Fee increases and changes in benefits are coming soon to consumer and business Delta American Express cards. American Express announced the upcoming relaunch of the cards starting January 30, 2020. There are also new limited time welcome offers available from October 1 to October 30, 2019 for applicants who apply and are approved during this time.
American Express (NYSE: AXP) and Delta (NYSE: DAL) worked together to come up with new rewards and more perks for cardholders. Sandeep Dube, Delta’s SVP of customer engagement and loyalty, and CEO of Delta Vacations, said in the press release, “Each card is tailored to what our customers have told us is most important to them – ranging from ways to earn even more miles to travel perks along the way.”
The Delta blue American Express card, launched two years ago and targeted at millennials, will continue to have no annual fee and now will have no foreign transaction fees, which were previously 2.7 percent per transaction. Cardholders will also earn 2X miles on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants worldwide, instead of just in the United States.
For Delta platinum cards, for frequent travelers who want more miles, the annual fee will increase from $195 to $250 and bonus miles will be discontinued. Cardholders will get 75,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first three months and a $100 statement credit after using the card to make a Delta purchase in the first three months.
For Delta reserve cards, for those who travel very frequently, the annual fee will increase from $450 to $550, there will be no more bonus miles and no more access to Sky Priority security lanes. Cardholders will get 75,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first three months. Gold, platinum, and reserve cards will still allow travelers to check a bag on Delta for free.
