Delta Air Lines is revamping its services credit cardsbringing new benefits but also sharply higher fees.
American Express announced the steps on Thursday, as Delta American Express cards undergo major changes. Delta previously changed its rewards program in the fall, making it harder for cardholders to get perks and restricting access to the popular SkyClub.
New benefits
Companion certificate expansions: This certificate provides Delta Reserve and Delta Platinum cardholders the option to host a friend or family member on a round-trip flight. The new changes expand the scope of certification from 48 US states to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.
Dollar qualification medal: Delta Platinum, Delta Platinum Business, Delta Reserve and Delta Reserve Business cardholders will receive $2,500 in medallion qualifying dollars at the beginning of each qualifying year. Cardholders earn dollars through everyday spending, with $1 MQD for every $10 purchase with Delta Reserve cards and $1 MQD for every $20 purchase with Delta Platinum cards.
New rewards: Some cards will offer new rewards while the earning rates remain the same.
Delta Gold Business cardholders will earn 2 miles per dollar on U.S. shipping, with up to $50,000 in qualifying purchases per tier per year. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express cardholders will earn 1.5 miles per dollar on U.S. transportation and shipping purchases. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express cardholders will earn 1.5 miles per dollar on U.S. transportation and shipping and U.S. office supply store spending.
New statement credits: Delta will offer a variety of flight credits, stay credits, rideshare credits, and resort credits. Depending on the credit card, members can save on dining, travel and lodging costs during their trips.
For example, the new Resy utility, according to American Express, provides an annual $120 Resy credit spread over 12 months when you make a qualifying Resy purchase. American Express' resy.com It is an online restaurant reservation system that was acquired by American Express several years ago. Our online reservation system allows you to make reservations at thousands of Resy participating restaurants in the United States and globally. You will need to register your American Express card with resy.com To benefit from the interest. Once you make a reservation and make a purchase at an American restaurant, $10 will be added to your American Express account. The offer is good for one $10 credit per month.
High fees
Delta will increase annual fees for its six credit cards:
- Delta Reserve and Delta Reserve Business cards: $550 to $650
- Delta Platinum and Delta Platinum Business: $250 to $350
- Delta Gold and Delta Gold Business: $99 to $150
Rewards
If you plan to apply for American Express/Delta SkyMiles Card, they have increased their bonus mileage offers for signing up when you spend a specific amount on the card within a certain time frame. For example, if you apply for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express card with a $350 fee and make $4,000 in purchases within six months, you'll earn 90,000 Delta SkyMiles. Mileage value depends on Bankrate.comabout 1.2 cents per mile and may vary depending on how you replace it.
For accounts opened before Thursday, the fee increase will take effect on the next renewal date on or after May 1.
Free Press staff writer Susan Selaski contributed to this report.
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