Our experts answer readers’ credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
David Slotnick/Business Insider
- Four Delta credit cards come with a companion certificate each year when you renew on your account anniversary
- Delta companion certificates are essentially a buy-one-get-one coupon for domestic flights.
- When you book a round-trip ticket for yourself, you can bring a companion for just the cost of taxes and fees.
Delta credit cards come with great perks for Delta flyers, like free checked bags and priority boarding on Delta flights, airport lounge access, and discounts on certain inflight purchases.
But one of the most valuable Delta benefits is the ability to bring a friend or family member with you for just the cost of taxes and fees. This comes in the form of an annual companion certificate — and four co-branded Amex Delta credit cards offer it:
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card —Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card —Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card —Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card —Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
It’s possible to get well over $1,000 in travel from each of these bonuses. Read our post on how to use Delta miles for tips.
After your first year of holding one of these cards, you’ll get a companion certificate. You’ll receive another certificate each year you renew your card membership. Depending on how you use it, you could save hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars each year.
If you’ll use this perk each year, you can easily offset your credit card annual fee. For example, the
Here’s how this benefit works.
Delta credit cards offer different companion certificates
The companion certificate is essentially a buy-one-get-one coupon. You’ll only pay for the taxes and fees of your companion when flying Delta, Delta Connection, and Delta Shuttle flights.
Depending on which card you have, you can use the certificate for travel in economy, or in any class:
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card : Companion Certificate valid for domestic travel in Main Cabin (Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card annual fee)Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card : Companion Certificate valid for domestic travel in Main Cabin (Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card annual fee)Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card : Companion Certificate valid for domestic travel in Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, or First Class (Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card annual fee)Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card : Companion Certificate valid for domestic travel in Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, or First Class (Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card annual fee)
As you can see, the Delta Reserve credit cards demand a significantly higher fee. That’s because the cards also offer complimentary Delta Sky Club access and Amex Centurion lounge access when you’re flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve card members will receive 10 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
If you’re not sure which of these cards is best for you, check out our comparison of the Delta Platinum and Reserve cards to help decide.
You can’t fly just anywhere with a Delta companion certificate
Delta companion certificates are only valid for flights within the continental US. In other words, you can’t use them for international flights in premium cabins with lie-flat seats. You’re relegated to standard domestic first-class recliner seats within the Lower 48.
To be clear, Hawaii, Alaska, and other US territories like Puerto Rico are not eligible destinations for your companion pass. However — if the address listed on your Delta SkyMiles account is in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, the certificate can be used for travel to the continental US.
Delta companion certificates only work with select fare classes
Holding a companion certificate doesn’t mean you can book any flight within the contiguous US. You must pay attention to the specific “fare class” of each cabin. Fare classes are letters airlines use to categorize each seat on the plane. They determine things like price, ticket flexibility, eligibility to upgrade, etc.
You can attach a Delta companion certificate to any of the following fare classes:
- Economy: L, U, T, X, and V fares
- Comfort+: W, S (Delta Reserve cards only)
- First class: I, Z (Delta Reserve cards only)
In short, economy covers most of the cheaper and mid-priced coach fares, as well as some pricier ones. You shouldn’t have much trouble finding eligible flights in economy as long as you’re booking at least one month in advance.
You must use your eligible Delta card to pay
When reserving a companion certificate, you must pay with your Delta Platinum or Delta Reserve credit card to activate the benefit. You must also book both seats at the same time.
You can’t combine any web-special fares or eCoupons with your payment method. Also, you cannot use Delta miles in tandem with a Delta companion certificate. You must purchase your fare with your eligible card to qualify.
Bottom line
The Delta companion certificate can be one of the most valuable ongoing credit card benefits in the travel credit card world.
Unfortunately, the amount you save will depend on the amount you spend. If you book a $1,000 seat for yourself, you can bring a friend for just the cost of taxes and fees, saving nearly $1,000.
