Hello there! Thinking about the incredible partnership between American Express and Delta? It's one of the most talked-about alliances in the travel and finance industries, and for good reason. It's a huge deal for both companies, and the benefits they offer to cardholders are a significant part of the reason why. If you've ever wondered about the inner workings of this relationship, you've come to the right place. We're going to dive deep into the fascinating world of co-branded credit cards and uncover just how much American Express pays Delta.
Step 1: Understanding the Foundation of the Partnership
Before we can talk about the money, we need to understand the why. The partnership between American Express and Delta is a classic example of a co-branded credit card program. In simple terms, this means that American Express issues credit cards that carry the Delta brand name, and these cards are designed to reward customers who are loyal to Delta.
What's in it for Delta? For Delta, this partnership is a goldmine. It's a massive, reliable revenue stream that helps fund everything from new aircraft and airport lounge improvements to a stable financial footing. The co-branded cards encourage customers to fly with Delta, as their spending on the card earns them valuable SkyMiles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other perks.
What's in it for American Express? American Express gets to leverage Delta's huge customer base and brand loyalty. By offering cards that are directly tied to the airline, they attract a specific type of customer: the frequent traveler. These customers often have higher spending habits, which means more transaction fees for American Express. It also helps Amex differentiate its card offerings in a highly competitive market.
This symbiotic relationship is far more than just a marketing gimmick—it's a fundamental part of both companies' business models.
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| How Much Does American Express Pay Delta |
Step 2: Unpacking the Revenue from the Partnership
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So, how much money are we talking about? The numbers are staggering. While American Express doesn't disclose the exact, real-time figure they pay Delta, Delta's financial reports provide clear insights into this revenue stream.
Sub-heading: The Sky-High Numbers
Based on recent financial reports, the revenue from the American Express partnership is a critical component of Delta's bottom line. Here's a breakdown of what we know:
Billions of Dollars Annually: The partnership generates billions of dollars in revenue for Delta each year. In a single quarter, Delta can earn well over a billion dollars from this partnership alone. For example, in the June quarter of 2025, American Express remuneration was reported at $2 billion, a significant increase year-over-year.
A Major Percentage of Revenue: This isn't just pocket change. The loyalty program, which is largely driven by the American Express partnership, contributes a substantial portion of Delta's total revenue. The numbers show that the loyalty program can account for over a quarter of Delta's total revenue. In some quarters, this revenue is so significant that it can be the difference between a profitable quarter and an unprofitable one for the airline.
This revenue comes from several key sources, which we'll explore next.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Step 3: Breaking Down the Sources of Revenue
The money American Express pays Delta isn't a single lump sum. It's a complex system with multiple revenue streams that all feed into the partnership.
Sub-heading: Where the Money Comes From
Purchases on Co-Branded Cards: This is the most direct and largest source of revenue. Every time a Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholder uses their card to make a purchase, American Express earns a transaction fee (known as an interchange fee). A portion of this fee is then paid to Delta. The more people spend on their cards, the more money Delta makes.
Sale of SkyMiles: American Express purchases SkyMiles from Delta in bulk at a negotiated rate. They then distribute these miles to cardholders as a reward for their spending. The more miles Amex needs to buy to reward its cardholders, the more revenue Delta earns. This is a massive, ongoing transaction that keeps the partnership running.
Annual Card Fees: A portion of the annual fees that cardholders pay for their Delta SkyMiles American Express cards goes directly to Delta. This is particularly true for the premium cards with higher fees, like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, which often come with enhanced benefits like lounge access.
Promotional and Marketing Payments: American Express and Delta work together on marketing campaigns to acquire new cardholders. American Express likely pays Delta for marketing support and to be featured as the exclusive credit card partner on Delta's website and in its communications.
Step 4: The Impact on You, the Cardholder
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While the multi-billion dollar figures are fascinating, it's the result of this partnership that truly impacts you. This revenue stream allows Delta to invest in the very benefits that attract and retain cardholders.
Sub-heading: A Virtuous Cycle of Benefits
Enhanced Rewards and Benefits: The revenue from Amex allows Delta to offer benefits that would otherwise be unsustainable. Think about free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to the Delta Sky Club lounges. These are tangible, valuable benefits that are directly tied to the financial success of the partnership.
The Value of SkyMiles: The stability of the partnership means that the SkyMiles you earn have a reliable value. While the value of a mile can fluctuate, the strong financial backing from American Express helps maintain the integrity of the SkyMiles program.
Better Customer Experience: The partnership's revenue contributes to Delta's ability to invest in new technology, improved inflight services, and a better overall customer experience. This creates a more attractive airline for travelers, which in turn drives more spending on the co-branded cards. It's a cycle that benefits everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to get a Delta SkyMiles American Express card? You can apply for a Delta SkyMiles American Express card directly on the American Express or Delta Air Lines websites. You can also find them by comparing different credit card options on financial websites.
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How to use my Delta SkyMiles for a flight? To use your SkyMiles, simply log in to your Delta SkyMiles account on delta.com or the Fly Delta app. When searching for flights, select the "Shop with Miles" option. The system will show you the number of miles required for a ticket.
How to get free checked bags with a Delta Amex card? Most Delta SkyMiles American Express cards (excluding the Blue card) offer a first checked bag free benefit. Simply use your eligible card to book your Delta flight, and the benefit will be applied automatically to you and up to eight other passengers on the same reservation.
How to earn SkyMiles faster? To earn SkyMiles faster, you should use your Delta SkyMiles American Express card for all your Delta purchases, as these often earn more miles per dollar. Some cards also offer bonus miles on categories like dining or at U.S. supermarkets.
How to access Delta Sky Club lounges? Access to the Delta Sky Club lounges is a benefit of certain premium cards, like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. To get in, you need to show your valid card and a same-day Delta boarding pass. Note that there are sometimes restrictions on guest access and the number of times you can visit.
How to use the TakeOff 15 benefit? The "TakeOff 15" benefit, offered on some cards, provides a 15% discount when you book Award Travel with miles on Delta flights. The discount is automatically applied when you are logged into your SkyMiles account and select "Shop with Miles."
How to find my Delta SkyMiles account number? Your Delta SkyMiles account number is available on your online account profile on delta.com. You can also find it on your digital or physical SkyMiles card. If you're having trouble, you can call Delta's customer service for assistance.
How to get Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) from my card? Certain Delta SkyMiles American Express cards offer an MQD Headstart and/or MQD Boost. This means you can earn a fixed amount of MQDs or a certain amount of MQDs for every dollar spent on your card in a calendar year, helping you get closer to Medallion Status.
How to check my bonus offer eligibility? When applying for a new card, American Express has a feature called "Apply with Confidence" that allows you to see if you are approved for a card without a credit score impact. This can also help you see what welcome offer you may be eligible for before you fully commit.
How to use American Express Membership Rewards points for Delta flights? You can transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points to your Delta SkyMiles account. The transfer ratio is typically 1:1, but it's always a good idea to check for any special promotional offers. Once the points are in your SkyMiles account, you can use them to book flights on delta.com.
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