20 cards ranked
Best credit card to use at Delta Air Lines.
AirlinesTravel
Delta Air Lines runs one of the strongest U.S. domestic networks and the SkyMiles loyalty program. Delta tickets code as airfare across all major cards. Co-branded SkyMiles Amex cards add extra miles per dollar on Delta plus perks like a free checked bag, Sky Club access (Reserve only), and Medallion-status boost spend. General travel cards usually beat them on raw cash-equivalent value, but the Reserve's lounge access and MQD-waiver path can swing the math for frequent flyers. OTA bookings still earn miles when your SkyMiles number is attached.
- #1American Express5x points on airlines (up to $500,000/year, then 1%)Booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year6.0%5x points
- #25.0%4x points
- #35.0%4x points
- #4FNBO5x points on travelAirlines, hotels, car rental, cruise lines, travel agencies, transit, taxis, tolls, and timeshares by merchant category code5.0%5x points
- #5Discover it Cash Backthis quarterDiscover5% on airlines this quarter (Q3 2026) (up to $1,500/quarter, then 1%). Activation required each quarter.Activation required each quarter5%
- #6Discover it for Studentsthis quarterDiscover5% on airlines this quarter (Q3 2026) (up to $1,500/quarter, then 1%). Activation required each quarter.Activation required each quarter5%
- #7Discover it Securedthis quarterDiscover5% on airlines this quarter (Q3 2026) (up to $1,500/quarter, then 1%). Activation required each quarter.Activation required each quarter5%
- #8NHL Discover itthis quarterDiscover5% on airlines this quarter (Q3 2026) (up to $1,500/quarter, then 1%). Activation required each quarter.Activation required each quarter5%
- #94.0%4x points
- #10PenFed Credit Union4x points on travel4x with PenFed Honors Advantage (military or Access America checking); 3x otherwise4.0%4x points
- #114.0%4x points
- #124.0%4x points
- #134.0%2x points
- #144.0%4x points
- #154.0%4x points
- #16World of Hyatt Businessif it’s your top categoryChase2x points on airlines if it's your top eligible spend category that cycleAutomatically 2x total in your top three spend categories each calendar quarter, from dining, shipping, airline tickets bought directly with the airline, local transit and commuting, social media and search engine advertising, car rental agencies, gas stations, and internet/cable/phone services4.0%2x points
- #17Chase3x points on travel (up to $150,000/year, then 1%)Travel, shipping, internet/cable/phone, advertising on search engines and social media (combined $150,000/yr cap)3.8%3x points
- #18American ExpressCo-branded Delta Air Lines cardDelta purchases3.6%3x points
- #19American ExpressCo-branded Delta Air Lines cardDelta purchases3.6%3x points
- #20American ExpressCo-branded Delta Air Lines cardDelta purchases3.6%3x points
Last updated September 14, 2026