The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card (commonly known as the Amex Delta Blue) is the simplest card in the Delta SkyMiles credit card lineup. It is best suited for travelers who want to earn SkyMiles and keep a Delta co-branded card without needing benefits such as a free checked bag, Priority Boarding, or Medallion Status acceleration.
👉 Apply for the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card
Benefits Overview
| Benefit | Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | US$0 |
| Delta Purchases | 2X SkyMiles |
| Restaurants | 2X SkyMiles, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| Other Eligible Purchases | 1X SkyMiles |
| Pay with Miles | Every 5,000 Miles can reduce the price of an eligible Delta ticket by up to US$50 |
| Eligible Delta In-Flight Purchases | 20% back as a statement credit |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
| Additional Card | US$0 |
| Delta Sky Club | None |
| Free Checked Bag | None |
| Priority Boarding | None |
| MQD Headstart / MQD Boost | None |
Pay with Miles
Holding the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card (commonly known as the Delta Blue) gives you access to Delta’s Pay with Miles benefit.
When booking eligible Delta flights, SkyMiles can be applied toward the ticket price, generally in increments of 5,000 Miles for up to US$50 off.
This provides a simple way to use SkyMiles at up to 1 cent per Mile. However, travelers who can redeem SkyMiles for higher-value award tickets may prefer to save their miles instead.
Bottom Line
The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card has a straightforward role: earn 2X on Delta purchases and restaurants while keeping a Delta SkyMiles credit card with no annual fee.
It does not include a free checked bag, Priority Boarding, a Companion Certificate, or MQD-related benefits. Frequent Delta travelers should therefore also compare the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card.
Historical Welcome Offers
Unlike the higher-tier Delta cards, the Blue Card has rarely received major limited-time welcome offer increases.
| Period | Welcome Offer | Spending Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–2026 | 10,000 SkyMiles | Current offer: US$1,000 in purchases within the first 6 months |
👉 Apply for the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Personal Cards
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefits | Foreign Transaction Fee |
| Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card | US$0 | 2X Delta, 2X restaurants, 20% back on eligible inflight purchases | 0% |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | US$0 first year, then US$150 | Free checked bag, Zone 5 Priority Boarding, TakeOff 15, US$200 Delta Flight Credit | 0% |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card | US$350 | Companion Certificate, 2,500 MQD Headstart, MQD Boost, free checked bag | 0% |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card | US$650 | 15 Delta Sky Club Visits, Centurion Lounge access, Companion Certificate, 2,500 MQD Headstart | 0% |
Delta SkyMiles Business Cards
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefits | Foreign Transaction Fee |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card | US$0 first year, then US$150 | Free checked bag, Zone 5 Priority Boarding, TakeOff 15, US$200 Delta Flight Credit | 0% |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card | US$350 | Companion Certificate, 2,500 MQD Headstart, MQD Boost, Delta / Hotels 3X | 0% |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card | US$650 | 15 Delta Sky Club Visits, Centurion Lounge access, Companion Certificate, 2,500 MQD Headstart | 0% |
Application Rules & Restrictions
When applying for American Express credit cards, keep these key rules in mind:
– Once in a Lifetime: The Welcome Offer on the same Amex Card is generally available only once. Some cards also have Family Language, meaning that previously holding another card in the same family may affect Welcome Offer Eligibility.
– Card Slots: You can generally hold around 5 Amex Credit Cards, with Personal and Business Credit Cards counted together. Charge Cards typically do not count toward this Credit Card limit. Actual limits may vary.
– 1/5 & 2/90 Rule: A commonly observed guideline is generally no more than 1 Amex Credit Card approval within 5 days and 2 approvals within 90 days. This primarily applies to Credit Cards rather than Charge Cards.
– Pop-Up: During the application process, Amex may notify you that you are not eligible for the Welcome Offer. You may still be able to continue the application and receive approval, but without the Welcome Offer.
A simple Amex application strategy is:
Check Welcome Offer Eligibility → Check Family Language → Manage Card Slots → Submit Application
Actual application and Welcome Offer Eligibility requirements are subject to the current terms of each American Express Card.
How Can Foreigners Apply for American Express Credit Cards?
For foreigners entering the U.S. credit card market, Amex Global Transfer can be one of the best starting points.
If you already hold an eligible American Express card in another country, your existing Amex cardmember history may help support an application for a U.S. Amex card without first building a long U.S. credit history.
Overseas Amex → Amex Global Transfer → U.S. Amex → Build U.S. Credit History
Actual eligibility and required information are subject to current American Express requirements.
