Best Delta Credit Card for Delta Air Flights in 2025 — Earn More Miles & Fly in Style

Flying Delta Air Lines in 2025 and looking for the best Delta credit card to boost your SkyMiles, skip baggage fees, and enjoy priority boarding? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re a casual traveler or chasing elite status, choosing the right delta credit card can unlock valuable perks—and help you travel smarter and in style.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best credit cards to maximize your rewards, save on fees, and enjoy elite perks when flying Delta. Whether you’re a casual traveler, a miles optimizer, or a business owner, there’s a card for you.

Why Use a Delta Credit Card for Delta Flights?

Booking Delta flights with the right credit card goes far beyond earning SkyMiles. Some cards can unlock priority boarding, free checked bags, access to Delta Sky Club lounges, and even discounts on in-flight purchases. These perks are especially valuable if you’re aiming to travel smart and comfortably without overspending.

Some of the benefits you can expect:

• Bonus SkyMiles on Delta purchases
• Free first checked bag
• Priority boarding
• Delta Sky Club lounge access
• Companion certificates (free domestic flight for a guest)
• Statement credits and upgrades

Let’s dive into the top personal and business credit cards that can elevate your Delta experience in 2025.

Best Personal Credit Cards for Delta Flights

1. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Best for: Occasional Delta travelers who want free checked bags and to earn miles without a high annual fee.

• Bonus offer: Typically 40,000 to 70,000 SkyMiles after meeting minimum spend
• Earnings: 2x miles on Delta purchases; 2x at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
• Annual fee: $0 intro for first year, then $150
• Perks:
  • First checked bag free on Delta flights
  • Main Cabin 1 priority boarding
  • 20% back on in-flight purchases

Why we like it: It’s the sweet spot between value and perks. Perfect if you fly Delta a few times a year.

Also see our full guide to the best travel cards in 2025

2. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Best for: Travelers aiming for Medallion Status or who want a companion certificate.

• Bonus offer: Usually 50,000 to 90,000 SkyMiles
• Earnings: 3x miles on Delta; 2x at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
• Annual fee: $350
• Perks:
  • Annual companion certificate (domestic main cabin)
  • MQD Headstart: $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each year
  • Free checked bag + priority boarding

Why we like it: It pays for itself quickly if you use the companion certificate and fly a few times per year.

3. American Express® Gold Card (Not co-branded with Delta)

Best for: Foodies and travelers who want flexible rewards but still fly Delta often.

• Bonus offer: Around 60,000 points (Membership Rewards)
• Earnings: 4x at restaurants; 4x at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25k/year)
• Annual fee: $250
• Perks:
  • Transfer points to Delta SkyMiles (1:1 ratio)
  • Dining credits and Uber Cash

Why we like it: If you value dining and want more flexibility, this card lets you accumulate points and transfer to Delta or other partners.

Explore more Amex cards for travel here

Best Business Credit Cards for Delta Flights

1. Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

Best for: Small business owners who fly Delta occasionally.

• Bonus offer: Usually 50,000 to 70,000 SkyMiles
• Earnings: 2x on Delta, U.S. shipping, advertising, and dining
• Annual fee: $0 intro for first year, then $150
• Perks:
  • Free checked bag
  • Priority boarding
  • Employee cards with no extra fee

Why we like it: Simple, effective, and offers Delta perks while rewarding your business expenses.

2. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

Best for: Business travelers seeking Medallion Status and valuable perks.

• Bonus offer: Up to 90,000 SkyMiles
• Earnings: 3x on Delta, hotels; 1.5x on purchases over $5,000
• Annual fee: $350
• Perks:
  • Companion certificate
  • MQD Headstart
  • Lounge discount access

Why we like it: Great for high-spending business owners who travel Delta regularly and want more than just miles.

Noteworthy Extras for Delta Flyers

• Companion Certificates: Worth hundreds of dollars annually if you fly with a partner or friend.
• Delta Sky Club Access: Included only with the Delta Reserve cards. You can also get it with The Platinum Card® from American Express, but with stricter limits in 2025.
• Status Boosts: MQD Headstart and other features can speed up your path to elite status.
• Travel Insurance: All the Delta Amex cards include trip delay and baggage insurance — a must-have in 2025.

Comparison Summary: Which Card Is Best for You?

Here’s how to choose based on your travel style:

• Fly Delta 1-2 times/year: Go for the Delta Gold Amex (personal or business) for free bags and miles.
• Travel often + want status: Get the Delta Platinum Amex, especially if you can use the companion certificate.
• Want lounge access + upgrades: Consider the Delta Reserve Amex (not covered in depth here due to high fee).
• Prefer flexible rewards: Use the Amex Gold or Platinum card and transfer points to Delta.
• Own a business: Choose the business version of the Gold or Platinum card to earn from work travel + expenses.

Final Tips to Maximize Value

• Always book your Delta flights with your co-branded Delta Amex to trigger travel perks.
• Consider combining a Delta Amex with a flexible card (like Amex Gold or Chase Sapphire Preferred) to diversify your points.
• Track your MQDs and miles earned to optimize status qualification.
• Watch for special promotions or targeted offers that give extra miles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the best Delta credit card for beginners?
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers great perks like free checked bags and bonus miles without a high annual fee.

Can I get a Delta companion pass with any card?
Yes, both the Platinum and Reserve versions of the Delta Amex (personal or business) include an annual companion certificate.

Ready to Travel Smarter?

Want more tips like this? Sign up for our newsletter and get the best hacks for affordable luxury travel sent to your inbox.

Fly smarter. Earn more. Travel better.