Unlike some in my generation, I’m not one to get too worked up about a metal credit card. While they are admittedly pretty cool and I happen to have a few, I don’t see them as a “flex” or feel the need to show them off. However, Delta has just announced a limited edition metal credit card that not only looks incredible but holds some aviation history in its construction.
This week, Delta unveiled a special edition version of their SkyMiles Reserve card that pays tribute to “The Queen of the Skies.” According to the airline, 25% of the metal used in this particular run of cards comes from a retired Boeing 747, Delta Ship #6307. This design will be available for both the personal and business versions of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card now through August 3rd. What’s more, there’s apparently an exclusive AR experience that comes with the card’s welcome kit.
Accompanying the special card design is an enhanced welcome offer. Currently, new personal cardholders can score 100,000 bonus SkyMiles when they spend $5,000 on the card in their first three months, while business cardholders can get 110,000 SkyMiles after spending $6,000 in their first three months. By the way, I should mention that the SkyMiles Reserve card does carry a $550 annual fee.
I’ll admit that this awesome card design was enough to at least get me to take another look at the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card. Alas, as a fan of the American Express Platinum card, adding this card to my wallet would really make little to no sense. First, while the Reserve earns 3x miles on Delta purchases, the Platinum earns 5x on flights booked directly with the airline — with Membership Rewards points then transferable to Delta at a rate of 1:1 (although there is an Excise Tax Offset Fee).
Of course, the biggest perk of the Reserve card is that it grants cardholders complimentary access to Delta SkyClubs and now Amex Centurion Lounges. But, as you can probably guess, that’s another perk I already have as a Platinum customer. I did wonder if perhaps the Reserve allowed for you to enter the SkyClub regardless of whether or not you’re flying Delta, but it seems that same stipulation is stated for either card option.
On the other hand, there are some features of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve that could make it useful — but might be a stretch for me personally. For example, the card allows customers to get a Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQD) waiver, which, in short, makes it easier to achieve Medallion status. However, you need to spend $25,000 a year on the card to get this and I don’t really see myself doing that. Similarly, if you spend $30,000 a year, you can earn a 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM) bonus, also boosting your status-chasing efforts. Perhaps the most useable perk, though, is the Annual Companion Certificate good for a domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip ticket. The downside here is that this only becomes available after you renew the card.
Overall, I have to give Delta props for this unique and surprisingly wide card design release. If you’ve been considering the Delta SkyMiles Reserve before, now might be a good time to pick one up just so you can snag one of these special designs… although I’d still make sure to look at the Amex Platinum as a possible alternative. Even better, if you’re already a cardholder, you can apparently request a replacement card in the new design for free (presumably until the promotion ends). Meanwhile, here’s hoping other brands and issuers try similar stunts in the future — and with a card I might actually benefit from.