Delta and American Express have announced a suite of new benefits and a design refresh for their co-branded credit cards, effective June 2026. Most notably, these upgrades come without any increase to annual fees—a welcome surprise as fee hikes have become the norm in recent years.
Our Take
Good news for Delta loyalists and cardholders. In a market where card refreshes almost always mean higher annual fees, Delta and Amex are bucking the trend by adding value without extra cost. For frequent Delta flyers and those considering a new card, this is a rare win—especially as the new perks can easily offset the fee for many travelers.
What Changed
- New card designs for all Delta Amex cards (effective June 2026)
- Enhanced travel and lifestyle benefits added across the Delta Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards
- No increase to annual fees on any personal or business Delta Amex cards
- Some cards now offer expanded lounge access and statement credits for Delta purchases
Who Benefits Most
- Delta Reserve cardholders: With new lounge access perks and statement credits, a frequent flyer spending $5,000/year on Delta flights could see $200+ in added value—on top of the current 100,000 SkyMiles (~$1,200 by our valuation) welcome bonus.
- Delta Platinum cardholders: Travelers who check bags or spend on inflight purchases can now earn additional credits, potentially saving $100–$150 per year.
- Delta Gold cardholders: Occasional Delta flyers who value free checked bags and new travel protections get more for the same $0–$99 annual fee.
- Prospective applicants: With no fee hike and improved benefits, now is an opportune time to apply, especially as the current welcome offers are at or above their historical averages.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Non-Delta flyers: If you rarely fly Delta, these changes won’t add meaningful value—other flexible points cards may be a better fit.
- Travelers seeking premium lounge access: While lounge perks have improved, they still lag behind the top-tier Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve offerings.
- Those who don’t use airline credits: If you don’t check bags or spend on Delta inflight, you may not realize the full value of the new perks.
What To Do Right Now
- Review your current Delta Amex card benefits and compare them to the new perks effective June 2026.
- If you’re considering a new Delta Amex, check the current welcome offers—Delta Gold, Platinum, and Reserve all have strong bonuses, with the Platinum at 100,000 SkyMiles (~$1,200 value).
- Plan upcoming Delta travel to maximize new statement credits and lounge access.
- If you don’t fly Delta often, consider whether a flexible rewards card might offer better value for your spend.
