Correct. The best things that was making me look into the personal gold was that owning it was enough to get the free bags and main cabin 1. Now they actually want you to use it, and multipliers are pretty bad
We have the personal Platinum cards. Credits are a turn-off; zero interest in chasing coupons. We don’t ride-share monthly, we book hotels direct for better rates and discounts, and the Resy restaurants in both cities where have homes are either mediocre chains or not places we eat. As long as they don’t muck up the companion certificate, the value prop is still there for us, but they are on a watch list.
Re the Resy credit, I’m not sure that you actually need to make reservation to get the credit. You just need to go to a resy restaurant. We went to a dinner yesterday at a resy restaurant without a reservation and I tipped a bit extra to have the bill divided up between my delta biz plat, delta plat, and my marriott brilliant card. A bit nutty, but I wanted my credits! I will advise if I don’t get my credits.
Just tested with Delta Reserve. Went to a restaurant listed on resy app, without resy reservation, pay with card directly. Got the credit back. Simple as that.
We go to Mexico for spring break every year. Tickets are insane. I am glad for the change and may get another platinum so we can use the companion ticket for each kid. 🔺
Just watched the video and saw your comment. Was thinking about this. If you have a family of 4 and have 2 cards with companion cert, would you need to make 2 separate bookings (one booking from me with 1 kid and another with spouse with the other)?
🔺 I was going to downgrade my Delta Reserve to Delta Platinum or Delta Gold, but now I’m going to keep it. I think I can make all the new credits work around 50% of listed value. The big bonus for me is being able to use the “enhanced” companion certificate for FC to Hawaii.
🔺id consider this a nerf. CC issuers raising their AF's in exhanges for credits temind me of thode entertainment books that you would buy from kids fundtaising for yheir school. The order of these cards in terms of value is probably Palt, Reserve, Gold, although none of these are on my radar since i almost never fly delta. Additionally, I would hate Chase to take a page from this playbook. Couponing just restricts consumers from spending the way they'd want to spend. While the chase cards may look marginally pricier, I'm not chasing coupons. Especially since most of these are monthly credits. Sometimes being simple is great.
Well said - I personally don't want to go out of my way to use these credits. So, I would say it is a nerf too unless it is something like $20-30 monthly UBER credit or something so I can have a free meal each month. Otherwise, I feel like I need to force myself and pay extra, for credits that are $10-15 or below, because delivery fee is pretty much $10 already.
I'm not a fan of the coupon book strategy. The whole idea of, "You pay $100 now but sometime in the next year you can get $150 back!" - like it's some kind of investment. What it amounts to, for me at least, is having to remember to deal with the credits each month, quarter, half, etc. I see it more as, "Buy it now and try to remember to use it sometime later this year depending on the date." I'd MUCH rather just buy it when I need it even if I'm going to lose $50 across that year. I'm more likely to save $$ by not preemptively buying something I really otherwise wouldn't buy.
It’s really annoying that it’s a portal credit for prepaid lodging, not a proper credit for hotel reservations so you can earn points and elite nights. Chase really wants you to do the same thing with their enhanced multipliers being portal only.
@@headlibrarian1996 That actually happens quiet a lot. Amex Platinum, I think, has a $200 hotel credit for Fine Resorts (or something along those lines). If you go through their portal to try to use it, you better have the exact right thing selected in order to get the credit because, otherwise, you get zip. The first time I did it I thought I had done it right and then called in after I didn't get the credit. They told me the hotel wasn't some kind of special resort. Basically, they lead you to believe that using the $200 credit is easy and it's a bit more like a special skill you have to learn and remember. Anyway, I finally got tired of dealing with that nonsense (coupon books) and started dumping the Amex cards a few months back.
These are great improvements for people who actually frequently travel via Delta flights, which is who these cards were always supposed to be for. These improvements are also good for Amex because it will get cardholders using the card more frequently and should reduce the number of SUB churners getting cards they never intend to use or keep.
Something to think about. I had a trip booked already for 2 nights in Toledo. I went through Stays and tried to book the same room. It was $45/night more through Stays. So 2 nights, $150 stays credit, I really only save $50 in the end. Still $50, but not really as good as it sounds. I will check a few more though.
🔺I've also heard that with both the Delta Platinum and Reserve that you get 2500 MQDs so if you have both you get automatic silver status. If you can use all the credits and certificates for each card, getting automatic airline status sounds pretty good to me!
🔺I feel like no one is talking about the fact that if you have two of the higher tier cards you can now buy silver status $900 with the platinum and Reserve. No other airline can you simply buy a status with just the annual fee of credit cards like a hotel status.
The only extra benefit you’d be getting by doing that would be access to the upgrade lottery. You might as well just buy the first class ticket at that point if having a better seat is that important to you that you want to buy silver status via credit cards
🔺 I like the Delta reserve card because of the first class companion certificate and the Delta sky club… I will definitely use the rideshare and the Resy… 🎉
Nobody is talking about how they nerfed Reserve status and upgrades. It used to be a plus 1/2 a step. Pecking order for upgrades, Diamond w/ Reserve, Diamonds, Plats with Reserve, Plats, Golds with Reserve, Golds, etc. Now it's just a simple if you don't have status, you'll get on the list above no status peeps - which practically makes it worthless.
I like the fact that I’m already able to access the additional benefits on my Delta Reserve Business card yet, my annual fee hit this week and it was still the $550 annual fee, so I’m essentially getting a years worth of all of the upgrades for free. That’s nice. I’m especially excited about the companion certificate - and the ability to go to new locations. My hope is to surprise my wife with a trip sometime soon.
I was surprised you didn't mention the 1st Class companion fare benefit for the Reserve now being extended to all states, Canada, Caribbean, and south of the border. Big plus for me.
On vacation right when the new changes just hit. We booked using delta stays for 2 nights and got the credit the following day. It wasn't hard at all. The only detractor with these sites is if you have status... it won't help... not that it helped much in the first place. We are going to keep the card one more year and see... 😅 The only other point to mention is now with the delta platinum; you get put on the upgrade list after everyone with status. 😂
@@WeiliXu88 Hmm... that might be a reason to get the delta reserve if truly the case. My main airport is pretty small but have to route to a major hub (30 minute flight) to get to most places.
I have Delta Reserve, but my travel habbits are slowly changing that I don't see the need for it in the near future. I think I just am keeping the card because of a high credit limit which help with overall utilization and thereby my credit score. Thank you, though, for giving me a better perspective. My initial reaction is just to outright cancel the card when my renewal date looms closer.
Enjoy the positive attitude about the card. Might come down to for me whether or not I wanna get another year for NEXT YEAR after my Southwest Companion Pass expires
I feel Chase Sapphire Reserve is superior and more flexible. I dislike too much of a grab bag approach to perks or the requirement that you use their specific travel portal to get a credit. And many of the benefits are broken up to monthly amounts so you might not benefit fully. Overall the annual fee creep is getting a bit out of control. The more complicated and niche they make the benefits, the less likely card holders will remember them all and take full advantage. And I think that's what they are counting on. As others have noted, it feeling more like a hodge podge coupon book.
Regarding your view of Walmart+, you live in a big urban area. It doesn't make sense for you to drive. I live in a small town in west Texas with poor public transport. We have Uber and Lyft, but prefer to drive. We use the Walmart+ member's discount for 10¢ / gallon off of what is already usually the cheapest gas in town. We wouldn't get the membership if Amex didn't credit it, but we do get use out of it. I figure we save about $5 a month on gas (we're retired and don't have to tank up often), and the subscription is more than that.
Ok - you convinced me to check out the Delta Stays. I cancelled a 24k Hyatt stay on a college tour for my kiddo and booked through the Delta site. $283 - $250 Biz Reserve credit = $38 and I keep 24k Hyatt points. Plus there’s probably some delta mile and delta mqd coming.
I have the Delta Plat and 2 Delta Reserve cards. All personal. I can find some value in the credits. I have used a three companion certificates for the two years I have had the cards. Always get value from those.
@@ReDEclipsE28 yes and to help keep my Medallion status. I get two first class tickets and a main cabin ticket that I turn into a Delta Comfort seat because of my Medallion status. I travel for work, plus personal an I’m a die hard Steelers and football fan (college and pro) so I go to many games in for fall.
I got the delta platinum card 6 months ago before any major changes took place. Since then they have removed lounge access entirely, have increased the annual fee, and have added credits that don’t cater towards my personal needs/wants. I think the resy and rideshare credits don’t make much sense if you don’t live in a larger city, and I would have to go out of my way to spend much more than I usually would to get $10 worth of value every month. To me, that’s an immediate no. The enhanced companion certificate is enticing, and I like that you can now use it to travel outside of the contiguous US, but you’re still limited to certain fare classes which in reality still limits this benefit. I think I’ll keep it around for another year to see if I can get some value out of the companion certificate, but I’ll get rid of it if I don’t.
The Resy credits are pretty good. You don’t have to use rest- just use the card at a restaurant on it. The expanded eligibility for the companion pass is good, but the rest of the changes are pretty mediocre
I really like the new changes I have the Delta reserve and I only travel on Delta 2 or 3 times a year but a first class ticket to places on east coast, Alaska or Haewaii is more than worth it. There are some great Ressy restaurants in SF Bay area, 200 can almost pay for a night in some areas and the Uber I can definitely use. You for gor to mention the 250 MQ D which takes you half way to silver or beyond. I will never use this card beyond the credits, Delta spend or offers
Testing out the platinum for the year. I think the sign on offer is 100% worth it for the first year. Companion certificate seems it will pay for itself in future years, so for Delta being my airline of choice, I think I’ll come out ahead.
🔺 also @Sebby, you used the Delta Business Gold “slide” when talking about the Delta Business Platinum 😊 It has the correct data, but the title is wrong.
The Delta Stays credit alone is easy enough to use, and the value is greater than the increase in AF. Resy in LA tends to do better, nicer restaurants many of which we already love and so that's an easy one to get value from. I use rideshare at least twice a month for my work trips. And the expanded companion pass is a win. Effective AF for me is well below zero even without having to use all the credits every month. No brainer to keep cards as long as this is the structure.
🔺️ I may be in the minority, but these changes actually work really well for me. The value of the Platinum & Reserve cash-wise still comes down to using the companion certificate. The expanded options provide more flexibility, as long as I can actually use it. If one travels enough to justify any Delta card over Blue then you're going to need hotels. I usually use Delta Stays to book hotels anyway, (you don't need to be flying to use), and 1-2 nights will take care of the credit. Eliminates the AF increase + $50. Easy to do as a one-and-done, so I don't consider it "coupon book" like the rideshare & Resy credits, which I'll seldom if ever use. The multipliers on the business side are nice, though not a big part of our business spend. Will keep the card for now, but if I can't utilize the companion certificates then I'll consider other options.
Clarifying that the Delta Platinum companion certificate is once *per year* so it can easily be justified as a keeper card if you use the pass each year.
The platinum they upped the fee and they took away the sky club access. I fly about 10 times a year. I do drink so and also I can get reimbursed for a meal for the $50 that it cost to go into the lounge. Now that perk is gone. I don’t think I’ll be keeping the platinum card. If I’m gonna pay 650 for the purple one I might as well just get the American Express platinum right I think.
Can i get some opinions. I fly out of delta primarily every month for work. Do yall think i should get the gold card get the bonus, downgrade to blue, get the plat get the bonus and rinse and repeat and keep the delta reserve?
I literally downgraded my Delta card to Blue a couple of days prior to this release, since I live in DFW and Delta is hard to come by. Thank god I did. Once this happens to the regular AMEX cards, you best believe I am out. I just applied for my Chase Sapphire Preferred card a couple of days ago and I think I will slowly work my way over to Chase. Going to use all the AMEX points up and then I think I am out.
I'm a corporate traveler so my work pays for all my flights. Got my Reserve so I'll be good, some of the credits plus the MQD Boosy and Headstart pay for the card. Looking forward to flying the family 1st class when I get enough points.
🔺One thing you did not mention that the Platinum and Reserve cards have a $2500 MQD boost. That bonus is stackable! Because of an elevated business sing-up offer and three separate upgrade offers last year, I am sitting on both the Delta Platinum personal and business cards. I had planned on cancelling the business and downgrading the personal. I just noticed that $5000 MQD hit my Skymiles account giving me Silver Medallion status through 2025 with no spend! Silver Medallion is not worth keeping the cards but an interesting data point. Fingers crossed Amex does not claw back the MQDs when I close/downgrade the accounts. Unfortunately, the annual fees for both of my accounts hit in May. I was going to cancel the business card this month but I guess I will hold off another month so I can use the Delta Stay credit.
I just checked the terms and Amex says they have the right to revoke the the MQDs if the account is closed within 60-days of MQM deposit. I guess I will hold onto the accounts for at least 2-months and maybe just wait until the annual fees hit. The terms are written so you could stack the business and personal Platinum and Reserve cards for up to 10,000 MQD (if you were crazy enough to have all four cards).
Do we need to make a reservation at the Resy restaurant and then use the card, or will it trigger at any Resy restaurant so long as you haven't used the monthly credit yet? And are we assuming that the rideshare credit will be a statement credit after the purchase or loaded into Uber like ... the AMEX Platinum or Gold?
🔺I recently shifted to nearly all Delta flying the past 2 years. I was already considering getting both Reserve + Biz reserve to get the $5k MQD boost. I shouldn't have a problem reaching platinum status that way. With the new credits and probably better options for the companion cert, I think it's going to be a no brainer.
Hi Sebby. Thanks for the info. So last night when I was trying to check out my delta flight from NY to london, I noticed that on the payment screen there is a dummy offer for the delta gold card with 50k miles + $400 flight statement credit, which makes me want to apply for it. Do you think this is a good offer? I am not a loyal customer for any airlien company and I don't fly that often, maybe about 2 times a year for travel. I'm thinking to get the offer and downgrade to delta blue if no retention offer
Sebby, If someone is a Delta Sky Miles Member and earn 5x miles, do they get the additional 2-3x miles from the cobranded AMEX credit cards? In other words, do the miles "stack?" Could someone with Diamond Status and a Reserve Card earn 14x miles?
Unfortunately, in the fine print for the rideshare credit it says, "Eligible purchases do not include delivery services (for example, food, packages, groceries, pet food, toys or retail clothing), bikeshare, scooter, car rental, transit, membership, or any other non-rideshare services offered by the rideshare providers."
With the devaluation of Skymiles and an increase in AF I cancelled my Delta Skymiles Gold. These were good changes because it got me off the fence on that card. It’s not targeted towards me. YMMV
@asksebby I don't think you mentioned the expanded benefits for the companion pass of each platinum and reserve cards (no longer restricted to the 48 states but now includes Hawaii and Alaska, Central America, etc). Reserve also allows a premium select option for your companion. Otherwise great video ! Thank you
Hi! I’m 30 years old and I have 25 accounts (car , home, cards.) w/ 800 credit score. My question to you, is having too many accounts a bad thing? Should I cancel some? I know the negative consequences of cancelling cards but should I reset in a sense? Would love a video on it :)
Yo Sebby, Great breakdown of the Delta 2024 changes. Delta is my preferred airline since I'm close to a Delta hub. Will probably be downgrading to Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card in April when renewal is due...🔺take care... looking forward to more luxury travel be vlogs/ reviews this year...💪👊🤑
I’m still downgrading to gold or lower. Even if the changes are mathematically worth it, I’m not happy about any changes at this point. I know I’m knew to the system, but there are only so much change in the first year I’m willing to put up with.
I've always been able to find value in this card when the spending requirements were 60k. To get platinum now I'm not sure the BOGO certificate has been worth the annual fee I'm seeing if I can use it and go from there the ride credits shouldn't be too hard but we'll see resy might require a little bit of work while traveling
🔺I like the new credits, especially the Delta Stay one. It's a bigger credit than the $50 Chase hotel credit from the Chase Sapphire Preferred but just as easy to use. And it doesn't have a $500 minimum spend like the $100 Citi Premier Card hotel credit. Essentially, it’s like a limited free night certificate. If you can find a room for $150 or $200 at off peak times, then it's free. Not bad.
It should be concerning that all these credit card TH-camrs are sucking off and praising AMEX for these changes. More coupon book benefits is NOT good regardless of the “value”.
@@jameshorton3692 wrong. I can easily make the spend for all these cards. Thats not the problem. The problem is this Encourages AMEX to keep doing this instead of giving them proper feedback. Just because you can make the spend doesn’t mean it’s not a shitty value proposition unless you’re stupid to go along with it.
I don’t know who wants the coupon books. I don’t. I want perks with less effort, not more. Amex has been trashing their best cards one by one with every update chasing partner deals and coupons over what frequent travelers actually want.
I don't have to pay the new af until next year on my Platinum so I'll make my decision about keeping the card then but as long as I can get great value out of the companion pass its a keeper card for me
I’m not a fan of airline travel credit cards but I appreciate the information you’re providing. Maybe I will change my mind one day. I normally book all my flights with my personal and business platinum charge cards. Keep up the good work. 👍🏿✌️
🔺 the blue card sounds better now! Which works well for an upgrade strategy. But overall the reserve sounds like the best. Wondering if the Brilliant card will keep its dining credit the same
🔺️ Im new to delta, do this was a good video Im more looking for the companion fare, and ride share offset the cost Im looking more towards the Reserve, but im investigating the platinum.
🔺️ Thank you for this analysis. I got my wife to downgrade her Gold to Blue yesterday, but now I will get her to get the Gold again. I have Platinum and I was initially interested in getting a business Platinum or personal Reserve for Silver Medallion status points , but with the fee increase was turned off. After your analysis I am interested again. Not sure which one.
🔻I have a platinum delta AMEX and just was accepted for the Reserve, for which I receive welcome bonus of 100,000 miles. With the $650 annual fee, is the mileage bonus of 100K worth the fee?
💳 Sebby's Card Picks: www.asksebby.com/credit-cards
The fact the "extras/benefits" are now behind 5 figure spend walls should alienate a ton of people. They literally made these dead cards to me.
Delta wants to get rid of a bunch of its elites.
Correct. The best things that was making me look into the personal gold was that owning it was enough to get the free bags and main cabin 1. Now they actually want you to use it, and multipliers are pretty bad
I think the only benefit behind a Spend wall is the Delta credit. You can use the Delta stays credit right away
That's the point,
They don't want as many people with the reserve.
We have the personal Platinum cards. Credits are a turn-off; zero interest in chasing coupons. We don’t ride-share monthly, we book hotels direct for better rates and discounts, and the Resy restaurants in both cities where have homes are either mediocre chains or not places we eat. As long as they don’t muck up the companion certificate, the value prop is still there for us, but they are on a watch list.
Re the Resy credit, I’m not sure that you actually need to make reservation to get the credit. You just need to go to a resy restaurant. We went to a dinner yesterday at a resy restaurant without a reservation and I tipped a bit extra to have the bill divided up between my delta biz plat, delta plat, and my marriott brilliant card. A bit nutty, but I wanted my credits! I will advise if I don’t get my credits.
Brilliant!!
Just tested with Delta Reserve. Went to a restaurant listed on resy app, without resy reservation, pay with card directly. Got the credit back. Simple as that.
@@depumeng2322I wish they’d do this with all benefits including rideshare.
I just buy gift certificates for the amount and I get the credit
We go to Mexico for spring break every year. Tickets are insane. I am glad for the change and may get another platinum so we can use the companion ticket for each kid. 🔺
Just watched the video and saw your comment. Was thinking about this. If you have a family of 4 and have 2 cards with companion cert, would you need to make 2 separate bookings (one booking from me with 1 kid and another with spouse with the other)?
🔺Sebby in 2030: "who cares if the annual fee is $10,000? I'm getting $11,000 in value"
😂
LOL maybe $15,000 in value :P
😂
🔺 I was going to downgrade my Delta Reserve to Delta Platinum or Delta Gold, but now I’m going to keep it. I think I can make all the new credits work around 50% of listed value. The big bonus for me is being able to use the “enhanced” companion certificate for FC to Hawaii.
Sebby, I will love to see a video on how much you and Mandy pay in annual fees.
🔺id consider this a nerf. CC issuers raising their AF's in exhanges for credits temind me of thode entertainment books that you would buy from kids fundtaising for yheir school. The order of these cards in terms of value is probably Palt, Reserve, Gold, although none of these are on my radar since i almost never fly delta.
Additionally, I would hate Chase to take a page from this playbook. Couponing just restricts consumers from spending the way they'd want to spend. While the chase cards may look marginally pricier, I'm not chasing coupons. Especially since most of these are monthly credits.
Sometimes being simple is great.
Omg the monthly credit is just soooo annoying.
Well said - I personally don't want to go out of my way to use these credits. So, I would say it is a nerf too unless it is something like $20-30 monthly UBER credit or something so I can have a free meal each month. Otherwise, I feel like I need to force myself and pay extra, for credits that are $10-15 or below, because delivery fee is pretty much $10 already.
I'm not a fan of the coupon book strategy. The whole idea of, "You pay $100 now but sometime in the next year you can get $150 back!" - like it's some kind of investment. What it amounts to, for me at least, is having to remember to deal with the credits each month, quarter, half, etc. I see it more as, "Buy it now and try to remember to use it sometime later this year depending on the date." I'd MUCH rather just buy it when I need it even if I'm going to lose $50 across that year. I'm more likely to save $$ by not preemptively buying something I really otherwise wouldn't buy.
It’s really annoying that it’s a portal credit for prepaid lodging, not a proper credit for hotel reservations so you can earn points and elite nights. Chase really wants you to do the same thing with their enhanced multipliers being portal only.
@@headlibrarian1996 That actually happens quiet a lot. Amex Platinum, I think, has a $200 hotel credit for Fine Resorts (or something along those lines). If you go through their portal to try to use it, you better have the exact right thing selected in order to get the credit because, otherwise, you get zip.
The first time I did it I thought I had done it right and then called in after I didn't get the credit. They told me the hotel wasn't some kind of special resort. Basically, they lead you to believe that using the $200 credit is easy and it's a bit more like a special skill you have to learn and remember.
Anyway, I finally got tired of dealing with that nonsense (coupon books) and started dumping the Amex cards a few months back.
These are great improvements for people who actually frequently travel via Delta flights, which is who these cards were always supposed to be for.
These improvements are also good for Amex because it will get cardholders using the card more frequently and should reduce the number of SUB churners getting cards they never intend to use or keep.
Something to think about. I had a trip booked already for 2 nights in Toledo. I went through Stays and tried to book the same room. It was $45/night more through Stays. So 2 nights, $150 stays credit, I really only save $50 in the end. Still $50, but not really as good as it sounds. I will check a few more though.
🔺I've also heard that with both the Delta Platinum and Reserve that you get 2500 MQDs so if you have both you get automatic silver status. If you can use all the credits and certificates for each card, getting automatic airline status sounds pretty good to me!
🔺I feel like no one is talking about the fact that if you have two of the higher tier cards you can now buy silver status $900 with the platinum and Reserve. No other airline can you simply buy a status with just the annual fee of credit cards like a hotel status.
Silver status is worthless. Gold isn’t much better. Airlines are now rewarding big spenders, not frequent fliers.
The only extra benefit you’d be getting by doing that would be access to the upgrade lottery. You might as well just buy the first class ticket at that point if having a better seat is that important to you that you want to buy silver status via credit cards
@@bobv5806starting with $5000 MQDs, halfway to Gold and 1/3 of the way to Platinum for $900 is not a horrible tradeoff if you fly enough
🔺 I like the Delta reserve card because of the first class companion certificate and the Delta sky club… I will definitely use the rideshare and the Resy… 🎉
I just got the first delta stays credit. The new changes are very good, to me it's a keeper card now.
Just book a hotel through the website is all?
@PuertoRicanSloth yes and paying with your delta credit card
Just used it for a stay in Mexico. Booked and received the email with the statement credit wishing a few days.
Nobody is talking about how they nerfed Reserve status and upgrades. It used to be a plus 1/2 a step. Pecking order for upgrades, Diamond w/ Reserve, Diamonds, Plats with Reserve, Plats, Golds with Reserve, Golds, etc. Now it's just a simple if you don't have status, you'll get on the list above no status peeps - which practically makes it worthless.
I like the fact that I’m already able to access the additional benefits on my Delta Reserve Business card yet, my annual fee hit this week and it was still the $550 annual fee, so I’m essentially getting a years worth of all of the upgrades for free. That’s nice. I’m especially excited about the companion certificate - and the ability to go to new locations. My hope is to surprise my wife with a trip sometime soon.
They limited the times you can enter the sky clubs for the reserve card. Makes no sense since it cost the most.
I was surprised you didn't mention the 1st Class companion fare benefit for the Reserve now being extended to all states, Canada, Caribbean, and south of the border. Big plus for me.
And premium select on available flights in the same regions. That’s a big plus.
On vacation right when the new changes just hit. We booked using delta stays for 2 nights and got the credit the following day. It wasn't hard at all. The only detractor with these sites is if you have status... it won't help... not that it helped much in the first place. We are going to keep the card one more year and see... 😅
The only other point to mention is now with the delta platinum; you get put on the upgrade list after everyone with status. 😂
lol, upgrades after member means no upgrades. Especially now, two delta credits cards (not gold) can bump you to silver every year.😂
@@WeiliXu88 Hmm... that might be a reason to get the delta reserve if truly the case. My main airport is pretty small but have to route to a major hub (30 minute flight) to get to most places.
I have Delta Reserve, but my travel habbits are slowly changing that I don't see the need for it in the near future. I think I just am keeping the card because of a high credit limit which help with overall utilization and thereby my credit score. Thank you, though, for giving me a better perspective. My initial reaction is just to outright cancel the card when my renewal date looms closer.
Enjoy the positive attitude about the card. Might come down to for me whether or not I wanna get another year for NEXT YEAR after my Southwest Companion Pass expires
Since I do a trip to the Caribbean once a year, having the companion pass on the Platinum is helpful. Hopefully one day I'll run into Daddy Sebby.
I feel Chase Sapphire Reserve is superior and more flexible. I dislike too much of a grab bag approach to perks or the requirement that you use their specific travel portal to get a credit. And many of the benefits are broken up to monthly amounts so you might not benefit fully. Overall the annual fee creep is getting a bit out of control. The more complicated and niche they make the benefits, the less likely card holders will remember them all and take full advantage. And I think that's what they are counting on. As others have noted, it feeling more like a hodge podge coupon book.
Gotta give Sebby props. Regardless of whatever changes Amex or Chase makes, you can always spin it positive. Unlike what you do with other issuers.
Regarding your view of Walmart+, you live in a big urban area. It doesn't make sense for you to drive.
I live in a small town in west Texas with poor public transport. We have Uber and Lyft, but prefer to drive. We use the Walmart+ member's discount for 10¢ / gallon off of what is already usually the cheapest gas in town. We wouldn't get the membership if Amex didn't credit it, but we do get use out of it. I figure we save about $5 a month on gas (we're retired and don't have to tank up often), and the subscription is more than that.
Ok - you convinced me to check out the Delta Stays. I cancelled a 24k Hyatt stay on a college tour for my kiddo and booked through the Delta site. $283 - $250 Biz Reserve credit = $38 and I keep 24k Hyatt points. Plus there’s probably some delta mile and delta mqd coming.
I have the Delta Plat and 2 Delta Reserve cards. All personal. I can find some value in the credits. I have used a three companion certificates for the two years I have had the cards. Always get value from those.
Do you have 2 reserve just for the companion flight?
@@ReDEclipsE28 yes and to help keep my Medallion status. I get two first class tickets and a main cabin ticket that I turn into a Delta Comfort seat because of my Medallion status. I travel for work, plus personal an I’m a die hard Steelers and football fan (college and pro) so I go to many games in for fall.
🔺Something super important that wasn’t mentioned: Platinum and Reserve cards have HUGE benefits for people seeking Delta status!
I got the delta platinum card 6 months ago before any major changes took place. Since then they have removed lounge access entirely, have increased the annual fee, and have added credits that don’t cater towards my personal needs/wants. I think the resy and rideshare credits don’t make much sense if you don’t live in a larger city, and I would have to go out of my way to spend much more than I usually would to get $10 worth of value every month. To me, that’s an immediate no. The enhanced companion certificate is enticing, and I like that you can now use it to travel outside of the contiguous US, but you’re still limited to certain fare classes which in reality still limits this benefit. I think I’ll keep it around for another year to see if I can get some value out of the companion certificate, but I’ll get rid of it if I don’t.
The Resy credits are pretty good. You don’t have to use rest- just use the card at a restaurant on it.
The expanded eligibility for the companion pass is good, but the rest of the changes are pretty mediocre
Job well done explaining Delta SkyMiles AMEX Cards changes!!
I really like the new changes
I have the Delta reserve and I only travel on Delta 2 or 3 times a year but a first class ticket to places on east coast, Alaska or Haewaii is more than worth it. There are some great Ressy restaurants in SF Bay area, 200 can almost pay for a night in some areas and the Uber I can definitely use. You for gor to mention the 250 MQ D which takes you half way to silver or beyond. I will never use this card beyond the credits, Delta spend or offers
They added hertz presidents circle to the reserve as well. Maybe you covered this in a newer video
W Sebby Sunday Afternoon uploads
Testing out the platinum for the year. I think the sign on offer is 100% worth it for the first year. Companion certificate seems it will pay for itself in future years, so for Delta being my airline of choice, I think I’ll come out ahead.
🔺 also @Sebby, you used the Delta Business Gold “slide” when talking about the Delta Business Platinum 😊 It has the correct data, but the title is wrong.
Another great video about cards, Sebby!😊
Sebby, the new Rolex wearing, private jet flying, black tee rocking, 5-star hotel resident, credit card aficionado. *Ric Flair voice* WOO!
You say that the Platinum may be the better buy, but isn’t the reserves spend a lot easier to hit?
The Delta Stays credit alone is easy enough to use, and the value is greater than the increase in AF. Resy in LA tends to do better, nicer restaurants many of which we already love and so that's an easy one to get value from. I use rideshare at least twice a month for my work trips. And the expanded companion pass is a win. Effective AF for me is well below zero even without having to use all the credits every month. No brainer to keep cards as long as this is the structure.
Woah. It’s been at least a year since I watched you and your voice has improved drastically. You literally sound different 😂
There are only 2 restaurants near me on Resy.
You didn’t mention anything about the status boost updates. Why not?
I’ve already used the delta stay credit. My Delta Reserve annual fee doesn’t hit until December. I’m going to use the one time $100 delta credit soon.
🔺️ I may be in the minority, but these changes actually work really well for me. The value of the Platinum & Reserve cash-wise still comes down to using the companion certificate. The expanded options provide more flexibility, as long as I can actually use it.
If one travels enough to justify any Delta card over Blue then you're going to need hotels. I usually use Delta Stays to book hotels anyway, (you don't need to be flying to use), and 1-2 nights will take care of the credit. Eliminates the AF increase + $50. Easy to do as a one-and-done, so I don't consider it "coupon book" like the rideshare & Resy credits, which I'll seldom if ever use.
The multipliers on the business side are nice, though not a big part of our business spend.
Will keep the card for now, but if I can't utilize the companion certificates then I'll consider other options.
Clarifying that the Delta Platinum companion certificate is once *per year* so it can easily be justified as a keeper card if you use the pass each year.
The platinum they upped the fee and they took away the sky club access. I fly about 10 times a year. I do drink so and also I can get reimbursed for a meal for the $50 that it cost to go into the lounge. Now that perk is gone. I don’t think I’ll be keeping the platinum card. If I’m gonna pay 650 for the purple one I might as well just get the American Express platinum right I think.
Can i get some opinions. I fly out of delta primarily every month for work. Do yall think i should get the gold card get the bonus, downgrade to blue, get the plat get the bonus and rinse and repeat and keep the delta reserve?
Hi. If you don't have any of these, which Amex do you suggest? ♦️
Great changes. Was planning to cancel my Delta platinum but now keeping it due to the new credits.
I literally downgraded my Delta card to Blue a couple of days prior to this release, since I live in DFW and Delta is hard to come by. Thank god I did.
Once this happens to the regular AMEX cards, you best believe I am out. I just applied for my Chase Sapphire Preferred card a couple of days ago and I think I will slowly work my way over to Chase. Going to use all the AMEX points up and then I think I am out.
I'm a corporate traveler so my work pays for all my flights. Got my Reserve so I'll be good, some of the credits plus the MQD Boosy and Headstart pay for the card. Looking forward to flying the family 1st class when I get enough points.
🔺One thing you did not mention that the Platinum and Reserve cards have a $2500 MQD boost. That bonus is stackable! Because of an elevated business sing-up offer and three separate upgrade offers last year, I am sitting on both the Delta Platinum personal and business cards. I had planned on cancelling the business and downgrading the personal. I just noticed that $5000 MQD hit my Skymiles account giving me Silver Medallion status through 2025 with no spend! Silver Medallion is not worth keeping the cards but an interesting data point.
Fingers crossed Amex does not claw back the MQDs when I close/downgrade the accounts.
Unfortunately, the annual fees for both of my accounts hit in May. I was going to cancel the business card this month but I guess I will hold off another month so I can use the Delta Stay credit.
I just checked the terms and Amex says they have the right to revoke the the MQDs if the account is closed within 60-days of MQM deposit. I guess I will hold onto the accounts for at least 2-months and maybe just wait until the annual fees hit. The terms are written so you could stack the business and personal Platinum and Reserve cards for up to 10,000 MQD (if you were crazy enough to have all four cards).
can the $120 ride share credit be used for UBER EATS? I live in an area where rideshare isn't something I use..
Do we need to make a reservation at the Resy restaurant and then use the card, or will it trigger at any Resy restaurant so long as you haven't used the monthly credit yet? And are we assuming that the rideshare credit will be a statement credit after the purchase or loaded into Uber like ... the AMEX Platinum or Gold?
🔺I recently shifted to nearly all Delta flying the past 2 years. I was already considering getting both Reserve + Biz reserve to get the $5k MQD boost. I shouldn't have a problem reaching platinum status that way. With the new credits and probably better options for the companion cert, I think it's going to be a no brainer.
Hi Sebby. Thanks for the info. So last night when I was trying to check out my delta flight from NY to london, I noticed that on the payment screen there is a dummy offer for the delta gold card with 50k miles + $400 flight statement credit, which makes me want to apply for it. Do you think this is a good offer? I am not a loyal customer for any airlien company and I don't fly that often, maybe about 2 times a year for travel. I'm thinking to get the offer and downgrade to delta blue if no retention offer
Sebby,
If someone is a Delta Sky Miles Member and earn 5x miles, do they get the additional 2-3x miles from the cobranded AMEX credit cards? In other words, do the miles "stack?" Could someone with Diamond Status and a Reserve Card earn 14x miles?
Great headline😂😂🎉🎉
The monthly resy credit is brutal. Should be biannual like the gold
It's good to have the Delta gold if you fly basic economy a lot
Thank you, Don't we also get possible upgrades with the Platinum now?
🔺Do you know if the rideshare credit can be used for Uber Eats? Also, I could not find any information on Delta Stays, where do you go to book that?
From me researching whether or not this card is worth it I believe it doesn’t apply to Uber eats only actual Uber
Unfortunately, in the fine print for the rideshare credit it says, "Eligible purchases do not include delivery services (for example, food, packages, groceries, pet food, toys or retail clothing), bikeshare, scooter, car rental, transit, membership, or any other non-rideshare services offered by the rideshare providers."
With the devaluation of Skymiles and an increase in AF I cancelled my Delta Skymiles Gold. These were good changes because it got me off the fence on that card. It’s not targeted towards me. YMMV
@asksebby I don't think you mentioned the expanded benefits for the companion pass of each platinum and reserve cards (no longer restricted to the 48 states but now includes Hawaii and Alaska, Central America, etc). Reserve also allows a premium select option for your companion. Otherwise great video ! Thank you
Hi! I’m 30 years old and I have 25 accounts (car , home, cards.) w/ 800 credit score. My question to you, is having too many accounts a bad thing? Should I cancel some?
I know the negative consequences of cancelling cards but should I reset in a sense?
Would love a video on it :)
Yo Sebby, Great breakdown of the Delta 2024 changes. Delta is my preferred airline since I'm close to a Delta hub. Will probably be downgrading to Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card in April when renewal is due...🔺take care... looking forward to more luxury travel be vlogs/ reviews this year...💪👊🤑
I’m still downgrading to gold or lower. Even if the changes are mathematically worth it, I’m not happy about any changes at this point. I know I’m knew to the system, but there are only so much change in the first year I’m willing to put up with.
Hey Sebby, what about 'lounge' access?
The platinum has no lounge access now you cannot pay $50 it’s not even an option
Sebby, do you edit your own videos or outsource?
So no more free first class ticket with the Reserve? :(
Nope! :(
🔺️ makes the business gold basically no AF if u can find a stay somewhere for $150. Keeper for me I guess.
I've always been able to find value in this card when the spending requirements were 60k. To get platinum now I'm not sure the BOGO certificate has been worth the annual fee I'm seeing if I can use it and go from there the ride credits shouldn't be too hard but we'll see resy might require a little bit of work while traveling
Is there an MQD Boost with the Platinum and Reserve Cards?
🔺I like the new credits, especially the Delta Stay one. It's a bigger credit than the $50 Chase hotel credit from the Chase Sapphire Preferred but just as easy to use. And it doesn't have a $500 minimum spend like the $100 Citi Premier Card hotel credit.
Essentially, it’s like a limited free night certificate. If you can find a room for $150 or $200 at off peak times, then it's free. Not bad.
It should be concerning that all these credit card TH-camrs are sucking off and praising AMEX for these changes. More coupon book benefits is NOT good regardless of the “value”.
They have the spend to justify it. If you don’t, then you don’t. Cancel and move on to a card that makes sense.
@@jameshorton3692 wrong. I can easily make the spend for all these cards. Thats not the problem. The problem is this Encourages AMEX to keep doing this instead of giving them proper feedback. Just because you can make the spend doesn’t mean it’s not a shitty value proposition unless you’re stupid to go along with it.
I don’t know who wants the coupon books. I don’t. I want perks with less effort, not more. Amex has been trashing their best cards one by one with every update chasing partner deals and coupons over what frequent travelers actually want.
Great info! Thanks again🔺
Thanks Sebby 🔺
@asksebby does the monthly $10 resy credit only work on reservations that require prepayment? Thanks!
I don't have to pay the new af until next year on my Platinum so I'll make my decision about keeping the card then but as long as I can get great value out of the companion pass its a keeper card for me
I’m not a fan of airline travel credit cards but I appreciate the information you’re providing. Maybe I will change my mind one day. I normally book all my flights with my personal and business platinum charge cards. Keep up the good work. 👍🏿✌️
🔺 the blue card sounds better now! Which works well for an upgrade strategy. But overall the reserve sounds like the best. Wondering if the Brilliant card will keep its dining credit the same
🔺Thank you for the explanation - I like the changed better now that I understand them.
I only got it because of the upgrades and helping with MQD… but then the autborized user is worthless for $175…
I expect we’ll be seeing an $800-900 card from Amex soon, either the Platinum or Bonvoy Brilliant.
🔺️
Im new to delta, do this was a good video
Im more looking for the companion fare, and ride share offset the cost
Im looking more towards the Reserve, but im investigating the platinum.
thx for the video...what about the 15% off booked award travel? is that only delta amex cards? or do other amex cards offer this?
Only Delta Amex cards with annual fees I believe
Downgrading my delta gold fs
🔺Thanks for the breakdown.
🔺️ Thank you for this analysis. I got my wife to downgrade her Gold to Blue yesterday, but now I will get her to get the Gold again. I have Platinum and I was initially interested in getting a business Platinum or personal Reserve for Silver Medallion status points , but with the fee increase was turned off. After your analysis I am interested again. Not sure which one.
🔺Thank you for the update
So can I switch to a Delta Amex card that doesn’t have an annual fee
If it's a personal card, you can product change over to the Delta Blue. If it's a business card, the lowest you can go is the Delta Business Gold.
🔺- surprised you didn't talk about the MQD multiplier and the head start.
Seriously, this has me considering the Reserve in addition to the Platinum as a shortcut to Silver
🔻I have a platinum delta AMEX and just was accepted for the Reserve, for which I receive welcome bonus of 100,000 miles. With the $650 annual fee, is the mileage bonus of 100K worth the fee?
🔺I think I would get the platinum. Sounds decent.
You can do Carbone in Vegas next time you're there!
🔺I always value your perspective, Sebby. Thank you