Originally Posted by
drdr2
With delta reserve amex, additional free cards are issued as delta platinum amex. But spending goes to primary cardholder account. Additional cardholders don't get any of the platinum amex benefits (free checked bag, early boarding).
I think paying $150 for additional delta reserve card grants only lounge access. If you want an additional card with free bag/early boarding benefits for your spouse/family member, it is cheaper to get a separate delta gold amex card in their name.
Of course this only applies if they are traveling separately. If all passengers are on same PNR with primary reserve cardholder then they should get benefits.
1. With delta reserve amex, additional free cards are issued as delta platinum amex.
Correct.
2. But spending goes to primary cardholder account.
Correct
3. Additional cardholders don't get any of the platinum amex benefits (free checked bag, early boarding).
This is not correct, IME, as both my wife (when non-status, now GM) and my younger son (non-status) have traveled independently and received these benefits.
4. My wife has independent lounge access through (pre-merger NWA) LifeTime Skyclub membership.
For me ... with (pre-merger NWA) LifeTime Skyclub membership + AMEX Business Platinum + PM ... it does not make sense to have a AMEX DL Reserve card ... if these benefits are taken away.
Edited to add:
marylou: just call AMEX ... to get ADD-ONS for free, provided all other relevant factors - eg credit history, total credit etc is okay.