You can transfer American Express points to Delta, but only through specific American Express cards and only to Delta SkyMiles

Not every American Express card lets you move points to Delta. You need either the Delta SkyMiles American Express card (the basic version, Gold, or Platinum tier) or the American Express Business Gold card. If you hold a different American Express card — like the Blue Cash or Green card — you cannot transfer points to Delta directly, though you may be able to use points for other travel redemptions through American Express Travel.

The transfer itself is straightforward once you have the right card: you log into your American Express account online, find the transfer option in the rewards section, select Delta SkyMiles as your destination, and choose how many points to send. American Express transfers the points to your Delta account within one business day, though the process usually completes the same day.

The exchange rate is fixed at 1 American Express point = 1 Delta SkyMile, with no bonus or penalty. You can transfer in increments as small as 1,000 points, and there is no upper limit on how many you can move at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Only Delta SkyMiles American Express cards and the American Express Business Gold card allow point transfers to Delta; other American Express cards do not have this option.
  • Points transfer at a 1-to-1 ratio with no bonus multiplier, so 10,000 American Express points becomes 10,000 Delta SkyMiles.
  • Transfers complete within one business day and you can move points in amounts as small as 1,000.
  • Delta SkyMiles can be used to book Delta flights, partner airline flights, or redeemed for other travel purchases through the Delta portal.

Which American Express cards include Delta transfers

The Delta SkyMiles American Express card comes in three versions: the basic card (no annual fee), the Gold card ($99 annual fee), and the Platinum card ($550 annual fee). All three allow point transfers to Delta. The basic card earns 1 point per dollar on most purchases and 2 points per dollar on Delta purchases and restaurant spending. The Gold and Platinum cards earn higher rates and come with annual Delta statement credits that offset part of the annual fee.

The American Express Business Gold card ($295 annual fee) also transfers points to Delta, though it is marketed primarily for business spending. It earns 4 points per dollar on the first $5,000 spent each calendar year on U.S. purchases in the categories of advertising, shipping, and certain utilities, then 1 point per dollar after that.

If you hold an American Express Blue Cash, Green, or other non-Delta card, you cannot transfer points to Delta. You can use points through American Express Travel to book Delta flights at a fixed redemption rate, but the points stay in your American Express account rather than moving to Delta SkyMiles.

How to transfer points step by step

Log into your American Express account on the website or through the mobile app. Navigate to the rewards or points section — the exact label varies by card, but it is usually labeled "Rewards" or "My Points." Look for an option that says "Transfer Points" or "Send Points to Partners."

Select Delta SkyMiles from the list of transfer partners. American Express will show you your current point balance and ask how many points you want to transfer. Enter the amount (in increments of 1,000 points) and confirm the transfer. American Express will ask you to verify your Delta SkyMiles account number to make sure the points go to the right place. You can find your Delta SkyMiles number on your Delta account or on any Delta email confirmation.

After you confirm, American Express processes the transfer immediately or within one business day. The points appear in your Delta SkyMiles account under the same name as your American Express account. If the names do not match exactly, contact Delta customer service before transferring to avoid delays.

What you can do with Delta SkyMiles after transfer

Delta SkyMiles can be redeemed for Delta flights at varying point costs depending on the route, time of year, and how far in advance you book. A short domestic flight might cost 5,000 to 10,000 miles, while a long international flight can cost 50,000 to 100,000 miles or more. Prices fluctuate based on demand, so the same route costs different amounts at different times.

You can also use SkyMiles to book flights on Delta's partner airlines, including Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and others. Partner awards often cost more miles than Delta flights but may offer better value on certain routes. SkyMiles can also be redeemed for seat upgrades, checked baggage fees, or other travel-related purchases through the Delta portal.

SkyMiles do not expire as long as you have some account activity — a flight, a credit card purchase, or a point transfer — at least once every 24 months. If your account goes inactive for more than two years, Delta may close it and forfeit your miles.

When transferring points makes sense

Transferring American Express points to Delta makes sense if you fly Delta regularly or plan a specific Delta trip in the near future. The 1-to-1 transfer rate is straightforward, and you avoid the markup that comes with booking through American Express Travel, where the point value per dollar spent is often lower.

It also makes sense if you are close to a specific award threshold. If you need 8,000 more SkyMiles for a flight you want to book, transferring 8,000 American Express points gets you there directly. However, if you are not planning a Delta trip soon, holding American Express points may give you more flexibility — you can use them for other travel bookings, statement credits, or transfers to other airline partners that American Express offers.

Check Delta's award chart or search for your intended route before transferring. Award prices vary widely, and you may find that the number of miles required is higher than you expected. Some routes are better values than others, and booking a cheaper award on a different date or airline might stretch your points further.

Transferring points to other airlines instead

American Express also partners with other airlines, including United, Southwest, JetBlue, and others, depending on your card. If you are not committed to Delta, compare the award prices across airlines for your intended route. Some airlines price awards more competitively than others, and a transfer to a different airline might give you better value.

American Express also allows transfers to hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton. If your trip includes hotel stays, you might get more value by splitting your points between an airline transfer and a hotel transfer rather than using all points for flights.

Once you transfer points to another airline or hotel, you cannot move them back to American Express or to a different partner. Make sure you are ready to use the points before you transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose points if I transfer them to Delta?

No. American Express transfers points at a 1-to-1 ratio with no fee or loss. If you transfer 10,000 American Express points, your Delta account receives exactly 10,000 SkyMiles. There is no discount or penalty for the transfer itself.

Can I transfer points from my spouse's American Express card to my Delta account?

No. American Express transfers points only to the Delta account registered under the same name as the American Express cardholder. If you and your spouse both have American Express cards, each of you can transfer your own points to your own Delta accounts, but you cannot combine them into one account through transfers.

How long do transferred SkyMiles stay in my Delta account?

SkyMiles do not expire as long as your Delta account has activity at least once every 24 months. Activity includes booking a flight, earning miles through credit card spending, or receiving a transfer. If your account is inactive for more than two years, Delta closes the account and forfeits the miles.

What if I transfer points but then change my mind?

American Express does not reverse transfers once they are complete. If you transfer points to Delta and then decide you want to use them elsewhere, you would need to book a Delta flight or redemption with those SkyMiles. Contact American Express customer service immediately if you believe the transfer was made in error, but reversals are not may provide.

Can I transfer points to Delta if I do not have a Delta account yet?

You need an active Delta SkyMiles account before you transfer points. Create a free account on Delta's website first, then proceed with the transfer from American Express. American Express will ask for your SkyMiles number during the transfer process.