Delta Skymiles Blue American Express Card: Features, Fees, and Benefits Compared

Author

Reads 866

A Delta Air Lines aircraft flying high above clouds, showcasing modern aviation technology.
Credit: pexels.com, A Delta Air Lines aircraft flying high above clouds, showcasing modern aviation technology.

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is a solid choice for those looking to earn rewards points on everyday purchases. This card offers a generous sign-up bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.

One of the standout features of this card is its low annual fee of $0 first year, then $99. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to earn rewards points without breaking the bank.

The card also offers 2 miles per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. This means you can earn rewards points on your grocery bills and other everyday expenses.

You can redeem your SkyMiles for travel, merchandise, or experiences, giving you flexibility and choice. With this card, you can earn and redeem miles to suit your needs and preferences.

For your interest: Delta Credit Cards Offers

Card Details

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card has a $0 annual fee, making it a great option for less frequent travelers who prefer Delta.

The card's rewards are pretty straightforward: you'll get 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases.

If you're a frequent flyer, you might want to look elsewhere, as this card's benefits might not be enough to justify the potential costs.

The card's APR is 19.99%-28.99% Variable APR.

Pros and Cons

Credit: youtube.com, American Express Blue Delta SkyMiles Review 2025 | Pros and Cons – Honest & Unbiased

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card has its fair share of pros and cons. One of the major advantages is that it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for travelers.

This card also doesn't have an introductory APR on purchases, so you'll need to pay interest from the start. On the other hand, it does allow balance transfers, which can be a useful feature for consolidating debt.

To qualify for this card, you'll need to have good to excellent credit.

Pros and Cons

The Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card has some great perks, but also some drawbacks to consider.

One of the best things about this card is that it has no foreign transaction fee, making it a great choice for travel abroad.

The card also has a $0 annual fee, which is a huge plus for those who don't want to pay extra just for the privilege of having a credit card.

A commercial airline jet soaring through the sky with large clouds in the background.
Credit: pexels.com, A commercial airline jet soaring through the sky with large clouds in the background.

However, the card has no intro APR on purchases, so if you're planning to make a big purchase, you'll be charged interest from the start.

Additionally, the card doesn't allow balance transfers, so if you're looking to consolidate debt, this might not be the best option.

Here are some key details to keep in mind:

Overall, the Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card is a solid choice for those who want a no-frills credit card with no foreign transaction fee, but it's not the best option for those who need an intro APR or balance transfer flexibility.

For more insights, see: Chase Sapphire No Fee

Pros

The Blue Delta credit card has some great perks. You won't have to pay a foreign fee when traveling abroad.

One of the benefits of the Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card is that it doesn't have an intro APR on purchases. This means you'll start paying interest from the beginning.

Another advantage of the Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card is that it doesn't allow balance transfers. This can help prevent debt from growing.

The Blue Delta Amex has a $0 annual fee, which is a significant cost savings.

You'll also get 20% off inflight purchases with the Blue Delta Amex, which can be a nice bonus for frequent flyers.

Cons

A Close-Up Shot of Program Pamphlets
Credit: pexels.com, A Close-Up Shot of Program Pamphlets

The Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card and Blue Delta Amex have some notable drawbacks to consider.

One major con is that the Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card has no intro APR on purchases, which means you'll be charged interest from the start.

Another drawback is that the card doesn't allow balance transfers, limiting your options for consolidating debt.

Additionally, you'll need to have good or excellent credit to qualify for this card.

The Blue Delta Amex has some cons of its own.

It lacks benefits offered on other Delta credit cards, such as free checked bags and priority boarding.

The earning structure of the Blue Delta Amex isn't very strong, making it less appealing to frequent travelers.

Unfortunately, you're also ineligible for the Delta TakeOff 15 award discount with this card.

Rewards and Benefits

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card offers a welcome bonus of 10,000 miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months.

Credit: youtube.com, Delta SkyMiles Blue AMEX Card Honest Review (MUST WATCH)

You can earn miles in various categories, including 2 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on U.S. takeout and food delivery, and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

One of the unique benefits of this card is the 20% statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases, which effectively gives you a 20% discount on food and beverage purchases.

The card also comes with car rental insurance and purchase protection, making it a solid choice for travelers.

Here are the earning rates for the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card:

This card is a great option for those who want to earn miles without paying an annual fee. However, it's worth noting that you may earn more miles with other Delta cards that charge an annual fee, especially if you fly frequently.

Expand your knowledge: American Express Blue Annual Fee

Earning and Redeeming Miles

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card has a fairly straightforward earning structure, earning 2 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, restaurants worldwide, and U.S. takeout and food delivery.

Credit: youtube.com, Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex Review (2025) – No Annual Fee, Earn Miles Fast!

You can earn a decent amount of miles with this card, but it's not a great card on which to spend regularly, especially for everyday purchases, earning only 1 mile per dollar in most categories.

To make the most of your miles, focus on earning them through Delta purchases and dining out, which can earn you 2 miles per dollar.

Check this out: Mabuhay Miles Elite Card

Earning Miles

Earning miles with the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is relatively straightforward.

You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, including flights, upgrades, and in-flight purchases.

At restaurants worldwide and U.S. takeout and food delivery, you'll also earn 2 miles per dollar. However, bars, nightclubs, and convenience stores don't count.

1 mile per dollar is the rate for all other eligible purchases.

Here's a breakdown of the earning rates:

Pay With Miles

Pay With Miles is a redemption option for Delta SkyMiles that allows you to deduct $50 from the price for each 5,000 miles you redeem.

Credit: youtube.com, When Should You Pay For A Ticket Or Redeem Miles?

This works out to a redemption rate of 1 cent per mile, which is less than the average redemption value of Delta SkyMiles.

To get the best value with Pay With Miles, use it on cheaper domestic flights.

You can save your miles for award bookings on long-haul premium cabin flights, as using them like cash will be costly.

The redemption rate of 1 cent per mile is a good option for those who need to use their miles for cash, but it's not the best option for expensive tickets.

Take a look at this: Tier 1 Credit Cards

Using the Card

You'll get 20% back as a statement credit within about 12 weeks of the transaction date when you use your Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card to pay for eligible inflight purchases on Delta flights.

Qualifying purchases include pre-purchased meals and inflight purchases of food and alcoholic beverages, but don't include inflight Wi-Fi or charitable contributions.

If your item gets damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, you could be covered for up to $1,000 per item and $50,000 per card.

20% Off Eligible Purchases

A collection of travel essentials including a passport, credit cards, and a boarding pass. Ideal for travel and finance concepts.
Credit: pexels.com, A collection of travel essentials including a passport, credit cards, and a boarding pass. Ideal for travel and finance concepts.

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card offers a 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases, including food and beverages on Delta-operated flights.

You'll receive this savings as a statement credit within 8 to 12 weeks after the transaction posts, making it a nice benefit for frequent flyers.

This perk isn't exactly lucrative for those who don't spend much at 30,000 feet, but it can certainly make a pricey in-flight nosh a little more affordable.

Qualifying purchases include pre-purchased meals and inflight purchases of food and alcoholic beverages, but don't include inflight Wi-Fi or charitable contributions.

If you make $100 in food and drink purchases annually, you can save $20, which is a decent savings for a card with no annual fee.

Car Rental Insurance

Using your Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card to pay for a car rental can provide you with some valuable benefits. If you decline the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW), you're eligible for up to $50,000 in coverage for damage to or theft of a covered vehicle.

This coverage is secondary, meaning it only kicks in after any other insurance policies, like your own automobile insurance, have paid out. Rentals in some countries aren't covered, so be sure to check the fine print before traveling abroad.

Purchase Protection

Credit: youtube.com, How To Get The Best Value From Credit Card Purchase Protection? - CreditGuide360.com

With the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card, you can shop with confidence. You're covered for up to $1,000 per item and $50,000 per card in case your purchase gets damaged or stolen within 90 days.

Some items are excluded from this protection, so be sure to check the fine print. You can find more information on what's covered and what's not in the card's terms and conditions.

If you're worried about making a big purchase, know that you've got some extra protection. This purchase protection can give you peace of mind, especially when buying expensive items.

Is American Express Metal?

The American Express card is not made of metal. In fact, the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is made of plastic, just like most other credit cards.

You might be wondering if there's a difference between a plastic card and a metal one. The truth is, there's no functional difference, so don't dismiss a card just because it's not made of metal.

American Express cards, including the Delta SkyMiles Blue, don't have any special features that would require a metal construction.

Comparison and Review

Credit: youtube.com, Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express: 2022 Review

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is a solid option for those who want to earn Delta SkyMiles without paying an annual fee. It's the most basic Delta card, but it still offers some benefits, such as 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases and no foreign transaction fee.

If you're a frequent traveler, you might want to consider one of the other Delta cards, like the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, which offer more perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. However, if you're a less frequent traveler, the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card could be a good choice.

Here's a comparison of the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card with some popular alternatives:

Review

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is a great option for those who don't want to pay an annual fee, with a $0 annual fee making it an ideal choice for less frequent travelers.

For another approach, see: American Express Platinum Card Cost

Hands examine program guide in a corporate meeting setting, highlighting agenda details.
Credit: pexels.com, Hands examine program guide in a corporate meeting setting, highlighting agenda details.

The card offers 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases, which can be a significant perk for those who fly Delta regularly.

You can earn 10,000 miles for spending $1,000 in the first 6 months, which is a modest initial bonus, but still a nice incentive to get started.

The card rewards dining and Delta purchases with 2 miles per $1 spent, which equals roughly 2.3% back when miles are redeemed for Delta airfare.

Other purchases earn 1 mile per $1 spent, which is not the best return on spending.

Here's a breakdown of the card's earning rates:

The card charges interest at an annual rate of 19.99% - 28.99% (Variable), which is higher than the average APR among credit cards for people with excellent credit.

Fortunately, the card has no foreign transaction fee, making it a good option for international travel or online purchases from foreign merchants.

Overall, the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is a solid starting point for those who don't fly Delta regularly or are just starting in the points and miles hobby.

Compare vs. Alternatives

AirAsia airplane flying over tropical trees under a clear blue sky, capturing a serene travel moment.
Credit: pexels.com, AirAsia airplane flying over tropical trees under a clear blue sky, capturing a serene travel moment.

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is a solid option for earning miles without an annual fee, but it's essential to compare it to other alternatives.

The card offers 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases, which can add up quickly.

However, if you're a frequent traveler or want more travel perks, you might be better off with another option.

A comparison with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card shows that the Blue Card has a lower annual fee of $0, but the Sapphire Preferred offers a higher rewards rate of 1-5 points per dollar.

Here's a comparison of the two cards:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, on the other hand, has a higher annual fee of $550, but offers a higher rewards rate of 1-10 points per dollar.

The Blue Card's 10,000-mile bonus offer is lower than the Sapphire Preferred's 60,000-point bonus offer.

Woman indoors holding and pointing at a conference program pamphlet with a smile.
Credit: pexels.com, Woman indoors holding and pointing at a conference program pamphlet with a smile.

Ultimately, the choice between these cards depends on your individual needs and preferences.

If you're looking for a card with no annual fee and want to earn miles on Delta flights, the Blue Card might be the way to go.

But if you're willing to pay a higher annual fee for more rewards and benefits, the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve cards might be a better fit.

Eligibility and Application

To get the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card, you'll need a credit score of 700 or better. This means people with good credit have a shot at getting approved.

Your credit score is just one factor, though - other things like your income, debt load, and number of open accounts will also impact your chances of approval.

You can even check your pre-approval odds online through American Express's pre-approval page, or receive pre-approved offers by email or mail.

Annual Fees

The annual fee is a significant aspect to consider when evaluating credit cards. Some cards, like the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card, have a $0 annual fee, making them a great option for those who want to avoid fees.

Crop anonymous traveler using card device while paying for taxi ride in automobile
Credit: pexels.com, Crop anonymous traveler using card device while paying for taxi ride in automobile

The annual fee can range from $0 to $650, depending on the card, as seen with the Delta credit card options. This is much higher than the average credit card annual fee, which is currently $22.34.

If you're a light spender, you may want to opt for a card with a $0 annual fee. However, if you spend a lot, the more expensive cards may offer more rewards in the long run.

Here are some Delta credit card annual fees to consider:

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is a good choice for those who want to avoid annual fees altogether. It's free to keep for the long term, making it a great option for those who don't want to worry about fees.

Discover more: Amex Credit Card Fees

How to Activate

Activating your new Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card is a straightforward process. You can do it by phone, online, or through the American Express mobile app.

COVID-19 and travel concept, mark of coronavirus PCR testing in tourist Italian passport.Diagnostics of coronavirus in airport due to lockdown. Business and tourism hit by corona virus during
Credit: pexels.com, COVID-19 and travel concept, mark of coronavirus PCR testing in tourist Italian passport.Diagnostics of coronavirus in airport due to lockdown. Business and tourism hit by corona virus during

To activate by phone, simply call the number provided by American Express, which is 1 (800) 528-4800. You'll be able to get your card up and running in just a few moments.

If you prefer to activate online, you can visit the American Express activation website. This is a convenient option if you're already familiar with their website.

The American Express mobile app is another option for activating your card. It's a great way to get things done on the go.

You'll need to activate your card within 45 days to avoid any issues. So be sure to mark that on your calendar and get it done.

Here are the activation options summarized:

  1. By phone: Call 1 (800) 528-4800
  2. Online: Visit the American Express activation website
  3. Mobile app: Activate through the American Express mobile app

How to Replace It

If you need to replace your Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card, you can do so by contacting American Express customer service at 1 (800) 528-4800.

There's no fee to get a replacement card, and it should arrive within a few days. You can also log in to your online account, use the American Express mobile app, or call customer service to request a replacement.

Back view Muslim woman in casual outfit and hijab with backpack using travel card for passing metro gate at daytime
Credit: pexels.com, Back view Muslim woman in casual outfit and hijab with backpack using travel card for passing metro gate at daytime

To replace your card online, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card online account.
  2. Click the "Account Services" tab.
  3. Select the "Card Management" menu.
  4. Click the link to "Replace a card."

You'll need to complete the replacement request through one of these methods, and the new card will be mailed to you soon.

Welcome Offer

The welcome offer is a great way to get started with earning miles on your new credit card. You can earn up to 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new card in the first 6 months.

To be eligible for the welcome offer, you'll need to meet the spending requirement within the specified timeframe. Some cards may have different terms or conditions, so be sure to read the fine print.

The Blue Delta Amex has a welcome offer that's worth noting. You can earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first 6 months, with no annual fee to worry about.

If you're looking to earn more miles, consider applying for other Delta cards. You can earn more lucrative welcome bonuses on premium cards, but you won't be disqualified from earning the bonus on the Blue Delta Amex.

Here's a summary of the welcome offer details:

  • Earn up to 10,000 bonus miles
  • Meet the spending requirement of $1,000 in 6 months
  • No annual fee on the Blue Delta Amex
  • Eligibility for more lucrative welcome bonuses on premium cards

What Score Do You Need for?

A flat lay of travel essentials including a passport, US currency, and credit cards on a table.
Credit: pexels.com, A flat lay of travel essentials including a passport, US currency, and credit cards on a table.

You'll need a credit score of 700 or better to get approved for some credit cards, like the Delta SkyMiles Blue card.

Having good credit can give you a shot at getting approved for a card, but it's not the only factor. Your income, existing debt load, and number of open accounts also play a role in the approval process.

A high credit score can make a big difference in getting approved for certain credit cards.

Does it Have Pre-Approval?

The Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card has pre-approval options. American Express has an online pre-approval page where potential applicants can quickly check their odds of approval.

You can also receive pre-approved offers periodically by e-mail or when logging into your card's online account. Some people may even get pre-approved offers in the mail for a specific credit card.

Current American Express customers can take advantage of these pre-approval options to see if they qualify for the Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the credit score for Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card?

The average credit score for approved Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express cardholders is 700, with 809 being the most common. A good credit score is just one factor in getting approved for this card.

What is the credit limit for Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card?

The credit limit for the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card typically ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, based on income, credit score, and payment history. Your specific credit limit will be determined by our evaluation of these factors.

Does Delta SkyMiles Blue Card get free checked bags?

Yes, the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card includes a free first checked bag benefit.

Verna Walter

Lead Writer

Verna Walter is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and business. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has established herself as a trusted authority on the European financial landscape. Verna's expertise spans a wide range of topics, from the inner workings of the European Central Bank to the intricacies of the Austrian stock market.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.