Rumor Not True! Amex Will NOT End Membership Rewards Transfers to Delta SkyMiles
Update: This is what I was told by the American Express Media Team:
The Delta SkyMiles program will continue to be an airline point transfer partner for the Membership Rewards program. On background, the updated terms were in regards to the Delta Private Jet benefit.
Additional information will be provided later on. Continue reading the original article below.
Membership Rewards Transfers to Delta SkyMiles Ending?
The American Express Membership Rewards program has lots of travel partners, but when it comes to domestic airlines, Delta is the only real option. Today some rumors have surfaced that this option could be going away at the end of August. These rumors are fueled by terms in some Membership Rewards earning credit card applications that note under the SkyMiles Program section that the “benefit will end on 8/31/21.”
Here’s the full text:
SkyMiles Program
This benefit will end on 8/31/21. All Delta SkyMiles® program rules apply to SkyMiles program membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Taxes and fees for Award Travel are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. Award Travel seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Partners airline benefits subject to change and subject to the terms and conditions of each partner. All Delta Sky Club rules apply to Delta Sky Club use. To review the rules visit Delta.com/skyclub. Offer, rules and benefits subject to change.
And here’s a screenshot of the terms in question:
Check this link as an example.
This is in conflict with the new agreement between American Express and Delta Air Lines that was signed back in 2019. The two companies signed an 11-year renewal extending their exclusive Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards from American Express portfolio through the end of 2029. Included in that agreement is also Delta’s “participation in the Membership Rewards program from American Express, allowing those points to transfer into the SkyMiles® Program.”
The language in the terms surely makes it seem like the transfer option could be ending, but that just doesn’t make sense considering the agreement runs through 2029. This is probably related to the Delta Private Jets 20% Discount, which will also end on 8/31/21. DPJ was recently acquired by Wheels Up, which now provides a discount, as a benefit to Platinum cardholders.
I have reached out to the American Express media team for more information, and will update this article if more details are provided.
Guru’s Wrap-up
Transferring American Express Membership Rewards to the SkyMiles program is probably not the best use of your points. But it is still the best option as far as domestic airlines go, and also easier for those that might not be as knowledgeable when it comes to alliances and foreign airlines. And I think transferring Membership Rewards to the Delta SkyMiles program is not going away. It will still be an option at least through 2029.
HT: Help Me Build Credit and MtM
