What Delta and Amex Want from You | 2024 Delta Credit Card Update

[@LK_EBM]

Really enjoy these longer form, casual analysis of credit card updates!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks LK! Really fun to do these deeper dives!

[@MontyTheCardNerd]

Super insightful analysis as always Stan! I agree that Amex not only wants us to spend on their cards, but preferably to spend on just 1-2 cards instead of trying to optimize for multipliers and SUBs across several of their cards. Outlook's not looking great for more advanced CC strategists like you and me(?), but thankfully there should still be a lot of value to be had, just probably not as much as in the past couple years.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Monty! Yeah, Amex wants us to focus on their top tier cards instead of spreading the spend over multiple cards using a credit card strategy. They're certainly making it more difficulty for advanced strategists like us! But like everything, things change, and times change so we just have to adapt with the times, and Amex is certainly leading the charge with new changes! Hopefully we'll hear definitively from other soon! (*cough cough* Wells Fargo *cough cough*)

[@DelhiBelly1620]

I was watching the video and couldn’t figure out what was different. New sound? New background? No! You have a new shirt on! Nice! Thanks for the video update buddy.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Hah! Thanks for noticing that! I decided to go more professional on this one 👍. Of course, glad you enjoyed the update!

[@randomsonmymind6919]

The ultimate delta card hack: back in 2017 I chatted with an Amex rep about possibly canceling the delta gold card. They changed my card to the employee delta gold card (I never was a delta employee). Exact same credit card, no annual fee. Definitely not going to cancel this.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Oh man! You're a lucky duck! I'd hold on to that card for dear life and just continue to ride that gravy train for as long as you can!

[@shawn.credit]

@@TheCreditFrogMy Amex Everyday Preferred card has a waived AF per Amex until further notice. I was informed after I upgraded my Everyday card, going into year 2 with it no changes as of yet a member for 6 years prior may have had something to do with it. ✊

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@shawn.credit Lucky you as well!

[@MasonsTurtle]

Hmm…maybe I should work for Delta for a year then quit but keep the cards. 😂

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@MasonsTurtle 🤣🤣🤣

[@Dong_Kim]

Thank you, Stan! This was incredibly helpful to understand the changes from a big-picture perspective, and making my decisions about applying/keeping the cards. There were many posts about the changes to Delta cards, but some were not helpful because they were about amex and the "coupon-ification" of their cards. Thanks for the breakdown and insightful analysis, Stan!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Of course, Dong Kim! Yeah, I definitely wanted to make a deeper dive on these changes. There's definitely some good and bad when it comes to the changes on these cards so it depends on how you travel with them!

[@thejokerspeaks]

Quarterly flyer, exclusively with Delta the last 10 years. Now I'm dividing my loyalty with Alaska, credit card spend shifted completely. I just upgraded my Delta Business Platinum to Reserve, since we wouldn't fly to the expanded regions in main cabin. We fly to Hawaii every-other-year, do business both there and Alaska, and plan to travel occasionally to the Caribbean and Mexico, so this is a huge upgrade! The Delta Stays credit is gravy on top. The only thing I like about the spend incentive, is I can push status if I'm already close. With the old cards, you had to spend in increments of $25K or $30K. Great breakdown!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Hey there! Oh man, that's a big shift. I think we had spoke earlier about how you were going towards Alaska, but now with the new Delta Business Reserve, seems like you're moving back towards Delta a bit. For sure, if you have a lot of business spend that could be done on the Reserve card, it could really push you towards status that much faster! Appreciate the support! Delta Stays seems to be a very easy credit to redeem. Don't know how you feel about Rideshare/Resy credits, but you'd probably get the full value out of the card even without using them? That would be my guess.

[@thejokerspeaks]

@@TheCreditFrog Yes, you've got a great memory! We're still working on how to balance dual loyalty, but living near Vegas, we're leaning towards flying Alaska on the West Coast and the Pacific. Heading East, first choice is Delta Comfort+, unless American is competitive in First Class (which I can earn Alaska miles with). After sitting next to a 500 lb guy in Comfort+ the prior Christmas from Atlanta, 2 exit or bulkhead seats is very important to me. The Delta refresh pushes me back towards Delta a bit, mainly because of where the companion ticket can now go. I'm not intending to spend much on the Reserve card unless I'm fairly close to status anyways. The rideshare credit is fine, I'll just add the card to our Lyft account, maybe we'll use 40% of it. Resy seems silly and distracting, possible excuse for people to feel left out. I'll use it once in awhile if it is convenient, but I don't need either of these credits to come out ahead.

[@jimmyjames6492]

💯 - you're spot on with what Delta/AMEX is trying to do. The CC changes really aren't all that bad for the Delta loyalist IMO. Even if you just use the companion cert and prepaid hotel benefit you can get 5K MQD boost + Silver Medallion status for either $700 or $1K (minus the value you put in those two perks for a lower effective AF). Thanks for the info + video!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Jimmy James! Yeah, it really depends on your travel patterns with Delta, which is what you'd expect from a co-branded card, but Amex/Delta has just increased the divide even more as they really only want Delta loyalists to use their cards!

[@reneecopeland1095]

Thanks for the breakdown on those cards!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Of course, Renee! Glad you enjoyed the video, and hope it helps you make a decision!

[@whatevs-s9h]

the shirt looks nice man! :) tragic that amex is going more and more of a coupon book, I don't really see any way of justifying the card when so many better ones exist

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks! Yeah, Amex is making it very clear about where they're headed with higher annual fees and more statement credits. I think it's their way to justify these AF increases, but ultimately, there's so many more options these days that we can either keep the card if it makes sense, or not bother at all!

[@whatevs-s9h]

@@TheCreditFrog US Bank Altitude Reserve is super underrated. I'm not a huge fan of the Venture X just because I don't think its sustainable long term (and they keep axing/nerfing features) but, it doesn't really have to be-- you can simply card hop. I think Amex is just hoping most people don't pay attention to the fact their cards are becoming worse value because they have a "status" symbol of being an amex, which for team cashback or even team credit card benefits is just rough to justify

[@TheCreditFrog]

I agree with you! I almost feel dirty carrying an Amex these days. Like it looks good on the outside, but because we know this game so well, it's rotting on the inside. Hope Amex makes me enjoy using their cards again, but somehow I doubt it.

[@_iErik]

These updates represent incredible additional value for anyone who travels on delta more than a couple times per year, which is always who these cards were meant for. I don’t think Delta nor Amex are losing any sleep over having less attractive offerings for credit card churners and infrequent Delta flyers.

[@TheCreditFrog]

I agree. Amex thinks we are puny ants and actually benefit from keeping card churners. Of course, it’s a Delta card, so loyalists should win. Different story on non-cobranded credit cards.

[@SectionChief]

When Delta made their program announcements last year, I decided to move them from my #1 carrier to my backup carrier in place of Alaska airlines. I was a heavy user of the Delta Platinum card because I was able to maintain my status through spend especially when not flying as frequently as I used to post-pandemic. But that specific feature has been evaporated and the goal post have been raised and moved back. I won't be cancelling my Delta Plat just yet however, because it's my oldest credit bureau reporting card, at exactly 30 years length of history as of last month.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Wow, that's a long time to be with Delta! I'm sure you've seen the program change over time (probably for the worse). There were a lot more bonuses and perks in many industries, including the airline industry, but nickel and diming these benefit programs are kind of where we're at today. Must be super frustrating to be a part of that change, but it's probably better to be more of a free agent so you're not dependent on a single airline! There's always the Delta Blue!

[@fogrunr5075]

Last weekend I almost upgraded to Delta Platinum. But I didn't. I'll take a closer look at it again this weekend.

[@TheCreditFrog]

I think you have to figure out if you'll be flying Delta a lot or not really. That would be the biggest factor in that decision.

[@richandmichelephaler5159]

Very thoughtful vid Stan. I am aligned with you on where AMEX is going. Keep up the great work.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks so much! Yes, more annual fees and statement credits incoming!

[@chrisbrown8748]

I have no desire to get any of these cards since I don’t fly Delta all that much but I love learning about these products because these changes could effect some of the AMEX cards I do have

[@TheCreditFrog]

Exactly my thoughts as well Chris! Gotta keep a finger on the pulse since the credit card world moves fast. And when it comes to Amex - very fast!!

[@mattbateh8717]

can I use the $120 Rideshare credit for UBER EATS? I don't have a need for rideshare in my area.

[@TheCreditFrog]

No, unfortunately, the credits are for rideshare only.

[@superxt7219]

A positive change for me as a Delta gold holder. Although 100 Delta stay credit is generally about 70-80 in value (sometimes could be full value, though) due to markup, the effective annual fee is still lowered compared to previous $99. Now it seems more reasonable to keep the card as this would be the second year I pay for AF (and luckily it's coming up before May so I get another "free" year).

[@TheCreditFrog]

For sure! As long as you are able to use the Delta Stay credit to its fullest as best you can, that would be the best case! Not sure if you're open to business cards, but if you can, it may be worth it to see if you can get approved for the Delta business Gold since it's the better card now. You could apply for Delta Business Gold, and once that's secured, cancel the personal Delta Gold (or downgrade to Delta Blue). That's probably how I'd play it. You'd get another welcome offer out of it as well!

[@zsm5833]

what actually happened to ur 747 Reserve anyway? I can see the Platinum might get the Resy credit as well in the future refresh, but i think on the T&C Resy Pay don't count

[@TheCreditFrog]

Canceled after year 1. Just wanted the card as a collector's item 🤣. I've heard from other commenters that the Resy credit is pretty flexible. You don't need to reserve on Resy, just use the card at a Resy restaurant, and you can also buy a Resy gift card to get the credit. It's a monthly credit though so IMO, kind of a chore.

[@billmckrowski]

I have a Reserve card but my company pays for my flights with a Visa card. Do I need to pay for my flight with my Reserve card to have Delta lounge access?

[@TheCreditFrog]

No, you just need to be a cardholder!

[@lisaco1]

Make sure you don't fly with basic economy ticket or else you won't make it it the sky club lounge

[@KennedyS123]

Another excellent and relevant video 🎉

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks K W!

[@Rhardebeck]

I just came back from Brazil and was denied access to the Centurion lounge. Also, I booked a trip on the Delta app to Brazil in January and what was offered was a Delta flight using LaTam a partner airline of Delta and they charge for a second bag which I'm sure I'll have to pay both ways. I don't travel alot but after the Delta Reserve card got bumped up in price I'm not seeing even my checked bags now taken care of and plan to switch to the Chase Saphire. Been with Amex 22 years

[@TheCreditFrog]

Ah dang. Thanks for sharing your experience! That’s weird that you couldn’t get into the Centurion lounge with a Delta Reserve card, but I think you need to have a Delta ticket to get in, not sure if you flew Latam for your trip. This may also have affected your ability to get a checked bag.

[@kylepiscopo266]

How is the resy credit even used? Do you have to book a reservation and pay for a meal with the card or can you go to a resy restaurant and buy a $10 gift card every month?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Mr. Leoprieto commented very early on this video, and he said that he didn't even have to make a reservation on Resy, and still got the credit when he just paid for food at a Resy restaurant with his Delta Reserve card. Also, my buddy Anthony Venture just made a community post that explained a DP where the Resy credit could be used by buying a $10 Resy gift card! So it looks like it's somewhat flexible to use!

[@MattWelterOfficial]

Love the update & takeaways here Stan! Definitely agree with you that the biggest takeaway here is that Delta wants you to spend money on their cards and ultimately for those of us who want flexible points currencies and aren't delta loyalists, the changes may further increase that barrier to really ever wanting a higher-tier Delta Card. If anything, the only Card I'm actually considering is one of the Delta Gold options due to that introductory $0 annual fee. Great video as always Stan!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks so much Matt! Yeah, that $0 one-and-done Delta Gold card is a good pick. I personally think the Delta Gold Business is much better with that $150 Delta stays credit, but it just means more cards to go through! Amex is definitely heading in the direction where they want you to spend on their cards only (not surprising, we knew this already), but I think it's being pushed even more now, and they'll probably continue to do so throughout 2024 as new card families are revamped!

[@PingPingTravel]

Right, I have never heard of an airline asking you or giving you miles/credit to book a hotel through their platform today until these refreshes!

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@PingPingTravel It's the Wild West out there with credit cards!

[@SuperRaids13]

Why do you not use Delta?

[@TheCreditFrog]

They don’t fly on the routes I usually take

[@JacobsPointsAndProfit]

Great video! I guess I could see myself signing up for the Delta Business Gold in a few years and then trying out the Delta Stays credit, but I have other cards to apply for first

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Jacob! Yeah the Delta Business Gold is the play between the two Delta Gold cards. Since they just refreshed the cards, certainly no rush! There are lots of other cards to get first!

[@jaxcarroll7814]

Hello, If you are a SkyMiles Member and a holder of the branded credit card. Do you get 5x for delta purchases plus the 2x from “delta purchases” on the gold card or or 3x from the platinum. Effectively , do they stack? Could a person with diamond status get 11x+ 3x?

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yes, the miles earned are stackable on the card plus what you earn with your Delta Medallian status!

[@gray_man76]

That’s funny, because even though I travel 70% and Atl is my home airport, the restrictive nature of resy and rideshare credits that are only offered monthly is a huge turn off. It actually steers me away from acquiring these cards.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, the coupons are certainly not for everyone, and it's cray to think that even as someone who flies a lot of Delta, you don't want their cards because of the monthly credits! Just shows how not everyone thinks that they're worth it for the annual fee increase!

[@PingPingTravel]

I dont ever fly Delta either, but I am interested in possibly getting one of these cards because I often fly one of Delta's partners overseas (china airlines). I have to do more research but it may be easier to earn delta points this way than china airline points via their credit card.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Ooh, that's right! Your favorite airline is a part of SkyTeam so you could possibly be able to make use of that airline alliance! I haven't heard of the transferability of Delta points or vice versa so definitely something to look into!

[@orangemanbad]

I’m canceling my delta platinum card. It doesn’t make sense anyMore.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, those AFs keep creeping up! Gotta do what you gotta do!

[@kevinManhattan]

As long as you take Delta flights that begin and end outside of US, there is some value there. But within US, for love of the game, I can't find any good values. These changes are meaningless to me for now as I am AA, Southwest and Aeroplan/United loyalist. But I always pay attention to what Amex is doing because of the limits on how many credit cards one can have, and just simply, You can't ignore credit card giant like Amex and where they are headed. Love this type of video Stan!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks Kevin! Yeah, if you're only flying other airlines now, these Delta cards don't really affect you, but it's definitely important to keep track of these changes because they may eventually get added to cards to cards that you do have! I think the Delta cards could be acceptable if you use that Delta Stays credit or even those first-checked bag benefits effectively, but there are similar benefits on the AA/United cards too so it really does depend on which airline you consider your primary!

[@PingPingTravel]

I think delta flights, from my initial reading, are best when originating and coming back to the US, but going to an international location. I could be wrong.

[@AnthonyVenture]

Yep exactly my first thoughts as well, they want a card to “do it all” and to build out that ecosystem for those who’d want it. Rideshare, food, flights and even hotels. You know what we’re all waiting for, and that for them to replace the Amex Gold Dining credits with Resy Credits. 💀 Great breakdown and thoughts Stan!!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Ugh, for sure Tony! Definitely am not looking forward to the revamped statement credits on the Gold card, but yes, we can see this coming soon! Amex/Delta want you to spend on their cards and only their cards! Great for those who fly Delta frequently, not so much for those who don't, but I guess that's kind of the point so it is what it is. Credits are getting more restrictive every year!

[@elliottnixon-wq6sp]

Most thorough review of this revamp yet. Nicely done. I feel like Amex is trying to push you into a monogamous relationship with one card across all their offerings what with the new “family” SUB rules like no SUB on gold if you already have platinum. But it all begs the question: is the newfound push to monogamy better? Is a person using one Amex card with all the benefits attached in a better position (I’m aware of how R rated that sounds) than someone who’s got a George Costanza wallet with 25 cards? If SUBs are becoming rarer post-covid, I wonder if Amex isn’t on to something.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks so much Elliott! You know, I'm all about simplicity, and so from that perspective, I'm a big fan of using less cards with more benefits. I hope welcome offers don't go away because they are certainly fun to hunt, but if it comes down to it, I would have no problem getting an easy Duo or Trifecta and sticking with it (kind of already done that). The issue with Amex is that if you take it outside of the US, it's not guaranteed acceptance no matter how much they want to say it is, so I just end up carrying a backup VISA/MC anyways so that would go against their push to focus on one card. If I only had a Delta Reserve card and traveled internationally, that DR card may not be accepted everywhere, which is the whole point of having a credit card!

[@Rhardebeck]

I did have a LaTam ticket but paying 650$ AF best to have no lounge access and eat at the very best restaurant the airport offers. Too me, it was a slap in the face just wanting to sit down for 2 hours and I travel internationally like once or twice a year. Will go Chase preferred or Reserve

[@TheCreditFrog]

Sorry to hear that! Yeah, there are certain rules that go with these cards.

[@daviddriscoll1922]

Just watched entire video and didn't see any value you put with checked bags esp when traveling with family. That is a benefit with the gold card, even if only traveling once per year, with family.

[@TheCreditFrog]

There is value there, but only if you don't already have status with Delta

[@lisaco1]

Amex Delta reserve worthless for me , you can't use sky club with basic economy tickets, main cabin tickets are 40% higher to make it in the lounge

[@TheCreditFrog]

Sounds about right. Amex and Delta making things more restrictive as usual!

[@krs1905]

I don’t have room on my 5/24 slots for these coupon book cards. I think it’s silly that you probably need to own at least two of these cards to make them worthwhile.

[@krs1905]

I replied before watching the video and it looks like you agree with me about all the slots Delta/Amex wants to take up

[@TheCreditFrog]

Haha, yes! Delta wants all your Amex slots! And with the personal cards, all your 5/24 slots too!! I wish Amex didn't have a credit card limit 😢.

[@krs1905]

@@TheCreditFrog I think that I might do the Bilt Card this month. Hello, 6/24!

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@krs1905 Bilt card is definitely worth it. Good luck!

[@YanLuo]

i wish what you put in your cover page "loyalists only!" is more true. i wish the credits from the platnium and reserve are more airline specific ...

[@TheCreditFrog]

Fair enough! I don't think Delta is to the level of integrating food and transit statement credits into their cards, but that's why they have the partnership with Amex!

[@kevinjames8050]

Dining credits on an airline credit card and flight credits on a hotel credit card. This is getting stupid.

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@kevinjames8050 Hah! You're totally right, I didn't even think of that. It's a round robin!

[@WhatsThePoints1]

So having the delta biz plat I was planning to cancel anyway and I don’t think the Resy and Stays will be worth it with so many other credits to track and points to burn before they devalue That said are the benefits now live for existing card holders? Suppose I could try to cash out now!

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yup! The benefits are now live so you can start experimenting with it before you cancel to get that extra value!

[@MilesandMoneyMatters]

Hello, I recently obtained the Amex Gold business card with a disappointing $2000 pay over time limit. I'm contemplating canceling it because I'm uncertain how to meet the $10k spending requirement within three months to earn 150K points. I anticipate needing to make multiple partial payments towards the balance to free up available credit. What other strategies would you use.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Pay over time is not the same as your credit limit. Does your card say No Preset Spending Limit? If so, then your card doesn't have a cap on it? If your card really does have a $2k credit limit, you'll have to cycle payments as you described to free up credit limit to make it up to the $10k MSR.

[@WhatsThePoints1]

Great stuff! Not sure if it’s just me but wish every reviewer pointed out the companion passes have very restricted fare class eligibility and you never know when it will be available which is super frustrating

[@TheCreditFrog]

It's true. The Companion Pass isn't eligible for every flight, so we'll have to see how useful it ends up being!

[@Pr0x9]

Can i get some opinions. I fly out of delta primarily every month for work. Do yall think i should get the gold card get the bonus, downgrade to blue, get the plat get the bonus and rinse and repeat and keep the delta reserve?

[@TheCreditFrog]

I think that since you fly once a month, you should think about if the Platinum card would be better than the Gold. For the welcome offer, I would go Gold first, but if you think you could get value from the MQD boost to get to Silver, may be worth going to Platinum first. It depends if you can get 1MQD per $1 buying Delta flights or if your employer pays for those flights for you.

[@Joshua045]

I love your objectivity in reviewing cards. This was a bad move on Delta's part which will probably result in people canceling and not only just the experienced users. Should never have removed the unlimited access to the Delta clubs on a 650 dollar card especially when you can get unlimited access plus guests on United and American cards. Don't want to use delta to book all of my travels but do enjoy the free bag on flights so will downgrade to the gold delta foe that perk and keep the amex platinum open.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Thanks! Yes, objectivity is really important when doing these reviews! I think the Delta SkyClub access was cut because they were getting very full, and they had to figure out a way to cut access back so that the actual lounge experience wasn't so dismal. It's true that the United/AA cards are different, but not sure if they were having the same problems as Delta? The free checked bag benefit is an easy way to get value on these cards!

[@vadovelocity9831]

Is delta memberships at $695 and i currently have platinum tier is it worth it or reserve card?

[@TheCreditFrog]

I would say the Reserve card is better if you want lounge access since the card gets you lounge access and more. But if you want unlimited access, maybe go for the SkyClub membership

[@operating]

That’s exactly what they want. One airline only. Who at Amex ruining their brand? Amex keeps sinking further and further while other cards go up and up. Ug.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Amex still acting like their the kings! They still are, but if they keep this up, not for long!

[@youlikeitiloveit3747]

I’m calling it. 2028-2030, Amex Platinum will have an annual fee of $1000

[@TheCreditFrog]

Yeah, I think that's probably when Amex Platinum will break 4 digits. Solid prediction! I think the next iteration will be $895 or $995!

[@aahmd29]

All people need to do is push back and don’t get or use their cards. Then they won’t other options than reducing the min spend or annual fee. But unfortunately we have people who won’t do that and they will give in because they have a ton of money in their bank accounts

[@TheCreditFrog]

Amex/Delta wants to target those customers. The big spenders and business owners can spend 10x the amount than the typical consumer can, and that’s why we now have cards like the Delta Platinum and Reserve. They also may actually fly Delta a lot, and these changes are very positive for them.

[@ChaseYokoyama]

Those sneaky sneaky Delta buggahs with the Delta stay shilling.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Amex is always trying to pull a fast one!

[@AhmadKhwajazada]

First

[@TheCreditFrog]

Congrats Ahmad! You are FIRST 🥇

[@ItsMeCJ]

Thanks for the medal Stan 🙌🏾. Move aside Ahmad 😆

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@ItsMeCJ Haha. Oh look who decided to show up today!

[@ItsMeCJ]

@@TheCreditFrog what do you mean? I was here first… 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@TheCreditFrog]

@@ItsMeCJ Oh, really? Didn't see you there!

[@jaymay6386]

Amex cult assemble. 😅

[@TheCreditFrog]

Amex can be good for a lot of people! Others, not so much.

[@MasonsTurtle]

Yup, probably will never apply for these. Delta is also more pricey in general so I don’t fly them even though I’m at a Delta hub.

[@TheCreditFrog]

Interesting Mason! It's nice to be an airline free agent for that reason! If you don't fly them and you're at a Delta hub, hopefully you're able to score some upgrades on the other airlines if you fly one of those more often!

[@drewski91]

fifth

[@TheCreditFrog]

🏅