Point Bound

How to transfer credit card points to Delta SkyMiles

Last updated October 20, 2026 · By Kyle Burrows

SkyMiles is Delta's program. The miles don't expire, there are no blackout dates on Delta's own flights, and you can use them on partners like Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, LATAM and Aeromexico.

Only one of the big US card programs transfers to Delta: American Express. If you have Chase, Capital One, Citi, Bilt or Wells Fargo points, you can't move them to Delta. You can still book many Delta flights with them through Virgin Atlantic (guide here) or Air France-KLM Flying Blue (guide here), and it's worth comparing those prices even if you do have Amex points.

Which bank points transfer to Delta

Bank pointsRatioHow long it takes
American Express Membership Rewards1:1, plus a small Amex feeUsually instant

Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou, Bilt and Wells Fargo don't transfer to Delta.

The Amex fee. When you transfer to a US airline, Amex charges a federal excise tax offset fee of $0.0006 per point, up to $99. That's 60 cents per 1,000 points, so about $30 for 50,000 points. It's charged to your card when you transfer. Amex may offer to cover it with points, which is rarely a good use of them.

Amex sometimes runs transfer bonuses. Check the transfer screen on the day you move points.

Before you move any points

  • Open a free SkyMiles account at delta.com if you don't have one. Your SkyMiles number is in your profile.
  • Make the names match. Amex says the name on your card and on your SkyMiles account must be the same for the accounts to link.
  • Find the flight first. Search delta.com while logged in and confirm the seats and the price before you transfer. Delta prices move, and transfers can't be undone.
  • Check whether you hold a Delta Amex card. Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Reserve card members save 15% on award flights operated by Delta. It doesn't apply to partner flights or to taxes and fees. Search while logged in to the card member's own account.
  • You can book for anyone. Delta lets you book an award for someone else, even if you're not flying with them.

How to transfer Amex points to Delta

  1. Log in at americanexpress.com, open Membership Rewards and choose Transfer Points.
  2. Choose Delta SkyMiles.
  3. The first time, link your SkyMiles number and confirm with your card's security code or a one-time code. Amex only sends points to your own account, or to an authorized user who has had their card for at least 90 days. New Amex card? Each new US Membership Rewards card can start with its own separate points balance. Before you transfer, and before you cancel that card, link it to your main account under Manage Connections on the Amex website or app, so all your points sit in one balance.
  4. Enter the amount, review the fee and the summary, and submit.

Check that the miles arrived

Log in at delta.com and check the miles balance in your account. If nothing has shown up after a day or two, check your Amex transfer history for the SkyMiles number and name you used. Don't send a second transfer.

How to book the award on delta.com

  1. Sign in at delta.com.
  2. Select Book and tick Shop with Miles. In the Fly Delta app the option is Show Price in Miles.
  3. Enter your airports, dates and travelers, then select Find Flights. The award calendar shows the lowest prices around your dates.
  4. Pick your flights. Delta shows more than one fare for most flights. Avoid Basic awards (Delta also calls them Delta Main Basic) unless you're certain of your plans (more on that below).
  5. Check the operating airline and the cabin on every leg.
  6. Enter each traveler's name, date of birth and gender exactly as on the passport.
  7. Pay the taxes and fees by card. On a domestic trip that's the $5.60 September 11 Security Fee per one-way trip plus any other US taxes. International trips cost more.
  8. Save the confirmation code and ticket number.

Most partner awards book on delta.com, including Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, LATAM and Aeromexico. A few, such as Air Europa, Air Tahiti Nui and Kenya Airways, have to be booked through Delta Reservations. Some partners also add surcharges, so look at the cash total before you commit.

Changes and cancellations

  • For awards on trips that start in the US or Canada, Delta doesn't charge a fee to change or cancel. You pay any difference in miles and taxes on a change, and the miles go back to your account on a cancellation.
  • Basic awards are the exception. They can't be changed, and they don't get the free cancellation.
  • Some awards on trips that start outside the US and Canada have stricter rules and may not be changeable or refundable. Check the fare details before you pay.
  • Cancel before the flight leaves. Don't just skip it.

Do SkyMiles expire?

No. Delta says SkyMiles don't expire.

Mistakes I see most

  • Booking a Basic award by accident. If your plans could move, pay the extra miles for a changeable fare.
  • Forgetting the Amex fee. It's small but it's real, and it's capped at $99 per transfer.
  • Not comparing other programs. The same Delta flight is often priced differently through Virgin Atlantic or Flying Blue, and points from more banks reach those.
  • Expecting the 15% card discount on partners. It only covers flights operated by Delta.

Sources I checked

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