Delta Expands Amex Card Value as Loyalty Revenue Takes Off

Delta Air Lines and American Express expanded benefits for Delta SkyMiles co-branded credit card members.

The airline added new travel perks but did not raise annual fees. Many travel credit cards are becoming more expensive, especially cards aimed at frequent and premium travelers.

The main new benefit is a second free checked bag on eligible domestic Delta flights for many cardholders. This can lower the real cost of travel for families, leisure passengers, and customers taking longer trips. Baggage fees can quickly add up, so this is one of the more practical changes in the card refresh.

The cards now cover more of the trip

Delta is also adding a $120 annual rideshare credit for eligible SkyMiles Gold and Gold Business card members. The credit gives cardholders up to $10 per month for eligible US rideshare purchases. This makes the card useful beyond the flight itself, because many travelers also need transport to the airport, hotel, or meeting place.

The airline is also expanding the use of companion certificates. These certificates let eligible cardholders bring another traveler on certain trips after card renewal, while still paying required taxes and fees. By allowing more use around Delta Vacations, Delta can connect its credit card program more closely with leisure travel packages.

Delta is trying to stand out without a fee hike

Delta’s decision to keep fees unchanged is part of the message. Other premium travel cards have raised prices or added higher-fee products. American Express now charges $895 annually for its Platinum Card, showing how expensive the premium card market has become.

This gives Delta a clearer value story. Instead of asking cardholders to pay more, it is adding benefits at the same price. That could help Delta keep existing customers and attract travelers who are comparing whether airline credit cards are still worth the annual fee.

Loyalty revenue is a bigger part of airline business

Airline credit cards are now a major revenue source. Banks pay airlines for miles and card partnerships, while airlines use these programs to keep customers spending inside their ecosystem. This gives airlines income that is not fully dependent on ticket prices or seat demand. Credit card revenue is reshaping US airline loyalty programs and profitability.

In the first quarter of 2026, loyalty and related revenue increased 13 percent. Delta also received more than $2 billion from its American Express partnership, up 10 percent from the previous year. Premium revenue grew 14 percent, showing that higher-spending travelers remain central to Delta’s business model.

A similar trend can be seen at Allegiant, which is also trying to make credit cards and loyalty a bigger part of its business after its $1.5 billion Sun Country expansion. Allegiant sees co-branded cards as a way to earn more from customers beyond the base airfare, especially as airlines look for revenue that is less dependent on ticket prices.

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