Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 21.49%-30.49% variable
• Rewards: 2X Delta, 2X restaurants, 1X everything else
• Bonus: 10,000 bonus miles after $500 in purchases in 3 months
• Best For: Occasional Delta flyers who want to earn SkyMiles without paying an annual fee
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is the no-annual-fee entry point into the Delta co-branded card lineup. It earns 2X miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide, and 1X on everything else. The 10,000-mile welcome bonus after just $500 in spending in three months has a very low barrier to entry, making it accessible for light Delta travelers.

While the card lacks the premium perks of higher-tier Delta cards like free checked bags or priority boarding, it serves a clear purpose: earning Delta SkyMiles on everyday spending without an annual fee. The no foreign transaction fee benefit is notable for a no-fee card and makes it useful for international dining. Points earned go directly into your Delta SkyMiles account and can be used for award flights, upgrades, or Delta experiences.

This card is best for someone who flies Delta a few times per year, enjoys dining out, and wants to accumulate SkyMiles steadily over time. It pairs well with a general-purpose travel card, handling Delta-specific purchases while your primary card covers other categories at higher rates.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 21.49%-30.49% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: N/A
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: Your APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. American Express does not charge a penalty APR on this product.

Benefits Overview

SkyMiles Earning

• 2X miles on Delta purchases
• 2X miles at restaurants worldwide
• 1X miles on all other eligible purchases
• Miles deposited directly into your SkyMiles account

Travel Benefits

• No foreign transaction fees
• Pay-with-miles option to cover part of Delta ticket cost
• SkyMiles do not expire
• No blackout dates on Delta award flights

Entertainment and Shopping

• 20% back as a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases
• Access to Amex Offers for select merchants
• ShopRunner membership for free 2-day shipping

Rewards & Points

• 2X miles on Delta purchases
• 2X miles at restaurants worldwide
• 1X miles on all other eligible purchases

Delta SkyMiles can be redeemed for award flights on Delta and partner airlines, seat upgrades, Delta Vacations packages, and Delta experiences. SkyMiles never expire and there are no blackout dates for award travel on Delta-operated flights.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you make $500 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months of card membership. While a modest bonus, the $500 spending requirement is among the lowest available, making it easy to earn. These miles can be worth approximately $100 to $130 toward a domestic Delta flight.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Occasional Delta flyers who want to earn SkyMiles on a few flights per year
• Dining-focused earners who eat out frequently and want 2X miles at restaurants
• No-fee card seekers who do not want to pay an annual fee for an airline card
• International diners who benefit from no foreign transaction fees at restaurants abroad

Not Good For

• Frequent Delta flyers who would benefit from free checked bags and priority boarding on higher cards
• Heavy spenders who want higher earning rates and premium travel benefits
• Non-Delta travelers who fly multiple airlines and prefer flexible travel points

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee makes it free to hold indefinitely
• 2X miles on Delta purchases and restaurants is competitive for a no-fee card
• No foreign transaction fees
• Very low $500 spending requirement for the welcome bonus
• 20% back on eligible Delta in-flight purchases
• SkyMiles never expire
• No blackout dates on Delta award flights
• Good gateway card into the Delta co-branded lineup
• Straightforward earning structure easy to understand

Cons

• 10,000-mile welcome bonus is small compared to other airline cards
• No free checked bag, priority boarding, or other flight-day perks
• 1X base rate on non-bonus purchases is below average
• No Medallion Qualification boosts or status benefits
• Cannot earn elite status or elite qualifying miles through spending
• Limited travel insurance and purchase protections
• Miles are locked into the Delta ecosystem
• No companion certificate or annual travel credits

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Total estimated first-year value: $429 including the 10,000-mile welcome bonus at $130. Based on Delta SkyMiles at approximately 1.3 cents each.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You fly Delta a few times per year and want to earn SkyMiles without a fee
• You dine out regularly and want 2X miles at restaurants
• You want a no-annual-fee airline card with no foreign transaction fees
• You are new to the Delta SkyMiles program and want a risk-free entry
• You use SkyMiles for occasional domestic award flights

You Should Skip It If...

• You fly Delta frequently and would save more with free checked bags on the Gold card
• You want a substantial welcome bonus worth hundreds of dollars
• You need higher earning rates beyond 2X on non-restaurant spending
• You want any kind of Medallion status benefits or companion perks
• You prefer flexible travel points over airline-specific miles

Apply Now

Apply for Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card

Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.