June 9, 2026
Delta Adds New SkyMiles Card Perks Without Raising Annual Fees
Toni Perkins-Southam
Delta and American Express have announced several new benefits for Delta SkyMiles credit card holders. And surprisingly, none of them come with an annual fee increase.
The updates are for both consumer and business Delta SkyMiles cards. Here’s what’s new.
Enrollment is required for select benefits. Terms apply.
Cardholders Can Now Check a Second Bag for Free
The biggest change is a complimentary second checked bag on domestic Delta-operated flights. Previously, eligible Delta SkyMiles cardholders received only their first checked bag free.
Cards with a free second checked bag include:
Personal Cards:
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Business Cards:
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card - Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
While this won’t matter much if you’re a carry-on-only traveler, it can provide some solid value for many families or anyone who regularly checks luggage.
Amex Gold Cardholders Get a New Rideshare Credit
Delta is also expanding its rideshare credit to more cardholders. After renewing their card, Delta SkyMiles® Gold and Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business cardholders can get up to $120 in annual rideshare credits, issued as up to $10 in monthly statement credits for eligible purchases. Enrollment is required; terms apply.
Companion Certificates Get More Flexible
Companion Certificates are also getting a bit of an enhancement. Eligible cardholders can now apply their Companion Certificates toward the flight portion of Delta Vacations packages. Previously, certificates were limited to standalone flight bookings.
Elevated Welcome Offers Are Also Available
In addition to the new perks, Delta and American Express have launched elevated welcome offers across the SkyMiles card portfolio. If you’ve been considering adding a Delta card to your wallet, now may be a good time to compare offers and see whether one aligns with your travel goals.
Related: Increased Delta Credit Card Welcome Offers
Our Take
The announcement feels like a continuation of Delta’s effort to add value to its credit cards after the significant card refreshes and annual fee increases introduced in recent years.
Rather than asking cardholders to pay more, Delta is attempting to make its cards more appealing through additional benefits. For frequent Delta flyers who check bags and regularly use their card benefits, these changes could provide tangible value. And for everyone else, these don’t move the needle much.
But either way, it’s refreshing to see a card benefits announcement that doesn’t end with the words “annual fee increase.”
Opinions, reviews, analyses, and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Terms apply.
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. American Express is a Travel Mom Squad advertiser, but we always show the best public offer even when we don’t earn a commission. Terms Apply.
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