So, You Want to Unlock a World of Travel with American Express and Delta SkyMiles? Let's Get Started!
Ever dreamt of that spontaneous weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, all thanks to your credit card points? You're in the right place! Linking your American Express card to your Delta SkyMiles account is not just about earning miles; it's about unlocking a suite of exclusive travel benefits that can significantly enhance your flying experience. Whether you're a casual traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, understanding this link can put countless exciting journeys within your reach.
Ready to transform your everyday spending into unforgettable travel memories? Let's dive in!
Understanding the Relationship: American Express and Delta SkyMiles
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand the two key players:
Delta SkyMiles: This is Delta Air Lines' frequent flyer program. As a SkyMiles member, you earn "miles" (points) when you fly with Delta or its partners, use co-branded Delta SkyMiles American Express cards, or engage with other Delta partners (like Starbucks or Uber). These miles can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, Delta Vacations, and more. A fantastic perk? Delta SkyMiles never expire!
American Express (Amex): Amex offers various credit cards, some of which are co-branded directly with Delta, and others that earn Membership Rewards points. Membership Rewards are a flexible currency that can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, including Delta SkyMiles.
There are two primary ways to "link" American Express to Delta SkyMiles:
Having a Delta SkyMiles American Express Co-Branded Card: These cards are designed specifically for Delta loyalists, automatically earning SkyMiles on your purchases and often coming with direct Delta travel benefits.
Transferring American Express Membership Rewards Points to Delta SkyMiles: If you have an Amex card that earns Membership Rewards (like the Platinum, Gold, or Green Card), you can convert these points into SkyMiles.
This guide will cover both scenarios to ensure you're fully equipped to maximize your rewards!
Step 1: Confirm Your Delta SkyMiles Account Status (Engage!)
Alright, let's kick things off with a quick check! Do you already have a Delta SkyMiles account?
"Yes, I do!" Fantastic! Head straight to Step 2.
"No, I don't, or I'm not sure." No worries at all! Creating one is quick, easy, and absolutely free. It's your gateway to earning and redeeming miles, so it's the first essential step.
Sub-heading: How to Create a Delta SkyMiles Account
Visit the Delta SkyMiles Website: Open your web browser and go to
delta.com.Look for "SkyMiles" or "Join Now": Typically, you'll find a link in the top right corner of the homepage. Click on it.
Fill Out the Enrollment Form: You'll need to provide some basic personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, and email. Make sure your name exactly matches the name on your American Express card(s) to avoid any issues later.
Create Your Login Credentials: You'll choose a user ID and a strong password.
Review and Confirm: Read the terms and conditions, and once you agree, submit your application. You'll usually receive your SkyMiles number instantly. Keep this number handy!
Step 2: Identify Your American Express Card Type
Now, let's look at your American Express card. The process of linking or utilizing your points differs based on whether you have a Delta co-branded Amex card or a general American Express Membership Rewards card.
Sub-heading: If You Have a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card
If you possess a card like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (or their business equivalents), good news! Your card is already inherently linked to your Delta SkyMiles account.
Automatic Mile Earning: When you make eligible purchases with these cards, the SkyMiles you earn are automatically deposited into your linked Delta SkyMiles account. You don't need to do any separate "linking" process.
Direct Benefits: Many benefits of these cards, such as free first checked bags, priority boarding, and discounted award travel (like the "TakeOff 15" benefit for Gold, Platinum, and Reserve card members), are automatically applied when you use your card and your SkyMiles number is associated with your booking. Just ensure the name on your Amex card matches your SkyMiles account name.
Sub-heading: If You Have an American Express Membership Rewards Card
If you have a card that earns American Express Membership Rewards points, such as:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Green Card
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
...then you'll be transferring your Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles. This is where the "linking" truly happens.
Step 3: Linking Your Membership Rewards Account to Delta SkyMiles (for non-Delta co-branded cards)
This is the core process for converting your flexible Amex points into Delta miles.
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Points
Log In to Your American Express Account: Go to
americanexpress.comand log in with your User ID and password.Navigate to the Membership Rewards Section:
Once logged in, look for a "Rewards" or "Membership Rewards" tab or section. This is usually prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
Click on it to access your Membership Rewards account summary.
Find "Transfer Points":
Within the Membership Rewards portal, look for an option like "Transfer Points," "Travel with Points," or "Airline Partners."
You might find this under a menu like "Earn and Redeem" or "Use Points."
Select Delta SkyMiles as Your Transfer Partner:
You'll see a list of airline and hotel loyalty programs. Find and select "Delta SkyMiles®".
Important Note: The transfer ratio for American Express Membership Rewards to Delta SkyMiles is typically 1,000 Membership Rewards points = 1,000 SkyMiles. This is a favorable 1:1 transfer ratio, though it's always good to double-check the current terms on the Amex website.
Also note: American Express charges a small excise tax offset fee for transfers to U.S.-based airlines like Delta. This fee is $0.0006 per point, capped at $99. For example, transferring 100,000 points would incur a $6.00 fee.
Link Your Delta SkyMiles Account:
If this is your first time transferring to Delta, you will be prompted to link your Delta SkyMiles account.
You'll need to enter your Delta SkyMiles number and potentially your last name as it appears on your Delta account.
Double-check this information carefully! An incorrect number means your miles won't go to your account.
Crucial Tip: The name on your American Express Membership Rewards account must match the name on your Delta SkyMiles account. If there's a discrepancy (e.g., a middle initial vs. full middle name), you might encounter issues. Contact Amex or Delta customer service if you face this.
Enter the Transfer Amount:
Specify how many Membership Rewards points you wish to transfer.
Transfers are usually required in specific increments, often 1,000 points.
Consider your travel goals: Do you need enough for a specific award flight, or are you just topping up your account? Transferring only what you need is generally recommended, as points transfers are almost always final and irreversible.
Review and Confirm the Transfer:
Before finalizing, you'll see a summary of your transfer, including the number of Membership Rewards points, the equivalent SkyMiles, and any applicable fees.
Read this carefully! Once you confirm, the transfer cannot be undone.
Click "Confirm" or "Submit Request" to complete the transfer.
Wait for Points to Post:
Most American Express to Delta SkyMiles transfers are instant or happen within 30 minutes. However, it's wise to allow up to 24-48 hours for the miles to appear in your Delta SkyMiles account, especially during peak times.
You can log into your Delta SkyMiles account at
delta.comor through the Fly Delta app to verify the miles have posted.
Step 4: Maximizing Your Benefits and Understanding Redemptions
Now that your American Express points are linked (either directly through a co-branded card or by transfer), let's talk about how to get the most out of them!
Sub-heading: Key Benefits of a Linked Amex & Delta Relationship
Faster Mile Earning: Co-branded Delta Amex cards often offer accelerated earning rates on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. restaurants.
"TakeOff 15" Discount: Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, and Reserve American Express Card Members can save 15% when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights on delta.com or the Fly Delta app. This is a significant saving!
Free First Checked Bag: A common perk for Delta SkyMiles Amex cardholders, saving you money on baggage fees for yourself and companions on the same reservation.
Priority Boarding: Get on the plane sooner with dedicated priority boarding groups, a benefit for many Delta Amex cardholders.
Delta Sky Club Access: Higher-tier Delta Amex cards (like the Platinum and Reserve) often provide complimentary or discounted access to Delta Sky Clubs, offering a more comfortable airport experience.
Companion Certificates: Select Delta Amex cards offer annual Companion Certificates, allowing a second passenger to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees.
MQD Boost & Waivers: Some Delta Amex cards can help you earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) towards elite status, or even waive MQD requirements entirely for lower tiers, making it easier to achieve Delta Medallion Status.
Sub-heading: Redeeming Your Delta SkyMiles
Once your miles are in your SkyMiles account, you can redeem them for:
Award Flights: The most popular redemption. Search for flights on delta.com and select "Shop with Miles." The number of miles required is dynamic and varies based on demand, route, and cabin class.
Upgrades: Use miles to upgrade to a higher cabin class on existing Delta tickets.
Delta Vacations: Redeem miles for packages that include flights and hotel stays.
Other Travel Options: Pay for seat selection, in-flight meals, or excess baggage with miles.
Gift Cards, Merchandise, and More: While generally not the best value, you have other options to redeem miles if travel isn't immediately on the horizon.
Conclusion: Unlock Your Travel Potential!
By strategically linking your American Express cards to your Delta SkyMiles account, you're not just collecting points; you're building a pathway to more rewarding and enjoyable travel experiences. Whether you're leveraging the automatic benefits of a co-branded card or the flexibility of Membership Rewards transfers, the synergy between Amex and Delta is a powerful tool for any traveler. So, go forth, earn those miles, and embark on your next adventure!
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to...
Here are some quick answers to common questions about linking American Express and Delta SkyMiles:
How to check my Delta SkyMiles balance? Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account at
delta.comor via the Fly Delta app. Your mileage balance will be prominently displayed on your dashboard.How to find my Delta SkyMiles number? Your SkyMiles number is typically found by logging into your Delta account online, on your digital or physical SkyMiles card, or on any past Delta boarding passes.
How to know if my American Express card is co-branded with Delta? Co-branded Delta cards will explicitly have "Delta SkyMiles" and the Delta logo on the card itself, usually along with the American Express branding.
How to transfer Amex Membership Rewards to a different airline? Log in to your Amex account, go to the Membership Rewards section, click "Transfer Points," and select your desired airline partner from the list.
How to combine multiple Delta SkyMiles accounts? Delta offers a process to merge duplicate SkyMiles accounts. You can find instructions and a request form in the "Help Center" or "SkyMiles Support" section of the Delta website.
How to use my Amex Delta card benefits like free checked bags? Ensure your Delta SkyMiles number is attached to your reservation when booking. The benefit is typically applied automatically at check-in when using your eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express card to pay for the flight (or simply having the card in your profile).
How to get the "TakeOff 15" discount on Delta flights? Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account on
delta.comor the Fly Delta app, select "Shop with Miles" when searching for flights, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout for eligible award travel.How to contact American Express customer service for rewards inquiries? You can find the customer service number on the back of your Amex card or by logging into your online account and looking for the "Contact Us" section.
How to tell if a flight is eligible for SkyMiles earning? Generally, flights marketed by Delta and operated by Delta or its SkyTeam partners are eligible. The number of miles earned depends on the fare class and your Medallion status. Check the specific fare rules when booking.
How to avoid fees when transferring Amex points to Delta? There is a small excise tax offset fee of $0.0006 per point when transferring Membership Rewards to U.S. airlines like Delta. This fee is standard and unavoidable for these types of transfers.