Delta SkyMiles Blue Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Credit Card earns Delta miles and has no annual fee. However, if you’re exploring this site, you likely know there are other no-annual-fee cards with higher sign-up bonuses than the Blue Card’s current 10,000 miles.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The main reasons to consider the Blue Card are its 10,000-mile sign-up bonus and lack of an annual fee. If you’re brand new to points and miles, it could be a simple way to start without worrying about an annual fee. However, you may want to explore other no-annual-fee cards that come with significantly larger sign-up bonuses.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
If you want more perks than just “no annual fee,” this card might not be right for you. It doesn’t offer many other benefits.
What to Know About Delta SkyMiles
Delta is a good point system for both domestic and international flights.
- Delta offers many cards making initial collection relatively easy. But Amex’s “one bonus per card per lifetime” limits that ability over time.
- Delta is part of the Amex partner reward system and is a decent transfer value.
- We save Delta points for specific flights, perhaps direct domestic or best value international.
- We use easier-to-collect point systems such as Southwest and American ahead of Delta.
How The Delta SkyMiles Blue Credit Card Fits In The Delta SkyMiles Ecosystem
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Card is the lowest-tier offering among the four Delta-specific American Express cards. Its 10,000-mile sign-up bonus and lack of an annual fee may appeal to beginners, but it offers few other benefits.
If you want a Delta card, the Gold version is a better choice for most people. It waives its $150 annual fee for the first year, currently provides a 50,000-mile sign-up bonus, and includes additional perks that can offset the fee if you keep it longer.
Stepping up, the Platinum card charges a $350 annual fee but offers a 60,000-mile bonus and several perks that can justify the cost for frequent travelers. For those who are very loyal to Delta and fly multiple times per year, the top-tier Reserve card offers a 70,000-mile sign-up bonus. Although it has a $650 annual fee, it provides a range of exclusive benefits designed for Delta regulars.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | $1,000 | 1.2 ¢ | $0 | $0 |
$132
|
| Best Value | Differentiating Perks | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Delta flights | Amex 4 Credit , Amex 3/90 , No 5/24 , Amex 1/10 |
Spend Categories
2X points
2.4¢ Per Dollar Spent
1X points
1.2¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2.4¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
Using this card gives you secondary car rental insurance coverage up to $50,000 in collision damage and theft per incident.
You're protected for up to 90 days from the purchase date up to $1,000 ($500 on natural disasters).
Get up to 1 additional year on warranties of 5 years or less, up to $10,000 per purchase.
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes - $$
Transfer To Friends Yes - $$
Travel Partner Transfers
Outside Point System Delta SkyMiles
Transfers In From
1:1 86% value retained
5:1 40% value retained
3:1 57% value retained
5:2 30% value retained
Delta SkyMiles Blue Application Rules
Amex will decline your application if you already have 4 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a fifth
You'll be declined if you apply for a fourth Amex card in 90 days
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card per lifetime (yours or that version of the card)
