Want to elevate your travel experience with Delta? Upgrading your Delta American Express card can unlock a world of enhanced benefits, from lounge access to boosted SkyMiles earning. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading your card, step by step.
Step 1: Discover Your Delta American Express Card Family & Current Benefits
Before you can upgrade, you need to know what you have and what you want. American Express typically allows upgrades only within the same "card family," meaning you can go from a lower-tier Delta card to a higher-tier Delta card, but not from a Delta card to, say, a Marriott card.
Start by identifying your current Delta American Express card. Are you holding the:
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card? This is the entry-level card with no annual fee.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card? This offers a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card? This comes with a $350 annual fee.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card? This is the top-tier consumer card with a $650 annual fee.
Once you know your card, take a moment to familiarize yourself with its current benefits. What are you getting now? What do you feel like you're missing?
What Each Delta Amex Card Generally Offers:
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card:
Earns 2X miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
1X mile on all other eligible purchases.
20% back on in-flight Delta purchases (as a statement credit).
No foreign transaction fees.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card:
All Blue card benefits, plus:
First checked bag free for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
Zone 5 priority boarding.
Earns 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets.
Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card:
All Gold card benefits, plus:
Earns 3X miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
Earns 2X miles at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets.
Annual Companion Certificate (Main Cabin).
Statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee.
Ability to earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) through card spending (1 MQD per $20 spent).
Annual fee: $350.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card:
All Platinum card benefits (with some enhancements), plus:
Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges when flying Delta (15 visits per year, with unlimited access after $75,000 in eligible spending).
Access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta (requires booking flight with the card).
Annual Companion Certificate (First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin).
Ability to earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) through card spending (1 MQD per $10 spent).
Annual fee: $650.
Understanding these tiers will help you determine which card you want to upgrade to and if the benefits justify the potentially higher annual fee.
Step 2: Evaluate If an Upgrade Is Right For You
Upgrading your card isn't just about getting "more" — it's about getting the right benefits for your travel habits and financial situation.
Sub-heading: Assess Your Travel Frequency and Spending Habits
How often do you fly Delta? If you're a casual flyer, a higher-tier card might not offer enough value to offset the annual fee. If you're a frequent flyer, the perks could be invaluable.
Do you often check bags? The free checked bag benefit on Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards can save a significant amount of money if you frequently check luggage.
Are airport lounges important to you? If you spend a lot of time in airports and value comfort and amenities, the Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access offered by the Reserve card could be a game-changer.
Do you travel with a companion? The annual companion certificate on the Platinum and Reserve cards can easily offset the annual fee with just one trip.
Are you aiming for Delta Medallion Status? The Platinum and Reserve cards offer ways to earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) through spending, making it easier to achieve or maintain status.
Sub-heading: Consider the Annual Fees
Higher-tier cards come with higher annual fees. While the benefits can outweigh these costs, it's crucial to ensure they do for your specific situation.
Delta SkyMiles Blue: $0 annual fee
Delta SkyMiles Gold: $0 intro for the first year, then $150
Delta SkyMiles Platinum: $350 annual fee
Delta SkyMiles Reserve: $650 annual fee
Calculate how much you would realistically save or benefit from the upgraded card's perks compared to its annual fee.
Sub-heading: Understand Upgrade Bonus Offers
While applying for a new card often comes with a substantial welcome bonus, upgrading may not always include a bonus offer. American Express sometimes sends targeted upgrade offers, but it's not guaranteed. If a welcome bonus is a major factor for you, consider whether applying for a new card entirely (and potentially canceling your old one after the first year to avoid multiple annual fees, or keeping it if it has no annual fee) might be a better strategy. However, keep in mind Amex's "once per lifetime" welcome offer policy, which means you can only receive a welcome bonus for a specific card once.
Step 3: Check Your Eligibility
American Express has certain criteria for card upgrades.
Sub-heading: Account in Good Standing
You generally need to have an account in good standing for at least one year. This means no missed payments and responsible credit card usage.
Ensure your credit score is in a healthy range. While a hard credit pull isn't typically involved in an upgrade (which is a plus for your credit score), American Express will still review your account history.
Sub-heading: Log In to Your American Express Account
The easiest way to check for upgrade offers is through your American Express online account.
Log in to your Amex account at americanexpress.com.
Navigate to the "Account Services" tab or the "Offers" tab.
Look for any "Upgrade" offers specifically tailored to your Delta SkyMiles card.
If you don't see an upgrade offer online, don't despair! It doesn't mean you're ineligible.
Sub-heading: Contact American Express Customer Service Directly
Sometimes, upgrade offers aren't displayed online, or you might have options not shown on the website.
Call the number on the back of your Delta American Express card. This is often the most direct way to discuss upgrade possibilities.
Alternatively, use the chat feature within your American Express online account.
When you speak to a representative, clearly state that you're interested in upgrading your Delta SkyMiles American Express card and inquire about available options and any potential upgrade bonuses.
Step 4: Choose Your New Delta American Express Card
Once you know what's available and what benefits you desire, it's time to make your choice.
Sub-heading: Compare Delta Card Tiers Again
Review the benefits, annual fees, and any potential upgrade offers carefully.
Gold vs. Platinum: If you want free checked bags and priority boarding without a massive annual fee, Gold might be enough. If you frequently travel with a companion and value TSA PreCheck/Global Entry, Platinum is a significant step up.
Platinum vs. Reserve: Reserve is ideal for those who truly value airport lounge access and the highest level of Delta benefits, including the First Class companion certificate.
Don't just jump to the highest tier if you won't utilize its premium benefits. The goal is to maximize your value.
Step 5: Initiate the Upgrade Process
Once you've made your decision and confirmed eligibility, the actual upgrade process is usually straightforward.
Sub-heading: Online or by Phone
Online: If you found an upgrade offer in your online account, simply follow the prompts to accept it. The process is typically quick and approval is often instant.
By Phone: If you spoke to a customer service representative, they can process the upgrade for you directly.
Sub-heading: What Happens Next?
Instant Approval: In many cases, you'll receive an instant approval decision.
New Card: American Express will typically send your new upgraded card by mail. Your old card will generally continue working until you activate the new one.
Account Number: In most product changes (upgrades), your credit card number and account number will remain the same, simplifying the transition. However, you'll receive a new physical card with the updated product name.
Benefits Transition: Once the upgrade is complete and you activate your new card, you'll immediately start enjoying the benefits of your upgraded Delta American Express card. Any benefits from your previous card that are not included in the new one will cease.
Annual Fee Adjustment: If you upgrade mid-year, your annual fee will likely be prorated. You may receive a credit for the unused portion of your previous card's annual fee and be charged the prorated amount for the new card.
Step 6: Update Recurring Payments & Enjoy Your New Perks
After your upgrade is confirmed and your new card arrives, there are a couple of final steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Sub-heading: Update Recurring Payments
Even if your card number remains the same, it's a good practice to update any services where your old card was saved as the default payment method (e.g., streaming services, online subscriptions, utility bills). Review your last few statements to identify these.
Sub-heading: Maximize Your New Benefits
Explore your new card's benefits guide thoroughly. American Express provides detailed information on all the perks.
For cards with lounge access, understand the access rules and guest policies.
If your new card includes a Companion Certificate, mark its expiration date and plan your travel to utilize it effectively.
Take advantage of any statement credits (like for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry or specific spending categories).
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the enhanced travel benefits of your upgraded Delta American Express card!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Check My Delta Amex Upgrade Eligibility?
You can check your eligibility by logging into your American Express online account and looking under "Account Services" or "Offers." Alternatively, call the customer service number on the back of your card.
How to Upgrade My Delta Amex Card Online?
If an upgrade offer is available for your account, it will typically appear on your account dashboard or under the "Offers" tab when you log in to americanexpress.com. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.
How to Upgrade My Delta Amex Card Over the Phone?
Call the customer service number found on the back of your current Delta American Express card. Inform the representative that you are interested in upgrading your card and they will guide you through the available options and process the request.
How to Know Which Delta Amex Card is Right for Me?
Consider your travel frequency, how often you check bags, if lounge access is important, and if you travel with a companion. Compare the benefits and annual fees of the Blue, Gold, Platinum, and Reserve Delta Amex cards to find the best fit for your needs.
How to Avoid Impacting My Credit Score When Upgrading?
Upgrading a credit card (a product change) typically does not result in a hard credit inquiry, which means it usually won't negatively impact your credit score. This is a key advantage of upgrading versus applying for a new card.
How to Get an Upgrade Bonus When Upgrading My Delta Amex?
Upgrade bonuses are not always offered and are often targeted. Check your American Express online account for specific upgrade offers. You can also ask a customer service representative if any upgrade bonuses are available when you call to inquire about upgrading.
How to Keep My Old Card Number After Upgrading?
In most cases, when you upgrade a Delta American Express card, your account number and card number will remain the same. You will simply receive a new physical card reflecting the upgraded product.
How to Understand the Annual Fee Change When Upgrading?
If you upgrade mid-billing cycle, American Express will typically prorate the annual fee. You'll receive a credit for the unused portion of your previous card's annual fee and be charged a prorated amount for the new, higher annual fee.
How to Use My New Delta Amex Card Benefits?
Once your new card arrives and is activated, review the updated benefits guide. For lounge access, present your card when flying Delta. For companion certificates, follow the instructions provided by Delta/Amex when booking flights.
How to Decide Between Upgrading and Applying for a New Card?
An upgrade is generally easier on your credit score and keeps your existing credit history. Applying for a new card may offer a larger welcome bonus, but it involves a hard credit inquiry and starts a new credit history entry. Consider Amex's "once per lifetime" bonus policy when making this decision.
