal for individuals who want to start earning rewards with minimal annual fees.
Key Features:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on Delta buys.
- Earn 1 mile per dollar on remaining purchases.
- No annual fee, making it a low-cost option for casual travelers.
- Access to exclusive SkyMiles offers and promotions.
2. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is one of the most popular versions of the card. It offers more miles on specific categories and valuable travel benefits, making it suitable for moderate travelers who fly with Delta regularly.
Key Features:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on Delta buy, hotels, and U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1 mile per dollar on remaining purchases.
- Free first checked bag on Delta flights for the cardholder and up to 8 travel companions.
- Priority boarding on Delta flights.
- Annual fee: $99 (waived the first year).
3. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers even more rewards and benefits than the Gold version, making it ideal for frequent travelers who want to maximize their miles earning potential.
Key Features:
- Earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and at hotels.
- Earn 2 miles per dollar on United States supermarkets.
- Earn 1 mile per dollar on all other remaining purchases.
- Free first checked bag and priority boarding for the cardholder and up to 8 companions.
- 50% discount on in-flight purchases.
- Annual fee: $250.
4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles American Express is the premium option for frequent Delta travelers. It offers the most significant benefits, including higher earning rates and exclusive access to Delta Sky Club lounges.
The most effective method to Acquire Miles with the Amex SkyMiles Card
The Amex SkyMiles Card allows you to earn miles on every purchase you make. However, the number of miles you earn varies depending on the category of spending. Here’s a breakdown of how you can maximize your miles earnings:
1. Delta Purchases
All versions of the Amex SkyMiles Card offer accelerated earning rates for Delta-related purchases. This includes flights, in-flight purchases, and Delta vacations. Depending on the card version, you can earn up to 3 miles per dollar on these purchases. This is a great way to rack up miles for every dollar spent on Delta flights.
2. Dining and U.S. Supermarkets
Many of the Amex SkyMiles Cards earn extra miles on dining and U.S. supermarket purchases. For instance, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offer 2 miles for each dollar at eateries and U.S. general stores. This permits you to acquire more miles in any event, when you’re not voyaging.
3. General Purchases
For purchases outside of the above categories, you can still earn 1 mile per dollar spent. While this isn’t as high as the category-specific earnings, it still adds up over time.
4. Bonus Miles for Meeting Spending Thresholds
To earn a significant number of SkyMiles quickly, the Amex SkyMiles Card offers generous sign-up bonuses. For example, new cardholders can often earn 60,000 bonus miles or more after spending a certain amount (e.g., $2,000) in the first 3 months. These bonuses are an excellent way to boost your SkyMiles balance right away.
Benefits of the Amex SkyMiles Card
The Amex SkyMiles Card comes with a variety of perks that can enhance your travel experience. Here are some of the top benefits:
1. Free Checked Bag
One of the standout perks of the Amex SkyMiles Card is the free checked bag benefit. Cardholders and their travel companions (up to 9) receive one free checked bag on Delta flights.
2. Priority Boarding
Cardholders can enjoy priority boarding on Delta flights, ensuring you’re one of the first to board and find space for your carry-on bag. This is especially helpful on busy flights when overhead bin space fills up quickly.
3. Access to Delta Sky Clubs
Premium cardholders, such as those with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, get access to Delta’s Sky Club lounges. These lounges provide a relaxing environment with amenities like free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and comfortable seating, making it easier to unwind before your flight.
4. Companion Certificates
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offer companion certificates. These certificates allow you to bring a friend or family member on a Delta flight for free (excluding taxes and fees) when you book a qualifying flight. This is a fantastic perk for those who travel with others frequently.
5. Upgrades and Priority
For higher-tier cardholders, upgrades are often available on eligible Delta flights. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card members, for instance, receive priority for complimentary upgrades to First Class or Delta Comfort+ seats.
How to Redeem Miles with the Amex SkyMiles Card
The ultimate goal of earning miles with the Amex SkyMiles Card is to redeem them for valuable travel rewards.
1. Flights
The most popular way to redeem SkyMiles is for flights with Delta Airlines and their partners. Delta operates a flexible award system, so the number of miles required for a flight depends on factors like route, season, and demand. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can find flights for fewer miles.
2. Seat Upgrades
If you’re flying with Delta and want to upgrade to a higher class of service, you can use your SkyMiles for an upgrade. Delta often offers discounted upgrade opportunities for cardholders, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable travel experience.
3. Delta Sky Club Access
You can also use your SkyMiles to purchase access to Delta’s Sky Club lounges. If you’re not a premium cardholder but still want to enjoy lounge access, redeeming miles can be a convenient option.
4. Non-Flight Rewards
SkyMiles can be redeemed for more than just flights. You can use them for hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and even charitable donations.
Delta’s SkyMiles Marketplace provides a wide range of redemption options, giving you flexibility in how you use your miles.
Is the Amex SkyMiles Card Worth It?
Whether or not the Amex SkyMiles Card is worth it depends on your travel habits and how much you fly with Delta Airlines.
If you travel frequently with Delta, the rewards and benefits of the card can be significant, especially with premium versions of the card like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, which offers exclusive perks such as Sky Club access, upgrades, and companion certificates.
For those who don’t fly with Delta regularly, the Amex SkyMiles Card may not provide as much value.
However, if you’re a casual traveler looking to earn miles on your everyday purchases, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue Card or Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card could be a great option
