Delta SkyMiles Cards Now Include a Free Second Checked Bag. Here's What Else Changed (2026)

The Rideshare Credit: What You Need to Know

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The $120 annual rideshare credit is new for Gold and Gold Business cardholders. It's been available on the pricier Platinum and Reserve cards for a couple of years. Here's how it works:

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• Up to $10/month in statement credits on eligible U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers, including Uber, Lyft, Curb, and Alto.
• Works as a statement credit (not Uber Cash), so you need to charge the ride directly to your Delta Gold card.
• Enrollment required. Log into your Amex account to activate.
• Only available after your first card renewal. If you've had the card for more than 12 months, you can start using it right away after enrolling.

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One thing to know if you also hold the Amex Platinum: because this is a statement credit rather than Uber Cash, it doesn't stack the same way. Your Platinum's Uber Cash applies first, so plan ride costs accordingly if you want full value from both.

Limited-Time Elevated Welcome Bonuses (Through July 15)

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New cardmembers can take advantage of elevated sign-up offers through July 15, 2026:

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• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Is the Delta Gold Card Worth It Now?

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At a $150 annual fee, the Delta Gold has historically been a hard sell for anyone who isn't a frequent Delta flyer. The new benefits change that math:

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• $120 rideshare credit brings your effective annual fee down to $30 if you use Uber or Lyft regularly
• Free second bag saves $55 each way on domestic flights
• Annual Delta Stays credit, 15% discount on award tickets, and priority boarding add more value

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One domestic round-trip with two checked bags plus a few Uber rides and the card essentially pays for itself.

What About the Companion Certificate?

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The companion ticket on the Reserve cards is one of the most misunderstood perks in the Delta lineup. A few practical tips:

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• Book early. Availability tightens considerably within 30 days of travel, especially for first class.
• Use Delta's "Redeem for Flight" tool from the Certificates, eCredits & Vouchers page rather than the standard search. Normal search shows cheaper fare classes that aren't eligible for companion tickets.
• Call Delta directly. Medallion phone reps can look up eligible seats and walk you through the booking, which is often easier than doing it online.

Why Now?

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United recently updated its own co-branded cards in ways that made them pretty much essential for anyone earning United miles. Delta adding two free checked bags across its paid lineup reads as a direct response. Credit cards are essential for airlines: Delta reported $8.2 billion in revenue from its Amex partnership last year, and without it, the airline would barely be profitable. Free bags and monthly rideshare credits are the kind of easy-to-quantify benefits that give people a reason to keep a Delta card in their wallet.

New Card Design

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Amex is marking 30 years of its Delta partnership with refreshed designs across the portfolio, including a new Slate Grey colorway for the Reserve and Reserve Business cards. The previous purple design had a loyal following, so not everyone is happy about it. If you recently got a new card in the old design, you likely won't automatically get a replacement. Physical card updates typically happen at renewal.

Bottom Line

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Annual fees unchanged, new bag benefits, expanded rideshare credits, and elevated welcome bonuses through July 15. If you've been holding a Delta card and wondering whether to keep it, this refresh makes a strong case. If you've been thinking about applying, the timing is good.

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Want to make sure you're always using the right card at checkout? Kudos automatically recommends the best card in your wallet so you never leave rewards on the table.

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^{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level vary by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}