Which Delta card is best? | Ep242 | 2-16-24

In this episode, Greg gives Nick a lesson in which Delta credit cards are best (and which are best for a smattering of different goals.)
(While Greg schools Nick on this topic, you may notice that Nick's audio is a little subpar. We apologize for this and we're troubleshooting that for next episode.)

(00:00) Start

(01:25) Mail Bag

(02:40) Whitney has a question about our "Mastering Avios" episode 241 (Mail Bag)

(09:20) Greg gives an AA Executive card update (Card Talk)

(17:10) T-Mobile Magenta status is mostly a nothingburger (Crazy Thing)

(24:05) Turkish devaluation is real (Award Talk)

(26:26) Nick talks about his AA elite status mad dash (Award Talk)

(29:13) Greg talks about his Alaska match (Award Talk)

(31:58) Greg talks about his experience booking JetBlue Mint to London (Award Talk)

(40:19) Which Delta Card is Best? (Main Event)

(40:31) Overview of Delta cards

(40:38) You might remember our episode on Delta's Big Flip-Flop | Ep225 | 10-21-23

(41:11) Delta Gold Card Overview

(41:49) Delta Platinum Card Overview

(43:21) Delta Reserve Card

(47:23) Coupons: Are any Delta cards free after rebate?

Best card depends on what you value...

(00:58:56) If you value Delta miles...

(01:03:32) If you value free checked bags...

(01:04:08) If you value the companion ticket...

(01:04:54) If you value elite status...

(01:08:43) If you value Sky Club access...

(01:14:17) Conclusion: The best Delta card may not be actually even be a Delta card...

(01:15:30) “What happens if you apply for a credit card and then immediately after the offer increases? ” (Question of the Week)

[Upsidedownfoodpyramid]

Can have an episode that gives advice on how to save for a family? When I travel it’s my wife and I and my 5 kids. Saving on traveling for two isn’t too bad. I just haven’t found great ways to get deals for the kiddos when I travel with the whole family.

[wetherington]

😂🤣😂 Me snorting laughter (still from the ICU where laughter is inarguably the best medicine) when I tune in for the second Friday episode. You guys rock!

[gregggomlinski]

TY so much! Greg mentioned that the companion pass might post before the annual fee does on the Delta Platinum card. Do you have DP's of this happening often and how far before the annual fee posts? I would love to get the companion pass on my platinum this summer then downgrade to the gold.

[olivern]

Have you tried using an EZ pass transponder with rental cars? It works in the Northeast, most of the Southeast and parts of the Great Lakes region.

[Rhodesters]

I am downloading to listen on our flight to Tahoe tomorrow. Flying SW, sorry Greg, but family of 6 w/ two companion passes 😂

[VincentPascual]

Regarding West Coast redemptions, I flew United Polaris (United metal) from LHR to SFO with a layover at IAD last year for 60k United miles (before the UA devaluation) (and a small amount in taxes and fees, not the huge surcharges you’d see on British Airways flights). I’ve also seen Turkish Airlines metal business class from SFO to IST nonstop for 45k Turkish miles (before TK devaluation). Today, I compared award pricing for business class from SFO to IST and IAD to IST, and both went for 88k United miles. You can probably get the same flights cheaper with a different airline’s point currency (perhaps Avianca or Aeroplan), but at least for Star Alliance flights, pricing can be the same whether starting from the West Coast or East Coast.

[MrShaunG]

Could Turkish airlines be doing this because of the Turkey currency/economic issues?

[icanseaclearnow]

Okay, now I either have to find something else to listen to on my Saturday mornings. Or hold off on the Friday release until Saturday.

Decisions…..decisions

[guccinupe]

FYSA - I have two Delta Reserve cards (consumer) as I value the first-class comp certs and always get outsized value. However, with the new rules I didn't get the Head Start for both. Called the hotline and the rep said that each card must have its own SkyMiles number, so Consumer + Business = ok, but Consumer + Consumer = No Bueno!

[JuanGarcia-hrwf]

Great video guys. I live in Miami and while AA is a hub and preferred airline, Delta is my backup. I have the Delta Blue card. Should I consider upgrade to Gold or Platinum?