Do you currently carry a Delta SkyMiles American Express card and feel like your travel needs have evolved? Perhaps you're flying Delta more often, or maybe you're looking for more premium benefits like lounge access or higher status boosts. If so, then you're in the right place! Upgrading your Delta American Express card can unlock a world of enhanced travel perks and rewards, but it's crucial to understand the process and what to expect.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading your Delta American Express card, from checking your eligibility to enjoying your new benefits. Let's get started on your journey to a more rewarding travel experience!
The Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Ecosystem: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the upgrade process, it's helpful to understand the different tiers of Delta SkyMiles American Express cards. American Express generally offers four main tiers for personal and business Delta cards, each with increasing benefits and, consequently, higher annual fees:
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: A no-annual-fee option for casual Delta flyers.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: A popular choice for those who fly Delta occasionally, offering benefits like a free first checked bag and priority boarding.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Geared towards more frequent Delta flyers, adding benefits like an annual Companion Certificate and a path to Medallion Status.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: The premium offering, providing top-tier benefits such as Delta Sky Club access, enhanced upgrade priority, and a more valuable Companion Certificate.
Keep in mind that you can generally only upgrade within the same family of cards (e.g., from a Delta Gold to a Delta Platinum or Reserve). You cannot upgrade a Delta card to a Marriott card, for example.
Step 1: Discover Your "Why" – Why Do You Want to Upgrade?
Before you even think about hitting that "upgrade" button or calling American Express, let's get personal. What are your primary motivations for wanting to upgrade your Delta American Express card?
Are you:
Frustrated with baggage fees and wish you had a free checked bag every time you fly?
Dreaming of relaxing in a Delta Sky Club lounge before your flights?
Looking to accelerate your path to Delta Medallion Status?
Wanting a Companion Certificate to share your travel experiences with a loved one?
Simply looking for more premium travel perks to enhance your journeys?
Understanding your "why" is crucial because it will help you determine which higher-tier card best aligns with your travel habits and financial goals. Each card tier offers distinct benefits, and a clear understanding of your needs will prevent you from upgrading to a card that doesn't truly serve you.
Step 2: Checking Your Eligibility for an Upgrade
Once you have a clear idea of why you want to upgrade, the next logical step is to see if you're even eligible! American Express has specific criteria for card upgrades.
Sub-heading: Account in Good Standing
The most fundamental requirement is that your American Express account must be in good standing. This means:
You have consistently made your payments on time.
You have shown responsible credit use.
Sub-heading: Card Tenure
Generally, American Express prefers that you've had your current card open for at least a year before requesting an upgrade. While exceptions might exist, waiting a year helps you avoid potential penalties and ensures you're past any initial welcome offer periods for your current card.
Sub-heading: How to Check for Upgrade Offers
There are a few ways to check if American Express has a targeted upgrade offer for you:
Online Account Portal:
Log in to your American Express online account at americanexpress.com.
Navigate to the "Account Services" or "Card Management" tab.
Look for an "Offers" section or a direct prompt to upgrade your card. American Express often displays targeted upgrade offers here.
You might also see offers under the "Amex Offers and Benefits" tab.
American Express Mobile App:
Download and log in to the Amex Mobile app on your smartphone.
Check the "Offers" tab at the bottom of the page or look for notifications related to card upgrades.
Direct Mail or Email:
American Express occasionally sends out targeted upgrade offers via physical mail or email. Keep an eye on your mailbox and inbox for such communications.
Contacting American Express Customer Service:
If you don't see any online offers but believe you might be eligible, the most direct approach is to call the customer service number on the back of your current Delta American Express card.
You can also use the online chat feature within your American Express account, though you might still be asked to call in depending on your specific situation. A representative can check your eligibility and discuss available upgrade paths.
Important Note on Welcome Offers: When you upgrade an existing card, you typically won't receive a new welcome offer that's available for new applicants of the higher-tier card. American Express generally restricts welcome offers for those who have already had the card or are upgrading within the same product family. However, sometimes American Express does send targeted upgrade offers that include a bonus – so it's always worth checking for those specific promotions! If you prioritize a welcome bonus, you might consider applying for a new card entirely rather than upgrading, but be mindful of credit inquiries and eligibility rules.
Step 3: Understanding the Benefits and Annual Fees of the Higher Tier
This is where your "why" from Step 1 becomes critical. Once you know which higher-tier cards you're eligible for, it's time to deeply compare their benefits and annual fees. An upgrade almost always comes with a higher annual fee, so you want to ensure the value of the new benefits outweighs this increased cost.
Let's look at the typical progression:
Sub-heading: Upgrading from Delta SkyMiles® Gold to Platinum
Annual Fee Difference: The Delta Gold has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150. The Delta Platinum has a $350 annual fee.
Key New Benefits (Platinum over Gold):
Annual Companion Certificate: A hugely valuable perk, allowing you to bring a companion on a round-trip Main Cabin flight within the U.S. (and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America on newer versions of the card) for just the cost of taxes and fees.
Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) Boost: Earn MQDs from your card spending, helping you achieve Delta Medallion Status faster. (e.g., $1 MQD for every $20 in eligible purchases).
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Reimbursement for the application fee for one of these expedited airport security programs.
Increased Earning Rates: Often higher miles per dollar on Delta purchases and sometimes on other categories like hotel purchases.
Statement Credits: Newer versions of the Platinum card may offer Resy credits, rideshare credits, and Delta Stays credits, which can significantly offset the annual fee if utilized.
Complimentary Upgrade List: You'll be added to the complimentary upgrade list after Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
Sub-heading: Upgrading from Delta SkyMiles® Platinum to Reserve
Annual Fee Difference: The Delta Platinum has a $350 annual fee. The Delta Reserve has a $650 annual fee.
Key New Benefits (Reserve over Platinum):
Delta Sky Club® Access: A primary draw for many, offering complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta (currently 15 visits per year, with unlimited access after spending $75,000 in a calendar year).
Centurion Lounge Access: When flying Delta the same day.
Enhanced Companion Certificate: The Reserve Companion Certificate is valid for First Class and Comfort+ in addition to Main Cabin, offering greater flexibility and value.
Accelerated MQD Boost: Earn MQDs at a faster rate than the Platinum card (e.g., $1 MQD for every $10 in eligible purchases).
Highest Upgrade Priority: Receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion tier and fare class grouping.
Higher Statement Credits: Newer Reserve cards may offer higher Resy, rideshare, and Delta Stays credits compared to the Platinum.
Calculate Your Value: Take the time to estimate how much value you'll get from the new benefits. For example, if the Companion Certificate saves you hundreds of dollars annually, or if lounge access is a must-have for your travel style, the higher annual fee might be well worth it.
Step 4: Initiating the Upgrade Process
Once you've done your research and decided on the upgrade, the process itself is generally straightforward.
Sub-heading: Online vs. Phone
Online (If Available): If you received a targeted upgrade offer through your online American Express account or the Amex app, you can usually complete the upgrade directly there with just a few clicks. This is often the quickest and easiest method.
Phone (Most Common): If you don't see an online offer, or if you prefer to speak with a representative, call the customer service number on the back of your Delta American Express card. Be prepared to:
State your intention to upgrade your card.
Confirm your identity.
Discuss the specific Delta SkyMiles card you wish to upgrade to.
Ask any lingering questions about benefits, annual fees, or the timing of the change.
Sub-heading: What to Expect During the Call
The representative will check your eligibility.
They will inform you of the new annual fee and the effective date of the change.
They will confirm that your account number typically remains the same when upgrading, and your credit limit also generally stays the same.
They will explain when your new card will arrive in the mail (usually within 7-10 business days).
Crucially, your existing card will usually continue to work until you activate your new card. You'll also start earning rewards at the new card's rate immediately upon approval of the upgrade, even before the physical card arrives.
Step 5: Post-Upgrade Considerations and Enjoying Your New Benefits
Congratulations, you've upgraded your Delta American Express card! Now, it's time to make the most of your enhanced travel experience.
Sub-heading: Activating Your New Card
Once your new card arrives in the mail, activate it immediately. This will ensure you can fully utilize all the new benefits and features.
Sub-heading: Understanding Your Annual Fee
Be aware of when your new, higher annual fee will be charged. American Express typically charges the annual fee on your next statement after the upgrade.
Remember the 30-day grace period: If you decide the upgraded card isn't right for you within 30 days of the annual fee being charged, you can often downgrade and receive a full refund of the annual fee. After this period, a prorated refund may apply.
Sub-heading: Maximizing Your New Benefits
Companion Certificate: If your new card includes a Companion Certificate (like the Platinum or Reserve), understand its terms and conditions. These certificates typically have limitations on eligible destinations and fare classes. Plan your travel accordingly to maximize their value.
Lounge Access: If you upgraded to the Reserve card, familiarize yourself with the Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access policies, including guest policies and any spending requirements for unlimited Sky Club access.
MQD Boost: Track your spending to see how it contributes to your Medallion Qualification Dollars, bringing you closer to elite status.
Statement Credits: Enroll in any eligible statement credit offers (Resy, rideshare, Delta Stays, etc.) as soon as possible and make a plan to utilize them throughout the year to offset your annual fee. Enrollment is often required for these credits.
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: If your new card offers a fee credit, apply for or renew your membership and pay with your upgraded card to receive the statement credit.
Updated Earning Rates: Be mindful of your new earning rates for different spending categories and adjust your spending habits to maximize mile accumulation.
Sub-heading: Impact on Credit Score
Generally, upgrading an existing credit card with the same issuer (like Amex) does not result in a hard credit inquiry. This means there's typically no direct impact on your credit score from the upgrade itself. You maintain your existing credit history and account age.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Delta American Express card can be a fantastic way to unlock significant travel benefits and enhance your flying experience with Delta. By carefully considering your travel needs, understanding the different card tiers, checking your eligibility, and being aware of the associated fees and benefits, you can make an informed decision that truly elevates your journey. Enjoy your upgraded perks and happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if I am eligible to upgrade my Delta American Express card?
You can check for upgrade offers by logging into your American Express online account or mobile app, navigating to the "Offers" or "Card Management" section. If no offers are displayed, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card to inquire about eligibility.
How to upgrade my Delta American Express card without a hard inquiry on my credit report?
Upgrading an existing American Express card, especially within the same family of cards, typically does not involve a hard credit inquiry. The issuer usually performs a soft inquiry, which does not impact your credit score.
How to find out the annual fee for an upgraded Delta American Express card?
The annual fee for the upgraded card will be clearly communicated by American Express when you receive an upgrade offer online or when you speak with a customer service representative. You can also find the current annual fees for all Delta Amex cards on the American Express website.
How to transfer my existing miles when I upgrade my Delta American Express card?
When you upgrade your Delta American Express card, your SkyMiles account number typically remains the same, and your existing miles are already linked to that account. Therefore, there's no need to "transfer" miles; they will simply continue to accumulate under your existing SkyMiles number with the new card.
How to know if upgrading my Delta American Express card is worth the higher annual fee?
To determine if an upgrade is worth it, compare the value of the new benefits (e.g., Companion Certificate, lounge access, MQD boost, statement credits) to the increase in the annual fee. If the value you anticipate receiving from the new benefits exceeds the additional cost, then it's likely a worthwhile upgrade for you.
How to use the Companion Certificate after upgrading to a Delta Platinum or Reserve card?
Once your new card is active, your Companion Certificate will usually appear in your Delta SkyMiles account online after your card renewal. You can then redeem it for eligible round-trip flights within the specified regions (U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, Central America for Platinum; also First Class/Comfort+ for Reserve) on delta.com.
How to activate my new Delta American Express card after an upgrade?
Your new card will arrive in the mail with activation instructions. You can typically activate it online through your American Express account or by calling the activation phone number provided on the card or in the accompanying materials.
How to ensure I get a welcome offer when upgrading my Delta American Express card?
Generally, you do not receive a new welcome offer when you upgrade an existing American Express card, unless you receive a specific, targeted upgrade offer that includes a bonus. If a welcome offer is a priority, consider applying for a new card instead of upgrading, but be aware of the credit inquiry and Amex's once-per-lifetime bonus rules.
How to downgrade my Delta American Express card if I'm not satisfied with the upgrade?
If you're not satisfied with your upgraded card, you can typically downgrade it by contacting American Express customer service. If you do so within 30 days of the new annual fee being charged, you may receive a full refund of that fee. After 30 days, a prorated refund may apply.
How to contact American Express customer service for Delta SkyMiles card upgrades?
You can contact American Express customer service by calling the number on the back of your Delta SkyMiles American Express card. For personal cards, the general customer service number is often 1-800-528-4800. For business cards, it's typically 1-800-492-3344. You can also use the online chat feature.
