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  • AmEx Quietly Adds New Restrictions on Delta Cards

    AmEx Quietly Adds New Restrictions on Delta Cards

    AmEx has altered the deal – pray they do not alter it any further.

    American Express and Delta Airlines have long enjoyed a close partnership, offering a range of co-branded credit cards that have been popular among travelers seeking to maximize their SkyMiles and benefits. However, recent developments in the world of Delta and American Express credit cards have left many loyal SkyMiles members scratching their heads and, frankly, feeling a bit alienated.

    For years, American Express had a policy in place that allowed customers to enjoy a credit card welcome offer “once in a lifetime.” In practice, this typically translated to a wait period of 5 to 7 years before you could snag another tempting welcome offer. But there was a clever workaround for those savvy enough to exploit it – the various flavors of American Express Delta business and consumer cards were considered different products, enabling cardholders to potentially sextuple-dip into the world of Delta welcome offers.

    However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and it appears that the party may be over for the welcome offer aficionados. Danny the Deal Guru recently noticed the emergence of some intriguing “family language” on Delta consumer cards, similar to the language recently implemented on the AmEx Platinum family. This language, while not consistent across all Delta consumer cards, seems to put restrictions on obtaining a welcome offer if you’ve had other cards within the same family. Notably, Delta Business cards remain unaffected by these changes (for now).

    So, what’s the scoop on these new rules? Well, it seems the Gold Delta card is currently off-limits if you’ve had any of the three top cards in the Delta consumer card family in the past. However, there’s a glimmer of hope for those eyeing the Delta Platinum card – you might still be eligible for its welcome offer even if you’ve previously held the Gold card (though not the Reserve). And as for the Delta Reserve card, it appears to be business as usual, with no new restrictions in sight. Also notably, the Delta Blue card seems to go without mention, so that signup bonus may still be up for grabs. Some examples of the new language:

    You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or previous versions of these Cards.

    Delta Gold Card

    You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or previous versions of these Cards. 

    Delta Platinum Card

    You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card or previous versions of this Card. 

    Delta Reserve Card

    Now, it’s worth noting that the variations in language between the Delta Platinum and Gold cards appear deliberate and targeted, rather than the result of a gradual rollout of a uniform family rule. Delta and Amex seem intent on allowing cardholders to ascend to more premium and expensive offerings, but they’re tightening the screws if you’re thinking of heading in the opposite direction. In other words, if you were planning to score welcome offers on all three cards by applying for the Gold, Platinum, and Reserve sequentially, you’re in luck. However, if you had your sights set on circling back to one of the other cards after having the Reserve or the Platinum, you might find yourself out of luck. This enhanced language has been aptly termed “waterfall language,” as signup bonus ineligibility “waterfalls” down from higher tier cards.

    As with many developments in the credit card rewards landscape, these rules are subject to change. It wasn’t long ago that Amex added more restrictive language to its various Platinum cards, so it’s entirely possible that we’ll see further tweaks down the road.

    In the ever-evolving world of credit card rewards, it’s crucial for travelers and points enthusiasts to stay vigilant and adapt to the changing landscape. With Delta’s recent moves to overhaul its SkyMiles loyalty program and tighten access to its SkyClubs, it’s clear that change is in the air. And if you’re not yet affected by these new rules, it may be worth grabbing the welcome bonuses for these cards before AmEx tightens the rules even further.

  • Delta SkyClub Access Faces Severe New Restrictions

    Delta SkyClub Access Faces Severe New Restrictions

    The rumor mill has been churning for months, and now it’s official – Delta Air Lines is tightening the reins on its Delta SkyClub access once again, in addition to other serious devaluations to the popular SkyMiles program. If you thought the previous restrictions were stringent, brace yourselves for even more changes that might leave frequent flyers a bit disillusioned.

    Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members:

    Starting from February 1, 2025, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members will only be eligible for 10 Delta Sky Club Visits per Medallion Year. Card Members can earn Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after they’ve dished out a hefty $75,000 on their eligible Card within a calendar year (though the opportunity cost of not placing that spend on a more valuable card is huge). Once that milestone is reached, they’ll enjoy unlimited Delta Sky Club Access for the remainder of the current Medallion Year and the following one. Just to keep things clear, spend tracking for this new rule kicks off on January 1, 2024, for the 2025 Medallion Year.

    The Platinum Card® from American Express:

    For those carrying The Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card from American Express, there’s also a change in the wind. Starting February 1, 2025, Card Members will be granted a mere 6 Delta Sky Club Visits per Medallion Year. However, like their Reserve counterparts, they can earn unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after reaching that same $75,000 spend threshold within a calendar year. The same spend tracking timeframe applies, kicking in on January 1, 2024, for the 2025 Medallion Year.

    Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card Members:

    Now, for those of you holding the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express Cards, here’s the bad news – effective January 1, 2024, you’re out of luck. These cards will no longer provide Card Members with the ability to purchase access to Delta Sky Clubs. Previously, cardholders could purchase access for themselves and up to two guests at a rate of $50 per person. Unfortunately, that option is being shown the door, joining the ranks of day passes for the general public, which were eliminated years ago.

    Basic Economy Travelers:

    Lastly, for American Express Card Members who often find themselves in Basic Economy seats or their equivalent on partner airlines, prepare for disappointment. Effective January 1, 2024, you won’t be receiving Delta Sky Club Access. While those who purchased SkyClub memberships were previously barred when flying on Basic Economy tickets, those using eligible AmEx cards to access the SkyClub had enjoyed an exemption. However, that loophole is now closed.

    These changes might leave some Delta loyalists feeling a bit shortchanged, especially when coupled with the devaluation of the SkyMiles loyalty program. For now, all we can do is adapt to these new realities and make the most of the perks that remain. Remember, in the world of travel, the only constant is change.