by Chris Carley

Should Delta and American Express Rebrand/Rename the SkyMiles Credit Cards? What Names Do You Suggest?

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Delta Gold, Delta Platinum, and Delta Reserve personal and business American Express cards.

“Why do you have a Gold credit card if you’re a Delta Diamond or whatever? Why are you using a Gold card if you’re not Gold anymore? And why don’t you have a Diamond credit card this year?”

Sound familiar?

This was part of a conversation I had last year with a friend interested in points and miles while I took out my American Express Gold Card (learn more) to pay for lunch. Things only got more confusing when he saw the Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express (learn how to apply) in my wallet. (“Shouldn’t you use your Reserve card if you’re Reserve level? I thought you’re Diamond!”)

Many of us involved with the miles and points hobby are pretty clear about differents levels of loyalty program status and credit card brands. But people not as familiar get understandably confused — especially when it comes to Delta SkyMiles, American Express, and their co-branded credit card products.

It’s very easy for people to get Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion status mixed up with Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express cards, or the non-Delta American Express Platinum personal and business cards. Same goes with the gold flavors of status, SkyMiles credit cards, and Amex branded charge cards.

What do you think? Should Delta and American Express come up with different names for the Gold and Platinum SkyMiles credit cards? Continue reading →

by Chris Carley

Delta’s Million Miler Gifts: Should Delta Copy United and American (For a Change)?

A Delta Million Miler brag tag on baggage.

  Achieving Million Miler status is a pretty big accomplishment. Each time you accrue a million miles on an airline, the carrier gives you a gift of some sort. Delta gives you annual Silver at 1M or Gold status at 2M & 3M or Platinum at 4M (depending on how many millions of miles you’ve earned) and some luggage or jewelry. United, meanwhile, steps it up. While UA may not give you premium luggage or … Continue reading →

by Chris Carley

Why and How Delta Flyers Can Benefit from Chase Ultimate Rewards

Rene's Chase Ultimate Rewards cards

For better or worse, I’m a loyal Delta flyer. Delta’s co-branded American Express cards sort of come with that territory. But Chase’s credit cards, however, are starting to pique my interest (especially now that I’m finally dipping under 5/24!) when it comes to actual point accrual and redemption. And their low to no annual fees sure are interesting, too.