Delta SkyMiles Blue Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Delta SkyMiles Blue card is not a card we recommend getting. The welcome offer is much too low to ever warrant a spot on your 5/24 despite having no annual fee. When considering co-branded airline cards like this one, you should be very selective. These cards differ from Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture, or American Express cards. You likely won't want multiple cards from the same airline because the miles aren't as versatile. They can only be used on that specific airline or their partners, providing fewer options compared to non-co-branded cards. If you need a Delta card, choose one of the others offering a higher welcome bonus and perks that will be valuable based on how often you fly with the airline.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The Delta SkyMiles Blue card offers several features that might appeal to occasional Delta flyers who want to earn miles without paying an annual fee:
- Welcome bonus of 10,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first six months
- No annual fee for those who want to avoid additional costs
- 2x miles on restaurant dining, including both takeout and delivery services
The card also provides 2x miles on purchases made directly with Delta, helping you accumulate rewards faster when booking flights. Additionally, cardholders receive 20% back on in-flight purchases of food and beverages, providing some savings during your travel experience.
Another benefit is the $50 discount on your flight cost for every 5,000 miles you redeem through the Pay with Miles program. This feature gives you flexibility in how you use your miles for travel redemptions.
For travelers concerned about protection, the card includes car rental loss and damage insurance when you use it to pay for your rental vehicle, offering peace of mind during your journeys.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:
- The welcome offer is very low and won't get you much in the way of free airfare
- No other notable benefits besides having no annual fee
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 sits at the bottom tier of American Express's Delta card lineup. While its no-annual-fee structure might seem appealing, its overall value proposition is limited when compared to its siblings:
- Welcome bonus: Only 10,000 miles – significantly lower than other Delta cards
- Benefits package: Minimal perks beyond the basic earning structure
- Long-term value: Limited ongoing benefits for regular Delta flyers
If you're considering a Delta card for an upcoming trip, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card offers much better initial value. It waives the $150 annual fee for the first year and provides a substantial 50,000-mile welcome bonus. You'll also enjoy practical benefits like a free first checked bag, though it may not justify keeping beyond year one when the annual fee kicks in.
For more frequent Delta travelers, consider these higher-tier options:
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card: $350 annual fee with a 60,000-mile welcome offer, companion certificate, and statement credits that help offset the cost
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card: Premium option at $650 annually, featuring a 70,000-mile bonus, first-class companion certificate, and Delta Sky Club access
Your ideal card depends on your Delta flying habits and how you value the specific perks each card provides. For most travelers, the Blue card's offerings simply don't compete with either the short-term value of the Gold card or the premium benefits of the Platinum and Reserve cards.
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 |
Award System
Most Recent Special Offer
$1,000 spend ended Apr 2020
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)
