The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a travel rewards credit card designed specifically for those who frequently fly with Delta Airlines. It offers numerous benefits, particularly for individuals who are looking to earn rewards in the form of miles, which can be redeemed for future flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. This card is a great entry-level option for those seeking to enjoy travel perks without paying a high annual fee. Let’s dive deeper into the features, benefits, and the application process for this card.
Key Features of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
1. Earning SkyMiles: One of the primary benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is its ability to earn SkyMiles on every purchase. These miles can be used for a variety of rewards, including flights, seat upgrades, and even everyday purchases. Here’s a breakdown of how you can earn SkyMiles with this card:
- 2 Miles per dollar on purchases made directly with Delta (including flight tickets, baggage fees, and in-flight purchases).
- 1 Mile per dollar on all other purchases. This is a solid earning rate for a card with a low annual fee, especially for general everyday purchases.
2. No Annual Fee: One of the most attractive features of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is that it comes with no annual fee. This is ideal for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a travel rewards card without the financial commitment that comes with higher-end cards, which can have annual fees of $95 or more.
3. Welcome Offer: For new cardholders, Delta offers an enticing welcome bonus. While the specific offer may vary, the card generally provides 10,000 bonus miles after you spend a certain amount (e.g., $500) within the first three months of opening your account. This bonus is a great way to kickstart your SkyMiles balance and get closer to booking your next Delta flight.
4. Introductory 0% APR on Purchases: For those looking to make large purchases in the first few months, the card offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months. After that, the standard APR will apply, but the 0% introductory offer can be especially useful for spreading out payments without incurring interest charges initially.
5. Miles Don’t Expire: SkyMiles earned with the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. This is a significant advantage over some other frequent flyer programs, where miles can expire after a period of inactivity.
6. No Foreign Transaction Fees: For travelers who go abroad, the no foreign transaction fees benefit is a key feature of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. Many credit cards charge a fee of 2-3% for foreign purchases, but this card allows you to make purchases abroad without worrying about additional costs.
7. Travel Protection Benefits: Though not as robust as the benefits offered by premium travel cards, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card still offers several travel-related protections:
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Provides coverage for theft or damage to a rental car when using the card to pay for the rental.
- Baggage Insurance Plan: In the unfortunate event that your baggage is lost or delayed, the card provides coverage for eligible expenses.
- Access to Travel Assistance: The card includes a 24/7 global assistance hotline for travelers who need help during their trips.
How to Apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Applying for the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is straightforward and can be done online. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
1. Check Eligibility: Before applying for the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, it’s important to ensure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old (or 21, depending on your state).
- You must have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- You should have a good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or higher).
2. Gather Required Information: You’ll need to provide some personal and financial information during the application process. This includes:
- Your full name, address, and phone number.
- Your email address.
- Your Social Security number.
- Employment information (employer’s name, your annual income, etc.).
3. Visit the Application Page: To begin the application process, visit the official American Express website or the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card landing page. On this page, you’ll find a button or link to start the application.
4. Fill Out the Application: Once you’ve navigated to the application page, you’ll need to fill out the online form with your personal and financial details. Make sure all the information you provide is accurate and up to date to avoid any delays in the approval process.
5. Submit Your Application: After completing the form, review all the details to ensure there are no errors. Then, submit your application. In most cases, you’ll receive an immediate decision on your approval status. If additional review is needed, it may take a few business days.
6. Wait for Your Card: If you’re approved, you should receive your new Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card in the mail within 7-10 business days. Once you’ve activated the card, you can start using it for everyday purchases and begin earning SkyMiles immediately.
Additional Benefits and Considerations
While the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a great option for budget-conscious travelers, it does come with a few limitations:
- No Complimentary Airport Lounge Access: Unlike higher-tier Delta co-branded cards, the SkyMiles® Blue card does not offer complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges.
- Limited Travel Perks: While the card does provide travel-related protections, the benefits are not as comprehensive as those offered by premium travel credit cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
Conclusion
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is an excellent choice for those who frequently fly with Delta Airlines or want to earn SkyMiles for everyday spending. Its no annual fee, solid rewards earning structure, and travel protections make it an attractive option for frequent flyers or individuals who are new to travel rewards credit cards.
If you’re someone who enjoys flying with Delta, the card can help you accumulate miles and unlock travel perks, all while keeping costs low with the lack of an annual fee. Whether you’re booking your next flight or just purchasing everyday items, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card can be a valuable tool for building your rewards balance. So, if you’re looking to travel smarter, applying for the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card might just be the next step in your journey.
