Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Review: Key Benefits Explained

 

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is a premium card option designed specifically for small business owners who frequently travel and are loyal to Delta Air Lines. With a high annual fee, this card might not be for everyone, but it offers an array of perks and benefits certainly worth considering for those who frequently fly with Delta.

Currently, the card is offering a welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership. While this isn’t the highest welcome offer seen on this card, it still provides an excellent incentive for new cardholders. In addition to earning miles on spending, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card also comes with other valuable benefits, such as airport lounge access, priority boarding, and a companion certificate.

Frequent Delta flyers will find this card especially beneficial, as its many features are tailored to enhance the travel experience on this airline. However, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the annual fee to determine if the card is a good fit for your business’s needs and your individual travel preferences.

Card Features and Benefits

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card offers a variety of features and benefits tailored to frequent Delta flyers. Among its key offerings are its Delta-specific travel perks, accelerated rewards for Delta expenses, and flexible redemption options.

One of the primary benefits of this card is the ability to earn SkyMiles quickly. Cardholders receive 3x Miles per dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases, and 1x Mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. The card also comes with a generous welcome bonus, allowing new members to jump-start their rewards-earning potential.

In addition to accelerated rewards earning, the card offers numerous Delta-specific perks that can enhance the travel experience for cardholders. These include:

  • Complimentary Delta Sky Club access
  • Complimentary first checked bag
  • Priority boarding
  • 20% savings on in-flight purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit
  • Annual Companion Certificate (subject to terms and conditions)

Furthermore, cardholders enjoy flexible redemption options for their SkyMiles, including using them to book flights, seat upgrades, or even pay for vacation packages. These features make the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Credit Card an attractive option for business owners who frequently travel with Delta and want to maximize their rewards and benefits.

Annual Fee and Interest Rates

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card comes with a substantial annual fee of $550. This may seem pricey, but it is important to weigh the value of benefits the card offers against this fee to determine if it is a good fit for your business and travel needs.

When it comes to interest rates, the card has a variable APR based on your creditworthiness, with a range of rates. As of 2023, the variable APR for purchases is between 15.99% and 22.99%, depending on your credit score and other factors.

To help illustrate the key rates and fees associated with this card, here is a brief summary:

  • Annual Fee: $550
  • Variable Purchase APR: 15.99% – 22.99%
  • Balance Transfer Fee: $5, or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance Fee: $10, or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Given the substantial annual fee, it’s crucial to ensure that you will take advantage of the card’s exclusive benefits and rewards for frequent Delta flyers. This will help you determine if the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is the right choice for your business and travel preferences.

Pros and Cons

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is an excellent choice for business travelers who frequently fly with Delta Air Lines. This section highlights the pros and cons of the card to provide a balanced perspective.

Pros:

  • Lounge Access: Cardholders enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Club® and American Express Centurion Lounges, offering a comfortable space to relax, work or dine before flights.
  • Annual Companion Certificate: Each year upon renewal, cardholders receive a Companion Certificate for domestic first-class, Delta Comfort+® or main cabin round-trip travel within the contiguous 48 United States.
  • Generous rewards: Earn 3x SkyMiles per dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases and 1x SkyMiles on all other eligible purchases.
  • Status Boost: Earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $30,000 in purchases, up to four times a year. This helps to achieve a higher Medallion Status, leading to more benefits.

Cons:

  • High annual fee: The card comes with a hefty $550 annual fee, which may deter some potential applicants.
  • Limited rewards on non-Delta purchases: Cardholders only earn 1x SkyMiles on purchases not made with Delta, making rewards accumulation slower for those who don’t exclusively spend with the airline.
  • Niche target audience: The card’s benefits are primarily designed for frequent Delta flyers, meaning it may not be the best option for business travelers who don’t consistently fly with Delta.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. However, it’s important to note that approval is not solely based on credit score; factors such as income, payment history, and debt levels may also be considered during the application process.

Applying for the card can be done online through the American Express website. Be prepared to provide your business’s basic information, such as the legal entity name, federal Tax ID number, and industry type. Additionally, you’ll need to supply your personal information, including your full name, Social Security number, and home address.

During the application process, American Express may ask for additional information to verify your business or verify your financial standing. This could include documentation on business revenue or proof of your personal income. It’s important to respond promptly to these requests, as delays may affect the decision on your application.

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll typically receive a decision within seconds. Nevertheless, in some cases, the process may take a few days or even up to a few weeks, especially if more information is required for verification purposes.

Comparing to Similar Cards

When evaluating the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, it’s important to compare it to other similar credit cards in the market. Here are a few cards that stand out for their comparable features and benefits:

  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
  • United℠ Explorer Business Card
  • American Express® Business Platinum Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card also caters to frequent Delta flyers but comes with a lower annual fee. This card offers various perks, like free checked luggage and Zone 1 Priority Boarding. However, the Platinum version does not include lounge access or the annual companion certificate, which are exclusive to the Reserve card.

For those leaning more towards another airline option, the United℠ Explorer Business Card is worth considering. This card offers benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and two United Club℠ one-time passes per year. Although United℠ Explorer Business Card lacks the elite status boost and yearly companion ticket, it has a more accessible annual fee compared to the Delta Reserve Business AmEx.

Lastly, the American Express® Business Platinum Card offers a more comprehensive travel rewards program, with access to various airline lounges, including Delta Sky Club® when flying on Delta. It also provides a higher rewards rate on travel expenses, statement credits for select purchases, and valuable travel-related perks. However, the card comes with a substantial annual fee and primarily benefits those who travel across multiple airlines, rather than being focused on Delta-specific benefits.

In summary, each card offers unique features and benefits targeted at different segments of frequent travelers. It’s essential to analyze these offerings and consider factors like annual fees, lounge access, travel rewards, and additional perks when deciding which card is the best fit for your specific needs and travel habits.

Conclusion

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card is a premium card designed for small business owners who frequently travel with Delta. While the annual fee may be high, the card’s benefits and perks can provide great value for loyal Delta flyers.

With valuable welcome bonuses and an impressive earning rate on Delta purchases, this card can help business owners accumulate SkyMiles and elevate their travel experience. The complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges and Centurion Lounges adds extra comfort for travelers.

Reaching spending thresholds with the card can also lead to significant bonuses in the form of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), which can help cardholders achieve elite status with Delta faster.

While not suitable for everyone, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card is an excellent choice for small business owners who prioritize traveling with Delta and seek the various benefits it provides to enhance their travel experience.

 

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