UMVA has learned that Delta and American Express are significantly enhancing benefits on their cobranded credit cards, a move that's set to delight loyal flyers. The most notable upgrade is the addition of a second complimentary checked bag on domestic U.S. flights for all personal and business Delta Amex cardmembers who pay an annual fee.
This change means that every Delta Amex card, except for the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card, now offers this valuable perk. The benefit applies to the cardmember and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation. With Delta recently increasing its checked bag fees to $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second bag each way, this new benefit can save cardmembers up to $100 per passenger on U.S. domestic flights when checking two bags.
The upgrade is particularly beneficial for holders of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card, which charge a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year and then $150 annually thereafter. These cards, along with others in the suite, have also received new designs and enhanced welcome bonus offers, making them even more attractive to frequent Delta flyers.
In addition to the checked bag benefit, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card are now offering a new ride-hailing perk. Cardmembers can receive up to $10 monthly ride-hailing credit with select U.S. ride-hailing providers, such as Alto, Curb, Lyft, and Uber, up to $120 per calendar year. This benefit requires enrollment and becomes available upon account renewal or new account opening.
All Delta cobranded cards have undergone aesthetic changes, with new hues and slightly altered graphic designs. The most notable change is the retirement of the plum purple card art for the top-tier Delta Reserve and Delta Business Reserve cards, which are now slate grey. These visual updates, combined with the enhanced benefits, make the Delta Amex cards more appealing to both current and prospective cardmembers.
New cardmembers can currently take advantage of elevated welcome bonus offers on all Delta Amex cards. The bonuses range from 90,000 to 125,000 miles, with some offers valued at up to $1,500. For instance, the Delta Reserve card offers 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months, plus 25,000 bonus miles after spending an additional $3,000 on purchases, totaling 125,000 miles. These offers represent the highest number of miles seen in the cards' histories, making it an ideal time for frequent Delta flyers to apply.
Overall, these positive changes to the Delta Amex cards are set to enhance the travel experience for loyal flyers. The combination of a second checked bag, new ride-hailing benefits, updated card designs, and elevated welcome offers solidifies the value proposition of these credit cards. For those who frequently fly with Delta, now is a great time to consider adding one of these cards to their wallet.
