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Delta Airlines offers three credit cards, all issued by American Express, that provide generous frequent flier miles and complimentary checked luggage for Delta Airlines customers, among other benefits.

It’s hard to pick a “best” Delta airlines card, since each card fills different needs (at different prices) for customers. The gold Delta SkyMiles card gets high recommendations from CreditShout.com as a good American Express travel rewards card with a low annual fee (waived the first year.)

Weighing the costs and benefits of each, I’d say most people would do best with the Gold Delta SkyMiles credit card, over the Platinum Delta SkyMiles card or the Delta Reserve credit card. It’s important to point out that all three cards are conventional credit cards, accepted anywhere that takes American Express, and not “charge cards” like the renowned American Express green card and others in the line.

It’s important to note that all three cards have no blackout dates, no restrictions, no expiration dates on the miles, and no limit on the miles you can earn. Now let’s look at the three cards and their differences.

Delta Gold SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express

The Delta Gold SkyMiles has one significant difference from the Platinum or Delta Reserve credit cards: the annual fee of $95 is waived the first year. While some of the benefits aren’t as good as the two higher-end cards in this line, that difference (plus a much lower annual fee the second year and beyond) may matter to many cardholders.

The other major difference between the Gold card and the other offerings is that the other two cards provide opportunities to earn Delta Airlines Medallion status. Medallion status offers a host of privileges, including preferred seating, waived fees, and Delta Sky Club passes.

What does the Delta Gold SkyMiles card offer in terms of benefits and rewards?

Some of the benefits include:

• First checked baggage fee waived for you and up to 8 guests
• $99 economy class ticket upon renewal of your card each year

How does the rewards program work? It’s easy: earn one mile for every dollar spent, and double miles on Delta Airlines purchases. Also, after you use your card the first time, you’ll garner 20,000 bonus points — enough for one round-trip domestic ticket. Plus, you’ll get an extra 5,000 bonus points in the first year if you add two additional cardholder to your account.

Delta Platinum SkyMiles Card from American Express

Just like the Gold card, you’ll earn one mile for every dollar spent, and two miles on Delta purchases. Plus, each mile you earn also counts toward your MQMs (Medallion Qualification Miles) bringing you closer to Medallion Status.

Just like the Delta Gold card, you can earn up to 25,000 bonus miles — and they are all MQMs, too. Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to earn up to 20,000 bonus MQMs each year.

What really sets the Platinum card apart — and can easily pay for the $150 annual fee — is the annual free economy class companion ticket, good within the continental U.S. or from Alaska or Hawaii to anywhere in the continental U.S.

The annual fee for the Delta Platinum card is $150.

Delta Reserve SkyMiles Card from American Express

Let’s keep this simple: The Delta Reserve SkyMiles credit card from American Express offers everything the Platinum card offers, plus concierge service, complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs, and your choice of a free economy or first-class companion ticket annually. For these extended privileges, you’ll pay an annual fee of $450.

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