Is a $650 Credit Card Annual Fee Too Much? Here's Why I Think the Delta Reserve Is Worth It

Despite many changes made to the Delta Skymiles® Reserve American Express Card, its annual fee of $650 (View fees and fees) – I want to renew my account.

When I applied for the Delta Skymiles® Reserve Card US Express Card several years ago, it had unlimited access to the Delta Sky Clubs (flying with airlines) for a lower annual fee of $550.

At that time, it seemed like a great deal because I was a Delta Medallion Elite member and I flew with airlines and their Skyteam partners frequently. Paying directly to Sky Club membership is expensive – currently $695 – so getting this revitalization with a travel credit card, which also offers common flyer benefits.

Now, not good. Last year, Delta made some big changes to this card, which I don’t like.

Now, Kakams can only attend 15 visits to Sky Clubs a year unless they spend $75,000 on the card in one calendar year. The card’s annual fee has also increased from $550 per year to $650, which is almost as expensive as American Express’s Platinum Card®.

Most importantly, Delta has changed its loyalty program, so now you can only get elite status by paying for Medal Qualification Dollars (MQDs) based on spending. Regardless of these unfortunate changes, that’s why I decided to keep the card.

All delta reserves must be provided

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this DeltaSkymiles® Reserve American Express Card The earning rate remains the same, but I don’t use many cards I buy everyday. In addition to receiving generous welcome bonuses, cardholders of reserves earn 3x miles on purchases to purchase Delta, and other qualified expenses are 1x.

Cardholders also receive a range of included privileges when flying, including:

• When flying with Delta and paying with Amex card, you can enter the Amex Centurion Lounge
• Upgrade priority, annual companion certificate
• Global admission fee or TSA Precheck fee credit
• The first inspection bag is free
• 20% Back to Fly Buy
• Priority boarding in Area 5
• Some travel insurance benefits

Most Delta cardholders (including reserves) also receive a 15% reward redemption through the airline’s takeoff 15 program.

However, Delta and Amex have announced some new benefits to the card, which is scheduled to take effect in early 2024. These include:

• Medal Qualification USD Increase Credit Card Expenditure (1 MQD for purchases per $10)
• MQD Headstart and 2500 MQD
• Resy points per year ($20 per month)
• Priced at $240 per year ($10 per month)
• Enhanced annual companion certificate now includes destinations in the Caribbean and Central America
• $200 Delta keeps credit every year
• President Hertz’s Circle State
• Four times Delta Sky Club Guest Pass

MQD is your way of progress through Delta’s elite membership. It takes $5,000 of MQD to reach silver, $10,000 in gold, $15,000 in platinum, $28,000 in diamonds. Each level extends on the privileges provided by the previous tier. MQD is reset in each calendar year.

Why do I think the delta reserves are worth it

Although I’m not excited about paying $650 Annual fee For a Airline Credit CardI finally decided that I would get a lot of value for it. This is mainly because I will (and need to) use the Sky Club entry that comes with the card.

I also like my 2,500 MQD now through MQD HeadStart Fuels, which is part of the reason why I was able to win the Delta Medal Platinum identity this year.

Also, I found out early on that $200 Delta keeps credit easy to use. I’ve used mine for this calendar year because it applied my card even before I had the chance to renew. The Delta Booking Portal allows you to book hotels and resorts around the world. I used it for a stay before the cruise, and I earned $200 worth to get back to the card’s annual fee.

I’m also happy with the enhanced companion certificate. Previous versions of this privilege are only available for domestic flights. I don’t have a lot of flights in the US, but being able to travel to the Caribbean with this certificate ensures I can make good use of it.

Finally, I don’t mind that MQD’s improvement is not as valuable as previous programs. It still helps me win elite status.

How do I get the most out of my Delta Reserve Card

I visit Delta Sky Club at least every year and my estimated price is $50 per visit because I usually eat and have a few drinks every time. Although the average airport food was expensive and disappointing, I never had a regrettable meal at Sky Club.

This card also has guest passes four times a year, which is worth $50 for me because I can use them to bring my kids to the lounge (my husband has his own Delta Sky Club membership). When you add up my estimated 14 visits to Delta Sky Clubs, I’ll use a value of $700.

I also plan to make the most of this card with enhanced annual peer certificate and Delta credit.

I will also add my card to my multiplier account so that I can benefit from a $10 statement per month. I rarely ride with Uber or Lyft, so I haven’t done that yet.

Tips for getting enough value from a high-end travel card

If you want to know if you can get enough value from a high-end travel credit card to justify its annual fee, first evaluate its benefits and rewards.

For example, add up the values ​​of the privileges you can receive and see how much they are to you, then compare them to the annual fee and determine if it makes sense.

Most people know that high-end travel credit cards are for individuals who travel frequently and can take advantage of these benefits. If you rarely fly, you may not get much value from privileges like airport lounge access, elite status benefits, priority boarding or free check bags.

However, there is a variable that can make the most expensive card worth it in the short term. Most premium travel credit cards offer a large number Welcome offer Anyway, this can make the first year worth of the membership.

For example, the Delta Skymiles® Reserve American Express card provides 70,000 miles of new customers who spent $6,000 in eligible purchases within six months of card membership. Considering the Skymiles in the Delta are worth about 1.2 cents Insurance companiesthe bonus is worth $840 for air tickets.

Bottom line

I wish I didn’t have to pay $650 to get DeltaSkymiles® Reserve American Express Card for another year, but I ended up thinking the fee was worth it in the end.

Anyway, I never go to Sky Club more than 10 or 12 times a year, so the new limit won’t hurt me. Plus, the privilege of the new cardholder makes me more valuable as a consumer and elite member who have been working to ensure the status of the Delta medals for another year.

That is to say, there are other Delta credit cards that have lower annual fees. Make sure to compare the best cards from the Delta to find the right one, or if more flexibility is required, consider a quality travel credit card with transferable rewards.

*All information about Capital One Venture X credit card is collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

For the rates and fees of Delta Skymiles Reserve American Express card, please click here.