If you like flying Delta but you do not want to pay an annual fee just to keep a travel credit card in your wallet, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is worth knowing about.
This is the entry-level Delta Amex card. It is not the flashiest card in the Delta lineup, and it does not come with premium perks like lounge access, free checked bags, or a Companion Certificate. But that is also the point. The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex is designed for casual Delta flyers who want to earn SkyMiles, enjoy a few useful travel benefits, and avoid an annual fee.
Think of it as the “simple Delta card.” You can use it to earn miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and everyday spending. You also get travel-friendly benefits like Pay with Miles, no foreign transaction fees, 20% back on eligible Delta in-flight purchases, car rental coverage, purchase protection, and access to Amex entertainment perks.
For the right person, that can be a solid deal—especially because the annual fee is $0.
Quick Overview of the Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex
Before we go deep into the benefits, here is a quick snapshot of what the card offers.
| Feature | Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Rewards currency | Delta SkyMiles |
| Delta purchases | 2X miles |
| Restaurants | 2X miles |
| Other eligible purchases | 1X mile |
| Foreign transaction fees | None from American Express |
| Delta in-flight savings | 20% back on eligible food and beverage purchases |
| Lounge access | Not included |
| Free checked bag | Not included |
| Best for | Casual Delta flyers who want a no-annual-fee card |
The big appeal is simple: you can start earning Delta SkyMiles from everyday spending without committing to a paid travel card.
1. No Annual Fee
The first major benefit of the Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex is also the easiest to understand: there is no annual fee.
That makes this card different from the Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards, which come with higher fees but also more travel perks. With the Blue Card, you are not paying each year just to keep the account open.
This matters for a few reasons.
First, it is easier to justify keeping the card long term. If you only fly Delta once or twice a year, paying an annual fee may not make sense. The Blue Card gives you a way to stay connected to the Delta SkyMiles ecosystem without worrying about whether you are “using enough benefits” to offset a fee.
Second, it can be a good starter card for someone who is new to airline rewards. Travel credit cards can feel complicated, especially when they involve annual credits, lounge rules, elite status shortcuts, and travel statement credits. The Blue Card keeps things much simpler.
Third, a no-annual-fee card can be useful even if you later upgrade to a higher-tier card. If your travel habits change, you can compare whether the Gold, Platinum, or Reserve Card makes more sense. But if you are just getting started, the Blue Card is the low-commitment option.
2. Earn 2X Miles on Delta Purchases
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex earns 2X miles on eligible Delta purchases made directly with Delta.
This can include things like Delta flights purchased directly through Delta, depending on the transaction and terms. If Delta is your preferred airline, this gives you a straightforward way to earn extra SkyMiles when booking your trips.
For example, if you spend $500 on an eligible Delta purchase directly with Delta, you would earn 1,000 miles from the card’s 2X earning rate. That is separate from the miles you may earn as a SkyMiles member for flying, depending on the fare and your SkyMiles status.
This is one of the simplest ways to use the card: when you book Delta, pay with the Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex.
It is not the highest Delta earning rate available among all Delta credit cards. Some higher-tier Delta cards may earn more in certain categories or offer additional travel benefits. But for a no-annual-fee card, 2X on Delta purchases is still useful.
3. Earn 2X Miles at Restaurants
Another strong everyday benefit is that the card earns 2X miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
This is important because many people do not buy plane tickets every month. But dining? That is a much more common spending category.
If you regularly eat out, order takeout, buy lunch during workdays, or use food delivery services, this category can help you build Delta SkyMiles even when you are not traveling.
For example, if you spend $300 per month on eligible restaurant purchases, that could earn 600 SkyMiles per month, or 7,200 SkyMiles per year from dining alone. That is not enough for every Delta redemption, but it can help top off your SkyMiles balance over time.
This is one reason the Blue Card can make sense for casual travelers. You do not need to be constantly flying to earn miles. You can use normal dining purchases to slowly build your Delta balance.
4. Earn 1X Mile on Other Eligible Purchases
For purchases outside Delta and restaurants, the Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex earns 1X mile per dollar on other eligible purchases.
This includes everyday spending that does not fall into a bonus category. It may not be the most exciting earning rate, but it keeps your miles growing.
You could use the card for things like:
- Gas
- Online shopping
- Phone bills
- Subscriptions
- Groceries
- Household purchases
- Everyday errands
That said, this is where you should be realistic. If your main goal is to maximize rewards on every purchase, other cards may earn more flexible points or cash back in non-Delta categories. The Delta Blue Card is best when you specifically want Delta SkyMiles and prefer a no-annual-fee setup.
A good strategy is to use the card mainly for Delta purchases and dining, then use it selectively for other spending when you want to keep earning SkyMiles.
5. Pay with Miles
One of the most useful Delta-specific benefits of the Blue Card is Pay with Miles.
With Pay with Miles, you can reduce the cost of eligible Delta flights when booking through delta.com. The structure is simple: you can take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles redeemed.
That makes it easy to understand the value. Instead of searching for a traditional award ticket, you can use miles like a discount toward a paid Delta flight.
For example:
- 5,000 miles can take up to $50 off
- 10,000 miles can take up to $100 off
- 15,000 miles can take up to $150 off
- 20,000 miles can take up to $200 off
This can be helpful when you do not have enough miles for a full award ticket but still want to lower your out-of-pocket cost.
Let’s say a Delta flight costs $280. If you redeem 10,000 miles through Pay with Miles, you may be able to reduce the cost by up to $100, bringing the cash portion down to around $180 before any applicable taxes, fees, and rules.
The beauty of Pay with Miles is flexibility. It gives you another way to use your SkyMiles without waiting until you have a huge balance.
However, it is also important to know that Pay with Miles is not always the same as booking a full award ticket. Award pricing, miles value, taxes, fees, and availability can vary. So before redeeming, it is smart to compare the cash fare, Pay with Miles option, and regular SkyMiles award option if available.
6. 20% Back on Eligible Delta In-Flight Purchases
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex also gives you 20% back in the form of a statement credit when you use the card for eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
This is a small but practical benefit.
If you buy a snack box, meal, beer, wine, or other eligible food and beverage item during a Delta flight, paying with your Blue Card can trigger the 20% savings. The savings usually comes later as a statement credit, not as an instant discount at checkout.
For example, if you spend $20 on eligible in-flight food and drinks, 20% back would mean about $4 back as a statement credit.
This benefit probably will not change your financial life, but it makes the card more useful when you are actually onboard Delta. If you fly a few times per year and occasionally buy food or drinks in the air, it is an easy perk to use.
Just remember that the benefit is for eligible Delta in-flight food and beverage purchases. Wi-Fi or other onboard purchases may not qualify, depending on the terms.
7. No Foreign Transaction Fees
A surprisingly strong benefit for a no-annual-fee airline card is that the Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex has no foreign transaction fees from American Express.
This is useful if you travel internationally or buy from foreign merchants online. Many credit cards charge around 3% on foreign transactions. That may not sound like much, but it adds up quickly when you are booking hotels, paying for meals abroad, shopping overseas, or using your card during a trip.
For example, if you spend $1,000 abroad on a card with a 3% foreign transaction fee, that is about $30 in extra fees. With the Delta Blue Card, American Express does not charge foreign transaction fees.
This makes the card more travel-friendly than many basic no-annual-fee cards.
There is one practical reminder, though: American Express is widely accepted in many places, but Visa and Mastercard may still have broader acceptance in some countries, smaller shops, taxis, or local markets. If you travel internationally, it is smart to carry a backup card just in case.
8. Amex Special Ticket Access
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex also includes Amex Special Ticket Access, which can give Card Members access to select Amex Presale Tickets and Amex Reserved Tickets for concerts, sports, theater, and other events.
This benefit is not only for frequent travelers. It is more of a lifestyle perk.
If you enjoy live music, sports, comedy shows, theater, or special events, Amex ticket access can sometimes help you buy tickets before the general public or access reserved seating inventory. Availability varies, and not every event will have Amex access, but it is a nice extra benefit to have on a no-annual-fee card.
This is especially useful if you already check for concert or sports tickets often. Before buying through a regular channel, it may be worth checking whether Amex has presale or reserved ticket access for the event.
9. Send & Split with Venmo and PayPal
The Blue Card also gives access to Send & Split®, a feature in the Amex App that works with Venmo and PayPal.
This feature can help you send money or split purchases with other Venmo or PayPal users directly from the Amex App.
For example, if you pay for dinner with friends using your Delta Blue Card, you may be able to split the purchase and request payment from the group. Or if you need to send money to someone, Send & Split can make that process easier through the Amex App.
This is not a Delta-specific travel perk, but it can make everyday card use more convenient.
As always, terms apply, and you should check the Amex App for enrollment steps and current rules.
10. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex includes Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, which can provide coverage for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver.
This can be a very helpful travel protection benefit.
Car rental companies often try to sell extra collision coverage at the counter. If your card provides rental car coverage, you may be able to decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver and rely on your card’s coverage instead, depending on the situation and terms.
However, this benefit has important limitations.
The coverage is secondary, which generally means it may apply after your personal auto insurance or other coverage. It also does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and coverage is not available in certain countries, including Australia, Italy, and New Zealand.
So the benefit is useful, but you should not treat it as “everything is covered.” Before renting, it is worth reading the benefit terms carefully, especially if you are renting internationally, renting a luxury or specialty vehicle, or do not have personal auto insurance.
11. Global Assist Hotline
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex includes access to the Global Assist® Hotline when you travel more than 100 miles from home.
This benefit can provide 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services. That can include medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wire coordination, and missing luggage assistance.
This is one of those benefits you hope you never need, but you may appreciate it if something goes wrong during a trip.
Imagine you are traveling and suddenly need help finding an English-speaking doctor, replacing lost travel documents, locating legal assistance, or coordinating emergency help. Global Assist can help point you in the right direction.
One important detail: Global Assist helps with coordination and referrals, but you are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. So if a hospital, lawyer, courier, or other provider charges a fee, that cost is still yours.
Even with that limitation, having a 24/7 support line while traveling can bring peace of mind.
12. Purchase Protection
The Blue Card includes Purchase Protection on eligible purchases.
This can help protect covered purchases against accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date.
For example, if you buy a new camera with your card and it gets stolen shortly after purchase, or you accidentally damage a covered item soon after buying it, Purchase Protection may help reimburse you, subject to terms, limits, and exclusions.
This is a valuable benefit for everyday shopping, not just travel.
It can be especially useful for:
- Electronics
- Travel gear
- Home items
- Gifts
- Bags and accessories
- Small appliances
- Items you are buying before a trip
Of course, not every item or situation is covered. You will need documentation, and coverage limits apply. But for a no-annual-fee card, having Purchase Protection is a meaningful extra layer of security.
13. Extended Warranty
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex also includes Extended Warranty protection on eligible purchases.
This benefit can match the original manufacturer’s warranty for up to one additional year when you use your eligible card for covered purchases. It applies to eligible warranties of five years or less on covered purchases in the United States or its territories or possessions.
This can be useful for items like electronics, appliances, gadgets, headphones, cameras, and other products where warranty coverage matters.
For example, if you buy a covered item with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, the Extended Warranty benefit may add up to one additional year of protection. If something goes wrong after the original warranty ends but during the extended period, you may be able to file a claim.
Coverage is limited, and exclusions apply. But again, this is a strong benefit for a card with no annual fee.
14. American Express Venue Collection
Another interesting benefit is the American Express Venue Collection™.
At select stadiums and arenas, Card Members may enjoy on-site benefits such as dedicated entrances, fast lanes, or other event-related perks. Card Members can also enroll the card to get 10% back on qualifying concessions purchases, up to $250 per calendar year.
This is a nice benefit if you go to games, concerts, or live events at participating venues.
For example, if you buy food and drinks at an eligible venue and the purchase qualifies, the 10% back can make the experience slightly more rewarding. It will not be the main reason most people get the card, but it is a good example of how Amex adds lifestyle value beyond travel.
Just make sure you enroll your card if enrollment is required, and remember that qualifying venues and purchases may vary.
15. Dispute Resolution
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex also includes Dispute Resolution support.
If there is a fraudulent or incorrect charge on your statement, American Express can work with you to help resolve the issue.
This is one of those benefits that does not sound exciting until you need it. A billing error, duplicate charge, or suspicious transaction can be stressful. Having a card issuer with a clear dispute process can make it easier to challenge a charge and protect your account.
For travelers, this can be especially helpful. When you are booking flights, hotels, tours, transportation, or online purchases, mistakes can happen. Dispute Resolution gives you a way to raise the issue through American Express.
16. Year-End Summary
The Online Year-End Summary is another simple but useful feature.
It typically becomes available in January and reflects charges posted to your account from January 1 through December 31 of the previous year.
This can help you review your spending by category and see where your money went throughout the year. For a travel card, it can be especially useful if you want to track how much you spent on flights, dining, entertainment, subscriptions, or everyday purchases.
If you create a yearly budget, file expense reports, track travel spending, or simply want a clearer picture of your financial habits, the Year-End Summary can be helpful.
It is not flashy, but it is practical.
17. Amex Offers
While not exclusive to the Delta Blue Card, Amex Offers can add extra value to your account.
Amex Offers are targeted deals that may give you statement credits, bonus miles, or other rewards when you add an offer to your card and make an eligible purchase.
You may see offers for travel brands, restaurants, streaming services, online retailers, clothing stores, hotels, or local businesses. The exact offers vary by account, and you usually need to add the offer before making the purchase.
This is one of the easiest ways to squeeze more value from an Amex card. If you have the Delta Blue Card, it is worth checking the Amex App regularly before making purchases.
18. Your SkyMiles Do Not Expire
One underrated advantage of earning Delta SkyMiles is that SkyMiles do not expire under Delta’s mileage expiration policy.
This makes the Blue Card more beginner-friendly. You do not have to rush to redeem miles just because you are afraid they will disappear due to inactivity.
That matters for casual travelers. If you only fly once or twice a year, you can slowly build your SkyMiles balance over time through card spending, dining, Delta purchases, and occasional flights.
Still, miles can change in value because airline programs can update pricing and rules. So while SkyMiles do not expire, it is still smart to redeem them when you find a trip that gives you good value.
What the Delta Blue Card Does Not Include
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex has useful benefits, but it is important to be honest about what it does not offer.
This card does not currently include Delta Sky Club lounge access. It also should not be treated as a premium Delta travel card. If you want bigger airline perks, you will likely need to look at the Delta Gold, Platinum, or Reserve cards.
The Blue Card also does not include some popular benefits available on higher-tier Delta cards, such as:
- Free checked bags
- Zone 5 Priority Boarding
- TakeOff 15
- Companion Certificate
- MQD Headstart
- MQD Boost
- Delta Sky Club access
That does not make the Blue Card bad. It just means the card is built for a different type of traveler.
If you fly Delta often and regularly check bags, the Delta Gold Amex may be worth comparing because free checked bag benefits can quickly offset an annual fee for frequent travelers. If you care about elite status, lounge access, or premium travel perks, the Platinum or Reserve versions may be more relevant.
But if you want a simple no-annual-fee Delta card, the Blue Card fits that role well.
Who Should Consider the Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex?
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex is best for people who like Delta but do not fly enough to justify a higher annual fee card.
You may like this card if:
- You want a Delta card with no annual fee
- You fly Delta occasionally
- You want to earn SkyMiles from dining and Delta purchases
- You want access to Pay with Miles
- You want no foreign transaction fees from American Express
- You do not need free checked bags or lounge access
- You want basic Amex shopping and travel protections
- You prefer a simple rewards setup
This card can also make sense if you are just starting with travel rewards. It gives you a way to learn how SkyMiles work without jumping straight into a premium card.
Who Should Skip It?
The Blue Card may not be the best fit if you are a frequent Delta traveler who checks bags often.
That is because the card does not come with the free checked bag benefit that can be valuable on higher-tier Delta cards. If you travel with luggage regularly, you may find more value in the Delta Gold Amex, even with its annual fee.
You may also want to skip the Blue Card if:
- You want airport lounge access
- You want priority boarding
- You want a Companion Certificate
- You want help earning Delta Medallion Status
- You want the TakeOff 15 award discount
- You want higher earning rates in more everyday categories
- You prefer flexible points instead of airline miles
The Blue Card is not trying to be a luxury travel card. It is a basic Delta rewards card.
How to Maximize the Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex
To get the most out of the card, use it intentionally.
First, use it for eligible Delta purchases. Since the card earns 2X miles on purchases made directly with Delta, this is one of the most natural ways to earn.
Second, use it at restaurants. Dining is the card’s strongest everyday bonus category, so using it for meals, takeout, and eligible delivery purchases can help you build miles faster.
Third, remember the 20% in-flight savings. If you buy food or beverages onboard Delta, use the card instead of another payment method.
Fourth, compare redemption options. Before using Pay with Miles, check whether a regular award ticket gives you better value. Pay with Miles is convenient, but it is not always the highest-value redemption.
Fifth, check Amex Offers. Adding relevant Amex Offers to your card can create extra savings or rewards.
Sixth, use the shopping protections. For eligible items where warranty or purchase protection matters, paying with the card may give you more peace of mind.
Finally, do not carry a balance if you can avoid it. Rewards cards can have high interest rates, and paying interest can quickly erase the value of any miles or benefits you earn.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex Worth It?
For the right person, yes.
The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is worth considering if you want a no-annual-fee way to earn Delta SkyMiles and access basic Delta and Amex benefits.
Its strongest benefits are:
- $0 annual fee
- 2X miles on Delta purchases
- 2X miles at restaurants
- Pay with Miles
- 20% back on eligible Delta in-flight food and beverages
- No foreign transaction fees
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty
- Amex Special Ticket Access
- American Express Venue Collection perks
- Year-End Summary and dispute support
The card is not packed with luxury travel perks, and that is okay. It is meant for casual Delta flyers who want something simple, affordable, and easy to keep.
If you fly Delta regularly and want checked bags, boarding perks, or award discounts, compare it with the Delta Gold Amex. But if your goal is to earn Delta miles without paying an annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex is a practical place to start.
Final Thoughts
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex is not the most powerful Delta credit card, but it may be the easiest to justify.
There is no annual fee, the earning structure is simple, and the benefits are practical. You earn extra miles on Delta and dining, get access to Pay with Miles, save 20% on eligible in-flight purchases, avoid foreign transaction fees from Amex, and enjoy useful protections like purchase protection, extended warranty, and rental car coverage.
For occasional Delta flyers, that combination can be enough.
It is not a card for people chasing luxury perks. It is a card for people who want to earn Delta miles without overcomplicating their wallet. And sometimes, that simplicity is exactly what makes a card worth keeping.
