If you’re looking for a way to earn Delta SkyMiles but don’t want to pay an annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card checks the box. It earns elevated miles on Delta Air Lines purchases and dining at restaurants worldwide. However, while it skips the annual fee attached to other SkyMiles cards, it also leaves out the flashier travel perks found on Delta’s higher-tier cards. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Delta SkyMiles Blue: The Basics
Not every Delta flyer needs airport lounge access or a long list of premium travel perks. That’s why Delta and American Express offer several Delta credit cards ranging from a no-annual-fee option to premium products designed for frequent travelers.
The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is the simplest card in the lineup. There’s no annual fee, and it gives cardmembers an easy way to earn SkyMiles on Delta purchases, dining, and everyday spending.
Unlike Delta’s higher-tier cards, the Delta SkyMiles Blue doesn’t include premium benefits like airport lounge access, free checked bags, or priority boarding. Instead, it focuses on helping occasional Delta travelers earn miles.
Because this is a cobranded airline card, you’ll earn Delta’s mileage currency — Delta SkyMiles — rather than transferable credit card points.
Applicants will generally need a good to excellent credit score to qualify.
Delta SkyMiles Blue Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No annual fee | Lacks Delta-associated perks like a free checked bag or statement credits |
| No foreign transaction fees | Limited bonus rewards categories that do not include many common everyday expenses |
| 20% back as a statement credit on eligible inflight purchases |
Delta SkyMiles Blue Benefits
Even though the benefits of the Delta SkyMiles Blue card won’t rival what you’ll find on Delta’s premium cards, there are still a handful of perks that can provide value.
Inflight Purchase Savings
Cardholders receive 20% back as a statement credit on eligible inflight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets on Delta-operated flights. The discount does not apply to Wi-Fi purchases.
This isn’t a reason to get the card on its own, but it’s a nice perk if you purchase snacks or drinks during your flights.
Ability to Use Miles Toward Delta Flights
The Delta SkyMiles Blue offers access to Pay with Miles, allowing eligible cardholders to redeem SkyMiles toward the cost of a Delta flight. When booking directly with Delta, you can get up to $50 off the cost of your ticket for every 5,000 miles redeemed.
While keeping SkyMiles for award tickets is generally the better value, Pay with Miles can be useful when award pricing isn’t favorable or you want to reduce the cash cost of a flight.
Shopping and Entertainment Benefits
You’ll get access to Amex Offers, which can provide targeted discounts and elevated rewards with participating merchants.
Another lesser-known perk is the American Express Venue Collection™ (enrollment required). Eligible cardmembers receive 10% back on qualifying concessions purchases at select stadiums and arenas through Dec. 31, up to $250 per calendar year. Depending on the venue, you may also receive access to dedicated entrances or expedited entry lanes.
Purchase and Travel Protections
Although the Delta SkyMiles Blue lacks premium travel protections, you’ll still receive several valuable coverage benefits, including:
- Car rental loss and damage insurance*
- Access to the 24-hour Global Assist Hotline**
- Extended warranty***
- Purchase protection***
These protections add a layer of security for everyday purchases and travel bookings, making the card a reasonable choice for budget-conscious Delta flyers who want basic coverage without paying an annual fee.
