Delta Reserve Business Card

Why This Card Could Be Right For You

If you are a loyal Delta traveler, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card is the top-tier business option. It provides the most benefits and perks, has the highest sign-up bonus, and also comes with the highest annual fee at $650. The regular sign-up bonus of 80,000 (current special 125,000) miles (after $12,000 (currently $15,000) in purchases within the first six months) is solid, but because of the Amex 1/7 Rule, you may want to hold out for an elevated offer.

If you plan to keep this card beyond the first year, you'll want to assess how many of its benefits you will use to justify the high annual fee. Each year, the card provides:

• Annual Companion Certificate: A free round-trip flight (within the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America) for First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin.
• $250 in Delta Stay Credits: Good for prepaid hotel and vacation rental bookings made through Delta Stays.
• $240 in Resy Credits: Split up into $20 credits each month.
• $120 in Rideshare Credits: Split up into $10 credits each month.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive $120 towards Global Entry or $85 towards TSA Precheck every 4 years when paying with the card

When you purchase a Delta flight with your Reserve Business Card, you’ll also receive:

• Access to The Centurion and Escape Lounges.
• 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club, plus four one-time guest passes.
• An MQD boost to help reach status faster (though the spending required might be more effectively applied to other cards with sign-up bonuses).
• Hertz President’s Circle Status.
• Addition to the Complimentary Upgrade list.
• Zone 5 priority boarding.
• First checked bag free on Delta flights for the primary cardholder and up to 8 additional companions on the same reservation.
  • Eligible Basic Card Members also get a second checked bag free on qualifying domestic Delta itineraries, but companions do not receive the second bag free unless they also have an eligible Delta Amex.
• A credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• 15% off on award travel.
• The best coverage among the three Delta business cards for trip delays, cancellations, baggage, and car rentals.

When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply

You may want to look elsewhere if:

• You don’t fly Delta often enough each year to take advantage of the card’s many perks.
• The sign-up bonus isn’t elevated, and you don’t want to use your once-in-a-lifetime bonus on a lower offer.

My Experience, No Filter

Delta was the first airline I ever flew, so there is a special place in my heart for it. But I look for deals, and that’s why I love this hobby. This card doesn’t really fit the pace of my travel style at this point in my life. The sign up bonus can be nice if you wait for the right offer, but the earning rates aren’t worth mentioning.

The benefits I used right away were the lounge access, the free upgrade with checked bags included, and the Delta Stays credit. Those were all wonderful, but I can’t say they justified the annual fee. Some perks I thought I would use and never did, like the Hertz President’s Circle status and the companion certificate. They are great benefits, but I’m currently focused on booking flights with minimal out-of-pocket costs. If I have to buy a ticket with cash to use a companion certificate, it defeats the purpose of me strategizing with my cards to rack up points.

After giving this card a spin, I realized that maybe when my priorities shift and I care more about luxury than finding the best deal, I’ll try this one again. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business might be my retirement card.