Exploring travel perks can lead to significant savings, especially with recent offers from American Express and Delta Air Lines for cardholders. By leveraging these benefits, travelers can maximize their hotel booking experiences while enjoying substantial cashback. In this article, we delve into the details of the exclusive offers available, how to utilize them effectively, and the credit cards that are eligible for such benefits.
Exceptional Offers for Travelers
Currently, American Express has rolled out a generous offer that can provide cardholders with a statement credit of up to $120 when booking a hotel through Delta Stays for reservations exceeding $600. This is particularly valuable for individuals holding a co-branded Delta Air Lines American Express card, as they can combine this offer with an additional statement credit from Delta Stays.
The Delta Stays benefit functions as an annual credit for prepaid hotel bookings or vacation rentals made through Delta’s hotel portal, which is powered by Expedia. Depending on the Delta Amex card held, travelers can avail themselves of credits ranging from $100 to $250.
While not everyone at The Points Guy has received this targeted offer, it is advisable for cardholders to check their Offers page to see if they qualify. Remember, this offer does not apply to Delta vacation rentals.
How to Navigate Delta Stays for Bookings
Utilizing the Delta Stays benefit is straightforward and can be accomplished in just a few simple steps:
- Visit the Delta Stays website and select either the “Stays” section for hotels or the “Vacation Rentals” tab.
- Enter your destination, travel dates, and the number of nights and guests.
- Choose your desired property from the available options.
- During checkout, opt for a prepaid rate to qualify for the credit; many of these rates come with full refund flexibility should plans change. Avoid the “Reserve now, pay at hotel” options as they do not qualify for prepaid credits.
- Complete your booking using your eligible Delta credit card.
Delta Cards That Qualify for Cashback
Interestingly, six of the seven Delta Air Lines credit cards are designed to provide users with this statement credit. The only exception is the entry-level Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. Here’s a breakdown of the annual statement credits associated with each card:
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Up to $250
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Up to $200
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Up to $100
- …and others continue in a similar pattern.
Personal Experience with Delta Stays
Having utilized the Delta Stays benefit on multiple occasions, I can attest to its value. For example, this year, I took advantage of a $200 statement credit with my Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. My travels included a stay in Atlanta and another at the Hyatt Regency Seattle in August. A $328 stay was reduced to just $128 once the statement credit was applied, highlighting the savings potential.
In planning future trips, I discovered an enticing deal for a two-night stay at the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort & Spa in Hawaii for $641 in October. By making the reservation with my Delta Stays card, I could benefit from an up-to $250 credit, and an additional $120 after activating the Amex Offer. This could turn a $641 hotel fee into as low as $271, making it a delightful prospect for any traveler.
It’s worth noting, since this offer is applicable for prepaid stays, travelers can make hotel reservations for future dates beyond the Amex Offer’s expiration date of December 31, 2025.
In summary, the combination of cashback offers and hotel credits presents a unique opportunity for travelers to enjoy significant savings on hotel accommodations. By strategically utilizing Delta Stays and the benefits offered through selected credit cards, travelers can elevate their travel experiences while being mindful of their budgets. Make sure to stay informed about any changing offers and maximize the advantages they provide every time you travel.
