Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Travelers

Navigating the world of business travel can be a complex and demanding task. Fortunately, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card is meticulously crafted to cater to the unique needs of business owners, providing an array of benefits and rewards that can transform your travel experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of this card, exploring its features, advantages, potential drawbacks, and suitable alternatives.

Unveiling the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card is an exclusive financial instrument designed to empower business travelers with a plethora of travel perks, elite status opportunities, and exclusive airport lounge access. Tailored specifically for those who frequently fly Delta and prioritize accumulating SkyMiles, this card unlocks a world of benefits that can elevate your business travel to new heights.

Features and Benefits: A Comprehensive Overview

Delving into the specifics of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card reveals a treasure trove of features and benefits that cater to the discerning business traveler:

1. Annual Fee:

An annual fee of $550 is associated with the card, a testament to the premium benefits it offers.

2. Welcome Bonus:

Upon card membership approval, you’ll be greeted with a generous welcome bonus of 70,000 miles, provided you meet the spending requirement of $5,000 within the first three months. These miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel experiences.

3. Rewards:

Earning SkyMiles is made effortless with this card. You’ll accumulate 3x miles on every Delta purchase, and 1x mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases. Additionally, after reaching $150,000 in annual spending, you’ll be rewarded with 1.5x miles on all non-Delta charges.

4. Delta SkyClub Access:

As a cardholder, you’ll be granted complimentary access to Delta SkyClubs, exclusive airport lounges where you can unwind, work, or grab a bite before your flight. You can also bring up to two guests or immediate family members for a $50 fee per person. Moreover, you’ll receive two one-time guest passes annually, further expanding your lounge access options.

5. Status Boost:

Achieving Delta Medallion elite status becomes more accessible with this card. You’ll earn $2,500 Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) each year, propelling you towards elite status. Additionally, every $10 spent on the card translates to an extra $1 MQD, accelerating your progress towards higher tiers of Medallion status.

6. Centurion and Escape Lounge Access:

Your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card grants you access to Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges when you use the card to pay for Delta flights. These lounges offer a tranquil haven where you can relax, recharge, and prepare for your journey.

7. Save 15% on Award Travel:

When you book award tickets on Delta using your SkyMiles, you’ll enjoy a substantial 15% discount, making your travel more affordable and rewarding.

8. Annual Companion Ticket:

Each year, upon renewing your Delta SkyMiles business card, you’ll receive an annual companion ticket, a valuable perk that allows you to bring a companion along on your travels. This pass can be redeemed for a domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin roundtrip ticket when you pay cash for the primary passenger’s fare.

9. Access to Complimentary Upgrades:

Even without elite status, you’ll be placed on the Complimentary Upgrade list after Medallion Members, increasing your chances of securing an upgrade to a more comfortable seat.

10. Travel Benefits on Delta Flights:

As a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card holder, you’ll enjoy priority boarding and the privilege of checking your first bag for free, along with up to eight travel companions. This expedited and convenient service elevates your travel experience.

11. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Reimbursement:

The card provides reimbursement of up to $100 once every four years for Global Entry or four-and-a-half years for TSA PreCheck. These programs expedite your airport security screening process, saving you time and hassle.

12. Travel Protections:

Your travels are safeguarded with trip delay, cancellation, and interruption insurance at no additional cost. Complimentary baggage insurance and secondary coverage against rental car damage or theft are also included, providing peace of mind during your journeys.

13. Purchase and Cell Phone Protection:

Eligible purchases are shielded against loss, theft, or damage, and an extended warranty of up to one year is provided. Stolen or damaged cell phones are covered up to $800, with a $50 deductible.

14. Complimentary Employee Cards:

Expand your earning potential by adding up to 99 employee cards at no extra charge. Empower your employees to earn miles on their purchases while you monitor account activity and set individual spending limits.

Potential Drawbacks: Considerations Before Applying

While the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card offers a wealth of benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider before making a decision:

High Annual Fee: The $550 annual fee may be a deterrent for some business owners, especially those who don’t frequently fly Delta or utilize the card’s exclusive perks.

Must Fly Delta to Use Airport Lounge Benefits: Access to Delta SkyClubs and Centurion Lounges is only available when you use the card to pay for Delta flights. This limitation may not suit business travelers who frequently fly other airlines.

$50 Fee for Guests and Family Members: Bringing guests or immediate family members to the lounge incurs a $50 fee per person, which can add up if you travel with companions regularly.

Companion Tickets Are Only Good on Domestic Flights: The annual companion ticket is restricted to domestic flights, limiting its usefulness for international business travelers.

American Express Isn’t as Widely Accepted Outside the U.S.: While American Express is widely accepted in the U.S., its acceptance rate may be lower in other countries, potentially causing inconvenience when traveling abroad.

Where Can You Use the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card?

The Delta SkyMiles business card can be used anywhere American Express cards are accepted. Within the U.S., this means that your Delta Reserve business card can be used at 99% of all businesses that accept credit cards.

How to Make a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card Payment

Business owners have numerous ways to pay their bills:

Online: American Express website

Mobile: Amex mobile app (Apple, Google)

Monthly auto-pay: Set up automatic payments from linked bank accounts.

By mail: American Express, PO Box 96001, Los Angeles, CA, 90096 – 8000

Express mail: American Express, Attn: Express Mail Remittance Processing, 20500 Belshaw Ave., Carson, CA 90746

Over the phone: Call the number on the back of your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card or (800) 472-9297

Wire transfer: Initiate a wire transfer from your bank account with the provided information.

Customer Service Information

Customer service is available by phone or chat 24/7.

Phone number: (800) 492-3344

Customer service chat: Website or mobile app (Apple, Google)

Alternative Cards to Consider

In addition to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card, here are a few alternatives worth considering:

Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Card: Best Delta SkyMiles business card for earning Delta miles without a high annual fee.

Business Platinum Card: Premium luxury card with high-end perks.

Ink Business Cash credit card: Rewards business owners with bonuses on common expense categories.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Business Travel Experience

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card is a powerful tool for business travelers who prioritize flying Delta and seek elite status, airport lounge access, and other exclusive travel benefits. While the annual fee may be a deterrent, the potential savings on award travel, companion tickets, and other perks can offset the cost for those who regularly fly Delta and maximize the card’s benefits. Carefully consider your travel habits and spending patterns to determine if the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card is the right choice for your business.

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December 10, 2019
7:49 pm
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