The Ultimate Guide to Travel Credit Cards: Maximizing Perks with Delta’s SkyMiles Card
Traveling can be exciting, but it often comes with its set of challenges. One of the most daunting aspects of traveling involves navigating airport security and finding comfortable places to take a break between flights. Thankfully, various credit cards offer perks that can make your travel experience more seamless. This article will explore the perks offered by Delta’s SkyMiles Card, a popular choice for American travelers. We will cover the annual fees, lounge access benefits, and additional perks such as Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits.
Annual Fees for Delta's SkyMiles Card
The Delta SkyMiles Card offers different tiers to cater to various travel needs. Here is a breakdown of the annual fees associated with each card:
Gold Card: The Gold card offers 0 intro annual fee for the first year and then 99 dollars per year starting in the second year. Platinum Card: The Platinum card comes with a 250 dollar annual fee each year. Reserve Card: The Reserve card has the highest annual fee at 550 dollars per year.While the Reserve card offers the most benefits, the Gold and Platinum cards can still offer reasonable value depending on your travel frequency and preferences.
Maximizing Travel Perks: Sky Club Lounge Access
Apart from the annual fees, the Delta SkyMiles Card offers access to the Sky Club lounges, which can be a significant perk for frequent travelers. These lounges provide a comfortable and cordial experience when waiting for flights. Here's how the Sky Club lounge access is broken down:
Gold Card: The Gold card does not include lounge access, which means travelers must pay a fee to access the lounge. Platinum Card: The Platinum card provides lounge access, but with a fee of 50 dollars per person per visit, which can add up for large travel groups or frequent fliers. Reserve Card: The Reserve card offers complimentary lounge access, along with guest passes that can be used to bring a guest along for free.For travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience, the Reserve card is an excellent option as it offers both lounge access and the ability to bring a guest along without incurring additional costs.
Additional Travel Perks: Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Credits
Besides the Sky Club lounge access, the Delta SkyMiles Card also offers valuable travel credits for certain membership programs. These credits help travelers reduce the costs associated with travel documents and expedited customs processes. Here’s a detailed look at the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits:
Global Entry: Cardholders have the option to receive a 100 dollar statement credit for Global Entry. This credit can be used to offset the cost of the membership, which typically ranges from 100 to 120 dollars per year. TSA PreCheck: Alternatively, cardholders can receive a credit of up to 85 dollars for TSA PreCheck. The cost of TSA PreCheck is also around 85 dollars, so this credit can help save money on the annual fee.These extra perks make the Delta SkyMiles Card an attractive option for travelers who frequently need to expedite their customs and clearance processes.
Conclusion
Delta’s SkyMiles Card is an excellent choice for travelers who want to streamline their travel experience with perks such as lounge access and travel credit savings. Each tier of the card offers unique advantages, so the choice of card largely depends on your travel habits and budget.