delta corporate travel benefits

We’re here to help you understand your Delta benefits.

Use this guide to understand and connect with all the benefits and resources available to Delta employees. Whether you’re enrolled in a medical plan or not, your Quantum Health Care Coordinators are here to help you get the most out of your benefits.

We're just a tap, click or call away!

Medical Coverage

Medical, HSA/FSA, and pharmacy information

Delta Medical Plans

Quantum health.

Quantum Health is a leading advocacy and healthcare navigation provider, not affiliated with UnitedHealthcare. Think of Quantum Health Care Coordinators as your personal team of nurses, benefits experts and claims specialists who will do whatever it takes to support your unique healthcare needs and help you get the most out of your Delta benefits.

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET

If you’re like most people, health questions can come up at any time in your day. And when they do, you want answers you can trust — and you want them fast.

Quantum Health can help you find answers to these questions and more:

• Where can I go for care?
• How do I find a new doctor?
• How do I quit using tobacco?
• How do I treat a minor injury?
• How much will my surgery cost?
• How do I begin a weight-loss plan?
• How do I access mental health benefits?
• What does this claim or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) mean?
• What should I do if I was just diagnosed with prediabetes?
• Who can I contact when I have a question about a medical bill?

Optum Bank®

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. ET

Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts

For questions about FSA and HSA payroll deductions, call the Delta Employee Service Center.

Pharmacy Benefits

Cvs caremark.

CVS Caremark is our pharmacy benefits manager (PBM). You are not limited to CVS pharmacies when filling prescriptions. To verify if your medication is covered or review covered alternatives and costs, use the 2024 Drug Cost Estimator on MyDelta.Health or the MyQHealth App. You can also review by using the Price Your Prescription Drug Cost link in the Benefits Information Headquarters.

For questions about your prescription coverage, contact Quantum Health

Rx Savings Solutions (RxSS)

Rx Savings Solutions (RxSS), combines technology, clinical knowledge and data-driven research to provide price transparency and guidance that can help you save. It starts with a review of your claims to find the best options for you. You receive automatic notifications via text, email or direct mail. If you approve the suggestion, Rx Savings Solutions will do all the work for you, like getting provider approvals or transferring your prescription to a new pharmacy.

TTY 800-877-8973

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. ET

PrudentRx, a pharmacy savings program, is available to help you save on specialty drugs. This program will reduce specialty drug copays to $0 out-of-pocket for participating mediations if you meet the required steps and are enrolled in the Copay Option.

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET

COBRA Benefits

Conduent hr services.

Payments to: Conduent HR Services LLC P.O. Box 382119 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-8119

Correspondence and Questions to: Delta Employee Service Center P.O. Box 52045 Phoenix, AZ 85072

See what network preventive care is covered at 100% with no cost to you.

Additional Medical Plans

Delta pilots medical plan (dpmp) and flight dispatchers medical option (fdmo).

To learn more about these medical plan options, please visit the Benefit Information Headquarters or contact Quantum Health.

Kaiser Permanente of San Francisco

Health plan hawaii (hmsa), triple-s of puerto rico, tricare supplement insurance plan.

Administered by the Association & Society Insurance Corporation (ASI).

Medical Plan Programs and Services

Additional healthcare support and resources

Call your Quantum Health Care Coordinators at (877) 912-1820, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET, to learn more about any of these programs.

Expert Second Opinions

When you’re faced with a healthcare decision and not sure what treatment option is best, 2nd.MD can help. We connect you with board-certified, expert specialists from top medical institutions for a virtual second opinion via phone or video at the time and place that works for you. This service is at no additional cost to you and your family as part of your Delta medical coverage.

It’s easy to get a second opinion. Here’s how:

• Create an account at 2nd.MD/delta
• Discuss your medical questions with a 2nd.MD specialized nurse who will handle all the details and paperwork
• Consult with a leading medical specialist – via video or phone – at a time that works for you
• You will receive a confidential comprehensive report that you can share with your family and physician

Surgical Centers of Excellence (COE)

Both Transcarent and UnitedHealthare COE surgical benefits include a travel and lodging benefit for you and a companion.

UnitedHealthcare

Although your insurance is not through UnitedHealthcare, you can still utilize UnitedHealthcare's COEs. They provide medical facilities that meet strict standards of quality and use integrated, personally relevant health guidance and services for the best possible health outcomes. UHC COEs are available for the following types of surgery:, cancer (surgery covered at no additional cost after meeting your deductible) and transplant.

Transcarent

Considering surgery? You deserve the best. That’s why Delta offers you access to Transcarent’s nationwide network of top-rated providers and pairs you with a Care Coordinator to manage the entire surgical process for you. With Transcarent, you pay $0 once you meet your deductible. Delta pays for the rest, so there’s no remaining coinsurance and out-of-pocket costs.

Transcarent is available for the following types of surgery: bariatric, cardiac, general surgery, musculoskeletal, neurological, spinal and women’s health

Cancer Support

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with and are currently receiving active treatment for cancer, Quantum Health is here to support you and your covered dependents.

Receive 1-on-1 support from a nurse so you can feel empowered to make the best decisions for your health. From providing answers you can trust to helping you explore treatment options, an experienced nurse will offer caring support you can count on.

Quantum Health Nurse Care Coordinators can:

• Help answer your questions
• Support you with the emotional side of the condition
• Provide support in making informed decisions about your care and where to receive it
• Assist you in accessing a UnitedHealthcare Cancer Center of Excellence, if applicable

Diabetes Management

Onduo is a virtual care program that brings you tools, coaching and clinical support to help you take control of your diabetes. To determine whether Onduo is right for you, please contact Quantum Health to discuss your options for diabetes management.

• Learn how food, exercise, and medications affect your blood glucose levels
• Receive access to licensed clinicians and doctors, if it’s determined more care is needed
• Get answers to your questions by messaging the Onduo care team directly in the app
• Take an A1C test without leaving your house
• Receive connection between the app and your blood glucose monitoring device to easily track your levels and progress
• Receive a blood glucose meter and test strips, at no cost to you

Heart Condition Support

If you’re living with a heart condition, you don’t have to do it alone. Explore your support resources by calling Quantum Health.

Maternity Support

Whether this is your first or third child, it’s important you receive the care you need during and after your pregnancy.

Maven provides on-demand virtual care, clinically informed content, and a supportive community for planning, starting, and raising a family. If you or your partner are thinking about or in the process of starting a family through pregnancy or other alternatives to parenthood.

Fertility Support

Progyny is a leading fertility and family building benefits solution. Progyny provides Delta employees with a comprehensive fertility and family building benefit that supports all paths to parenthood, including adoption and surrogacy. The Progyny benefit includes the equitable Smart Cycle design, concierge member support, access to a premier network of fertility specialists, and an integrated pharmacy solution.

Tobacco Cessation Program

Quantum health tobacco cessation coaching.

Delta cares about you and Is offering a chance at freedom from the high cost of tobacco, higher risk of disease, and paying more for healthcare.

Over a minimum of five weeks, your dedicated coach will:

• Connect one-on-one during five coaching sessions
• Understand your personal motivators for quitting
• Create a customized plan to help you meet your goals
• Guide you through the stages of quitting
• Show you how to receive free medications and nicotine replacement, if appropriate for you, to Increase your chances of reducing or quitting

Sleep Health Program

Lack of sleep keeps you from feeling your best. Delta partners with SleepCharge to help you evaluate your sleep habits and learn about health conditions related to poor sleep. Explore the programs to see what is right for you.

SleepCharge

Have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep? Still tired even if you think you’re getting enough sleep? SleepCharge can help! Complete the Sleep Checkup and access the Sleep Life Learning Center. Those enrolled in a Delta Medical Plan can also receive virtual consultation, testing & diagnostics, and continuous virtual care for sleep disorders.

• The Sleep Check Up* - complete the sleep check up to get your personalized sleep report
• Access to the Sleep Life Learning Center* - explore the virtual, self-guided library of sleep education and guided bedtime mindfulness meditation
• Evaluation & History** - opportunity to share details about medical history and sleep concerns
• Virtual Consultation** - discuss your sleep concerns with a physician through a telemedicine appointment
• Testing & Diagnostics** - complete any test needed for an accurate medical diagnosis
• Continuous Virtual Care** - follow your personalized treatment plan with support at every step

* available to all employees.

**Employees, dependents, spouses, & Delta Subsidiary groups must be 18 years or older and enrolled in a Delta Medical Plan

Your Nurse Care Coordinators can help you find the right program or medical care for your needs, including CPAP machines available through your health plan.

Emotional Wellness

Counseling and other mental health resources

When we experience issues that impact our ability to live and work well, the stress, if left unchecked, can have a significant impact on our health and relationships. The good news is, Delta’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and other mental health resources, are here to help.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Delta's EAP provides you with free and convenient access to mental health professionals. You and your household members have access to twelve free counseling sessions per issue each year. Call Spring Health or visit the Emotional Wellness page on Deltanet to learn more.

FREE COUNSELING AND COACHING FOR EMPLOYEES AND THEIR HOUSEHOLDS.

All Delta employees and their household members have access to 12 free counseling sessions and 6 free coaching sessions per year through Spring Health 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 1-800-533-6939 or visit Spring Health .

In the US (Employee Based)

Outside the US

visit Spring Health or view the list of international phone numbers .

Delta Onsite Clinician Program

Delta Onsite Clinicians provide confidential support to managers, leaders, and individuals. Services offered include short-term, solution-focused support and connection to pertinent resources for individuals as well as manager/leader consultation. Services are only available to active Delta employees.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.

Physical Wellness

Rewards, health coaching and other wellness information

Wellness Benefits

Sharecare helps Delta people manage their health in one place. Sharecare is your one-stop-shop to see all Delta Wellness benefits, earn and track rewards, as well as participate in Wellness programs to help you live a healthier life. Your journey on Sharecare begins by taking the RealAge Test, a science-based assessment that shows the true age of your body based on your behaviors and any pre-existing conditions.

Delta Health Coaches

Delta Health Coaches are available for in-person and virtual appointments. Whether you're interested in how to pack a healthy lunch, grocery shop smarter, or lower your risk of chronic conditions, Delta Health Coaches have resources to help you meet your personal health goals.

• Weight management
• Lifestyle and behavior change strategies
• Support in navigating Delta Wellness programs, services, & rewards
• Accountability, encouragement, and support

Eat Right Now®

Eat Right Now is a program that incorporates mindfulness techniques to help you identify food triggers and change your relationship with food. There are more than 200 evidence based behavior change lessons, multichannel coaching, and a digital peer community to support you with whatever you need on your personal health journey. Eligible users can access Eat Right Now by signing in to your Sharecare account or registering for Sharecare at delta.sharecare.com . Navigate to the ‘Achieve’ section, select ‘Programs’ and then ‘Eat Right Now’.

Active&Fit Direct™ Program

Active&Fit Direct allows Delta employees and their family members to choose from a nationwide network of 12,000+ standard fitness centers for a monthly charge. Plus, you have the option to join 6,100+ premium exercise studios and get 20-70% discounts on most memberships. No long-term contracts or annual fees.

Improve your physical, emotional, and financial health with the Grokker app. Unlimited access to over 4,000 on-demand health and fitness videos. Schedule videos, track progress, participate in guided programs and engage with the virtual community to help achieve your personal wellness goals.

Disability & Life Insurance

Information on leaves of absence and worker’s compensation

Disability, Leave, and Worker’s Compensation

• Family Medical Leave (FMLA)
• Leaves of absence (ground/flight attendant)
• Long-term disability (LTD)
• Maternity/Parental leave
• Military leave
• Short-term disability (STD)
• Worker’s Compensation

Sedgewick CMS P.O. Box 14555 Lexington, KY 40512

Life Insurance

Basic and optional life insurance, group accident insurance.

ACE Group/Administrative Concepts, Inc. (ACI)

Private Pilot’s Insurance

Survivor benefits, my delta service center (mdsc).

Dental and Vision

Dental and vision plan information

Delta Dental

Financial Wellness and Retirement

401(k), savings and other financial planning resources

Financial Wellness Program

Whether you are seeking financial assistance as you begin your financial journey or need guidance on saving for the future and retirement, Delta offers employees various financial benefits and resources as they navigate their financial journey.

Operation HOPE

What is Operation HOPE? Operation HOPE provides eligible domestic Delta employees (including those in Puerto Rico) with one-on-one financial coaching services at no cost.

What resources does Operation HOPE offer? Delta and Operation HOPE have partnered to provide full-time financial coaches exclusively available to support our employees in taking a non-judgmental look at your spending habits and listening to what matters most to support your overall financial health. Through free and unlimited coaching sessions, Operation HOPE can help you tackle issues like decreasing debt, improving credit scores, and creating a budget. They can even help with homeownership! Operation HOPE coaches will work closely and confidentially with you in a way that will empower you to take the next steps in your financial wellness journey.

Retirement and Financial Planning

What resources does Fidelity offer? Fidelity offers a variety of resources in the Fidelity NetBenefits portal . You can take a free Financial Wellness Checkup to give you a picture of your financial health so you can reach your goals down the road. Tools such as the Planning and Guidance Center and Learn Hub are also available in NetBenefits. You can schedule free one-on-one virtual financial consultations with a Fidelity Regional Consultant with personalized guidance to help you with your short- and long-term financial goals. To speak to a Fidelity Consultant, call 800-603-4015. Fidelity also offers virtual workshops so you can schedule a session convenient for you."

Get to know your plan:

• Delta matches 100% of the first 6% of eligible Earnings you contribute to the Plan
• In addition, Delta makes an automatic contribution to your account equal to 3% of your eligible Earnings — even if you elect not to contribute to the Plan

401(k) Savings Plans

Retail brokerage accounts or fidelity stock plan services.

Fidelity is Delta’s 401(k) provider and provides assistance with general financial planning, retirement planning, and a variety of resources in the Fidelity NetBenefits portal.

You can schedule free one-on-one financial consultations with a Fidelity Regional Consultant for personalized guidance to help you with your short and long-term financial goals. To speak to a Fidelity Consultant, call 800-603-4015.

Edelman Financial Engines

What is Edelman Financial Engines? Edelman Financial Engines (EFE) offers advisory services for your 401(k) account investments to help take the work and worry out of investing and preparing for retirement. Knowing how much to save and how to invest for retirement can be confusing. That’s why Delta has partnered with Edelman Financial Engines to provide retirement advice for your Delta 401(k) Plan account, giving you access to support and guidance to help you stay focused on your goals through all the ups and downs of the financial markets.

What resources does Edelman Financial Engines offer? Edelman Financial Engines offers a wide variety of resources to help Delta Employees plan and prepare for their futures. From free online advice (Do-it-yourself) planning tools to Professional Management (Let EFE manage for you), EFE is here for you! EFE also offers an education center for articles and resources on numerous financial wellness topics. You can access the education center here . Additionally, advisors are available to help answer questions without enrollment in a service by calling (800) 601-5957 between 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Delta’s Emergency Savings Program

In partnership with Operation HOPE and Fidelity, Delta’s Emergency Savings Program was created in 2023 to help strengthen the financial positioning of Delta people. The program is rooted in financial education, with both self-guided learning modules as well as a one-on-one coaching session to help employees build new and healthy savings habits. Eligible employees can earn a one-time incentive of up to $1,000 from Delta by completing the Emergency Savings Program. More details are available on the Emergency Savings Program page on DeltaNet.

Additional Support

For all other questions, please submit a ticket to Delta AskHR or post on the Financial Wellness SkyHub page.

Compensation

Overview of employee compensation programs

Our employees go the extra mile to deliver welcoming, elevated, and caring customer service. In turn, Delta makes meaningful investments in them. It is our firm belief that when Delta is successful in achieving operational and service goals, every employee shares in the company's success. That’s why Delta is committed to industry leading pay for industry leading performance.

Competitive base pay is one piece of a larger pie that includes things(perks) like profit sharing, shared rewards, comprehensive employee benefits, travel privileges and great opportunities for career growth and development.

View the My Money page on Deltanet to learn more, including pay scales and other airline comparisons:

We deliver on our promise of industry leading pay for industry leading performance through key programs like profit sharing and shared rewards.

To learn more about the elements of our compensation programs, click on the links below.

Shared Rewards

The Shared Rewards program is based on sharing our success when Delta people work together to achieve a common set of corporate goals. Each month you can boost your pay with up to $100 in Shared Rewards. Review the Shared Rewards page on Deltanet to review updates and track goals.

Profit Sharing

The most direct way we share our success with all of you that are responsible for it – our incredible employees worldwide - is through our Profit Sharing Plan. Profit sharing is paid on February 14, Employee Appreciation Day.

To learn more about our profit sharing plan, click the link below to visit our Profit Sharing Page on Deltanet.

Investing In You

Our people are the true Delta Difference and our company's greatest asset, which is why we continually invest in you. Learn how Delta supports your climb at every step of the way. This page highlights of the many ways Delta invests in you. Browse our digital book or watch the video to learn more.

Additional Benefits

Delta Perks discounts, backup care and other helpful services

Delta Perks

Employees and contractors have access to discounts on a wide range of products and services. Through Delta Perks, employees can also purchase voluntary insurance plans through payroll deduction — including, auto and home, pet care, identity theft protection and more.

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. ET

Commuter Benefits

The WageWorks Commuter Benefits Program lets you pay your eligible commuting expenses (transit, parking, or vanpools) through automatic, pre-tax payroll deductions.

Papa offers assistance with light household tasks, transportation to doctor appointments, running errands, picking up groceries, meal prep, and help with aging relatives, children, pets. Visit the Family Care Programs page on Deltanet for more information.

School closures. Sick nannies. Pets or aging parents who need help – life happens and sometimes you need backup care. U.S. employees are eligible for backup care, when scheduled to work, through the largest online platform of caregiving providers. Visit the Family Care Programs page on Deltanet for more information.

Employee Pass Travel, Fly Delta and TSA information

Employee Pass Travel

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET (excluding holidays)

Real-time flight information, including gates, departure times and amenities.

Check security checkpoint status.

My Delta Service Center

Payroll and employment verification contact information

Seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. ET (excluding holidays)

Conduent HR Services LLC P.O. Box 382119 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-8119

Employment Verification

Thomas and company.

Employee services available at Delta offices

Edible Campus

Learn more information on the on-site organic gardens at the Delta General Offices and tips to start your own.

The Emory Clinic at Delta

General Office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ET

Wednesday & Thursday, 8 a.m - 5 p.m. ET

Friday, 7 a.m - 4 p.m. ET

Mother’s Rooms

Learn more about the location of Mother’s Rooms around campus, the equipment provided in each, and how to request access.

Walmart Pharmacy and Store – General Office

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wellbeing Hub

Learn more about the Wellbeing Hub and how to sign up for free membership to include unlimited gym access, fitness classes, health coaching, and more.

Food Services on Campus

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How Airline Employees and Their Families Fly Free

If you know somebody who works for an airline, you've probably heard them talking about their flight benefits. One of the perks of working for an airline is "free" travel to anywhere that carrier or its partners fly, but there are plenty of conditions.

Traveling for Free as an Airline Employee

The most important point to clear up is that airline employees do pay for their travel unless they are commuting for work. Even though they may not be responsible for covering the airfare that you would normally pay to fly, they are responsible for paying the taxes and fees on their tickets.

Airline employees traveling for pleasure are referred to as "non-revenue passengers." In other words, the carrier isn't making any money off them, so they're prioritized below the lowest paying revenue passenger (including those traveling on award tickets). Most airline employees also fly standby, so they won't know if they're going to make it on a flight until after everyone else has made it on board. With unpopular routes, there shouldn't be any trouble, but if they're traveling on international flights to cities that the airline only serves once each day, and the flight is full, they'll have to try again. If they have prepaid accommodations or tours, standby travel can actually end up being very costly.

Even with their benefits, the taxes and fees alone—which include security fees, international fees, and fuel surcharges—can total hundreds of dollars on an international itinerary. And while their total travel costs are lower most of the time, they hardly get to fly for free.

The good news for employees is that in certain situations, any seat may be up for grabs. If there's a first class or business class seat that hasn't been sold, they may end up getting to sit there for the same "price" as traveling in economy, or for a little extra. Of course, there's no guarantee, and even passengers using upgrade certificates or miles to move up to the next cabin have a higher priority.

Discount Travel for Friends and Family of Airline Employees

Sometimes friends and family can get in on the "non-revenue passenger" travel. Each airline has different policies and procedures for an employee's "non-revenue" guest, ranging from buddy passes to full-out booking options. Here are the policies of four major airlines in the U.S. 

American Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

Qualified American Airlines employees are allowed to fly for free, along with their registered guests and companions. Retirees who pass the "65-point plan" (a minimum of 10 years of active service, and the retiree's age plus years of service must equal or exceed 65) also qualify for "non-revenue" travel. Those who wish to travel business class or above must pay an additional fee, based on their itinerary. Fees for premium domestic travel inside the United States are based on distance, while international premium cabin travel is a flat fee based on the destination.

What about friends or companions that aren't parents, spouses, or children? Qualifying American Airlines employees are allocated a certain number of "buddy passes" each year. Buddy pass travelers receive lower boarding priority than American employees on vacation, other employees and eligible travelers, retirees and parents. 

Lastly, American Airlines employees can opt to buy full price tickets, to which a 20 percent employee discount is applied; this ensures an assigned seat and is considered a full fare ticket.

Delta Buddy Pass Policies

Much like American, Delta employees get to extend their travel privileges to friends and family. However, how it applies is a different policy than their Dallas-based counterpart. 

After successfully working for Delta for 30 days, employees are allowed to use their free travel benefits to see the world. Additionally, spouses, minor-dependent children up to 19 years old (or 23 for full-time students) and parents may also receive reduced-rate travel. That doesn't extend to everyone: non-dependent children, travel companions, extended families, and guests are only eligible for reduced-rate travel.

When flying on a Delta buddy pass or as part of an airline program, everyone is boarded on a standby basis. If there is room available after all other passengers have been accounted for, then the benefit flyers can board. According to the employee benefit page, domestic flights are "free" but travels to international destinations are subject to government and airport fees. 

Southwest Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

Even though it's open seating, Southwest Airlines passengers are allowed to snag open seats on flights as part of their benefits package.

Employees receive free, unlimited travel privileges and can offer their Southwest travel benefits to their eligible dependents: spouses or committed registered partner, eligible dependent children 19 or younger (24 if they are full-time students), and parents. While Southwest has agreements with other airlines for benefits, traveling "non-revenue" is not always a free experience, as fees can apply based on the carrier and destination. 

Southwest employees also have the benefits of "SWAG Points." When employees are recognized for their good work or take part in incentive programs, they can earn points that can be exchanged for buddy passes, frequent flyer points, or event tickets. 

United Airlines Buddy Pass Policies

At United, employees still get to hand out buddy passes to their friends and family, but the scope is very limited. According to the airline, employees and their families may receive travel privileges which include discounted rates and unlimited standby travel. 

What does the program actually look like? A bulletin from the Association of Flight Attendants outlines the program in detail. Employees must select their friends eligible for "non-revenue" travel in December for the next year. After the deadline passes, no friends can be added to their list. Employees can also elect to receive 12 buddy passes every year to distribute among friends.

What kind of pass also matters at United. Enrolled friends traveling with the employee, retiree, or their spouse are given the highest boarding priority, while those flying alone on a buddy pass are given the lowest priority.

What to Know About Buddy Pass Travel

Friends of airline employees get to fly for a cheap price if room is available—sounds like a good deal, right? Unfortunately, it's not as easy as having your airline employed friend book a ticket, passing the TSA checkpoint , and going on vacation. 

As noted above, flyers on a buddy pass are the lowest passengers on the standby list. If their flight is just about full, there's a good chance they won't make it on board. Buddy pass passengers are usually only permitted to fly in coach, but the policies vary by airline.

In addition, buddy pass flyers are considered representatives of the airline, no matter how old they are. As a result, they must adhere to a strict dress code, which often includes business-casual dress standards. If they do not meet these strict criteria, they may be denied boarding with no sources of repayment.

The Worst Times to Fly as a Non-Revenue Passenger

Using free or buddy pass travel is a terrible idea during peak times, such as:

• The Sunday after Thanksgiving
• Holiday weeks (Christmas week, Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.)
• Any time that there's inclement weather , like the winter months

If a flight is canceled, all of the displaced passengers will be accommodated on the next scheduled flight. If it's full, they'll end up on the standby list above non-revenue passengers. As an example: If a plane that holds 250 passengers isn't permitted to fly, that could mean 250 people ahead of you on the list (although that's an extreme example).

"Non-revenue" travel can be quite rewarding, but it's important to remember that you may end up not flying that day, or you could be stranded in a city that you weren't planning to visit. If that happens, you're on the hook for meals and hotel rooms—the airline won't help at all. Before you ask your friend for help and try your hand as a "non-revenue" flyer, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of every situation. In some situations, it may be cheaper to pay for your ticket instead of flying on a buddy pass.

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Best Rewards Credit Cards April 2024

The best rewards credit cards can give you 2% or more cash back. Or earn miles and travel benefits for your next vacation.

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Quick List of the Best Cards

Expert advice on credit cards.

• Methodology

Types of reward credit cards

How to earn credit card rewards, what are points or miles worth, who should consider a rewards card, can you get a rewards card with bad credit, how to pick a rewards credit card.

This article reviews our picks of the best rewards credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers. 

If you haven’t looked at rewards credit cards lately, you may be surprised by how much you can gain in cash back, points or miles without necessarily having to track complicated rules. Some cards provide sign-up bonuses worth over $1,000 for new cardholders who charge a certain amount in the first few months. And with rewards categories ranging from travel to groceries to rent payments, you can find an option that yields benefits tailored to your spending patterns.

For disciplined spenders, a rewards card can be a lucrative tool. We’ve rounded up our top picks among cards in 12 categories . For each card, we’ve included the annual fee, if it charges one, and the sign-up bonus if one is offered. Except where noted, rewards do not have expiration dates or caps, and the travel cards do not charge foreign transaction fees. Fees, rewards and other terms are subject to change, so before you apply for a card, check its current terms with the issuer.

You may notice that our list of the best cards differs from many other reviewers.  That's because we crunch the numbers on a broader variety of cards, such as those issued by credit unions and smaller banks.

In a hurry? Jump to the best credit cards in each category.

BEST CASH BACK CREDIT CARDS  

• Flat-rate Cash Back
• Rotating Categories
• For Groceries
• For Fuel (Gas and EV Charging)

Check out our best cash back credit cards to see all of the winners in this category.

BEST TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

• No Annual Fee
• Worth the Annual Fee
• Flexible Travel Redemptions
• Luxury Travel
• Airline Cards  
• Hotel Cards
• Dining Cards

To see all of Kiplinger picks in the travel category, read our guide to the best travel rewards credit cards .

If you’re planning to do plenty of traveling this year, look for a card that offers points or miles you can redeem for a variety of travel purchases, says Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree and author of Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More: How to Take Control of Your Financial Life . “For so many people, a flexible, general-purpose travel card can be really useful.”

While frequent travelers can gain sizable benefits from the lucrative perks and bonuses that come with many travel cards, the humble cash back card that provides a flat payback on all spending is often the best fit for other spenders. “For most people, a no-annual-fee, 2% cash-back card is simple but hard to beat,” says Ted Rossman , a senior industry analyst at Bankrate. “Treat it like a 2% discount on everything you buy.” 

Before you sign up for a rewards credit card, take a hard look at your spending habits. These cards make sense only if you pay your credit card balance in full and on time every month . If you carry a balance from month to month, you’ll usually pay interest, which will counteract the benefits of any rewards you earn. 

Kiplinger's Review Methodology

For each card, we have calculated a typical annual reward based on spending patterns in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey and assuming $34,000 spent on the card annually (unless otherwise noted). For cards that do not waive their annual fee the first year, we’ve subtracted the annual fee from the cash value of the annual reward. We have also considered factors such as ease and flexibility of earning and redeeming rewards and whether you must be a member of a club or financial institution to apply for a card. Except where noted, rewards do not have expiration dates or caps, and the travel-oriented cards do not charge foreign transaction fees.  

Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.  

A rewards credit card offers cash back, points or miles on your everyday spending. Some cards may also offer other features, such as an intro 0% APR promotion, insurance protections, travel perks and more. Here's a quick breakdown of the different types of credit card rewards you can earn. 

Cash back credit cards typically offer straight cash back on your purchases, making it easy to know how much value you're getting with each purchase. These cards used to offer only one percent back for each dollar spent, but that reward level has ticked up to 1.5% to 2% recently. According to Ted Rossman of creditcards.com , “Two percent cash back is kind of like the gold standard for keeping it simple.” 

Note, however, that although some credit cards are marketed as cash back cards, they may offer points that you can redeem for cash back and in other ways. 

Points credit cards offer a fixed number of points for each dollar you spend, with some cards offering more points on certain purchases. 

One example of a points program is Chase Ultimate Rewards, which allows you to use your rewards to get cash back, buy gift cards, book travel, shop online and more. Another example is a hotel loyalty program, which limits your redemptions to award stays and related options. Even some airlines use the term "points" for their currency. 

Historically, miles have been primarily associated with frequent flyer programs, but some general travel rewards credit cards use the term "miles" for their currency. 

General miles programs , such as Capital One’s, may allow you to redeem your rewards for a variety of travel purchases, including through their travel portal or on your own. With airline programs, however, your options are generally limited to award flights, upgrades and related redemptions.

Many rewards credit cards offer welcome bonuses to new cardholders when you meet a minimum spending requirement. For example, you may earn $200 after you spend $500 in three months or 60,000 points when you spend $3,000 in three months.

You can also earn cash back, points or miles when you use your card to make purchases. There are three different ways a rewards program can be structured.

With this type of rewards card, you'll earn the same rewards rate — say, 1.5% back or two miles per dollar — on every purchase. If you want a simple approach to rewards, this option may be appealing. 

A tiered rewards credit card offers different rewards rates on different spending categories. For instance, you may earn three points per dollar on travel and dining, two points per dollar on gas and one point per dollar on all other purchases.

These cards can be a great way to earn a lot of cash back, points or miles on some of your top budget categories.

Some cash back credit cards offer bonus rewards on spending categories that change every few months, allowing you to maximize rewards on a wide variety of purchases throughout the year. 

For example, you may earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent on groceries and department stores one quarter, then at Target and Amazon.com the next. 

With cash back rewards, the value you're getting is straightforward. If you have a 2% rewards rate and spend $100, you'll earn $2 in rewards. 

With points and miles, however, valuations vary depending on the program and even the card. General rewards programs, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, offer a specific value for each redemption option. For example, you may get one cent per point on travel redemptions but only 0.7 cents per point for online shopping. One way to estimate the value of your points or miles is to use the estimated values provided by Bankrate . 

With airline and hotel rewards programs, the value of your points or miles depends on several variables, including the travel dates, destination, fare class, hotel category and more. 

A rewards credit card could be a good fit for you if you meet the following criteria:

• You pay your bill in full each month: Paying your credit card bill in full each month will help you avoid interest charges on your purchases. If you carry a balance, the interest you pay can neutralize some or all of the value you get from your card's rewards.
• You have decent credit: The best rewards credit cards require good or excellent credit , typically a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. Some rewards cards are accessible to people with fair or even poor credit, but research and compare several options to limit fees and other less favorable features. If you don’t know your score, here are some ways to see free credit scores from FICO .
• You like to use your credit card for everything: The more you use your rewards credit card, the more you'll earn. If you prefer to use cash or a debit card, a rewards card might not add enough value to be worth it.

 On the other hand, it might make sense to avoid rewards credit cards if: 

• You struggle with overspending : The prospect of a welcome bonus or rewards on your purchase can make it more tempting to spend more than you can afford to pay back each month. 
• You prefer to maximize other benefits : Some credit cards specialize in other features, such as an extra-long 0% APR promotion on purchases or balance transfers, and don't offer rewards. But depending on your situation, the benefit of interest savings might be more valuable to you than a rewards program. Additionally, if you're looking to build or rebuild your credit, that objective may be more important than earning cash back, points or miles.

Yes, it's possible to get a rewards credit card with bad credit. However, there may be some caveats to consider. For example, a card may require a security deposit equal to your desired credit limit, which you may not get back until you close the account. 

Some bad-credit rewards credit cards may also charge an annual fee or a high interest rate, which can impact the value you get from the rewards program. 

If you use a good rewards credit card for bad credit , you can enjoy the benefits of rewards while building a positive credit profile. However, prioritizing your credit-building efforts will make it easier for you to get the rewards card you want in the future. 

There are a few different factors to consider to determine which rewards credit card is the right fit for you.

Credit score

Again, if you want good approval odds for the best rewards credit cards, you'll want good or excellent credit. Check your credit score before you apply for a card to gauge your approval odds. You may also consider getting pre-approved, if possible. 

American Express, for instance, tells applicants whether or not they're approved with no hard credit inquiry. You'll undergo a hard credit check only if you accept the card.

Spending habits

Review your budget to see whether it makes sense to get a rewards credit card that offers bonus cash back, points or miles on some of your biggest monthly expenses. If you spend a lot on gas and groceries, for instance, prioritize cards that offer bonus rewards on those categories. 

Also, if you're looking for a credit card with a welcome bonus, make sure you can meet the spending requirement to earn the bonus without overspending.

Feature preferences

Review the different features credit cards come with to determine what's most important to you. For example, do you need a 0% APR promotion for a large purchase or a balance transfer? Or do you prefer a travel credit card with a lot of perks and trip protections? 

If you're looking at travel credit cards, consider how flexible you want your rewards to be. For example, if a card has transferable points or miles, make sure the partner airline or hotel programs include those you are likely to use or where already have an account. Also, consider whether you want to pay an annual fee or what it would take in terms of card benefits for you to agree to an annual fee.

Take your time to shop around and compare several credit cards to ensure you find the right one for you.

Maximizing rewards

You may earn additional rewards or welcome bonuses by applying for cards offered by the same company where you bank. For example, Bank of America offers an extra 25 to 75 percent back on cash back rewards for its Preferred Rewards customers.

Some credit card companies allow more than one adult family member to earn welcome bonuses. If you sign up for a new card that offers a $500 welcome bonus, for example, your spouse may also be able to earn the same bonus. Make sure you read card terms carefully to understand any limitations to bonus offers.

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.  

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Ellen writes and edits personal finance stories, especially on credit cards and related products. She also covers the nexus between sustainability and personal finance. She was a manager and sustainability analyst at Calvert Investments for 15 years, focusing on climate change and consumer staples. She served on the sustainability councils of several Fortune 500 companies and led corporate engagements. Before joining Calvert, Ellen was a program officer for Winrock International, managing loans to alternative energy projects in Latin America. She earned a master’s from the U.C. Berkeley in international relations and Latin America. 

• Lisa Gerstner Editor, Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine

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Following a payout of $1.4 billion in profit sharing bonuses, Delta is investing in frontline employees by raising the minimum starting wage to $19 an hour and providing employees across the company with a 5% pay raise. In an internal memo, CEO Ed Bastian announced Monday the raise comes as Delta continues to invest in industry-leading total compensation to reward operational excellence and customer care. 

With this investment, which will take effect on Jun 1, 2024, Delta continues to lead with industry-leading total compensation for industry-leading performance in all work groups. Including this 2024 raise, Delta has made cumulative investments of 20-25% in compensation in each of our largest frontline workgroups since 2022.  

“Delta’s leading position comes thanks to a simple concept that dates back nearly a century – invest in our people first, and they will deliver great service and experiences for our customers,” Bastian said in a memo to all employees. “That’s exactly what you do, and it always sets us apart.” 

Sharing success is a foundational component of Delta’s values-driven business model and a core aspect of the company’s culture. Delta created its profit-sharing structure after the turbulent period the airline industry underwent in the early 2000s, as leaders worked to boost employee morale and cultivate a workplace of gratitude and teamwork.    

The pay increases complement profit-sharing, which has paid out over $11 billion to employees since the program’s inception in 2007.  Like profit-sharing, wage increases remain an important part of Delta’s efforts to reward the people who make Delta America’s most awarded airline. In the last 15 years, Delta has provided 12 base pay increases that add up to an average of 85% increase in base pay.  

Delta continues to lead the industry in profit sharing and total compensation, with this year’s total greater than the pool of all U.S. peer airlines combined.  And in the first quarter of 2024, Delta is already tracking ahead of last year – accruing $125 million for profit sharing. 

Profit sharing and competitive base pay are just the beginning of Delta’s employee financial wellness commitment. Delta also matches up to 6% plus a fixed contribution of 3% to 401(k) retirement savings; pays up to $100 monthly shared rewards for achieving operational goals; offers free financial coaching with the ability to earn $1,000 for emergency savings; and much more.  

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Delta Air Lines, facing another union attempt to organize flight attendants, is raising their pay

Delta Air Lines, the most profitable U.S. carrier, is raising pay for nonunion employees as it gets ready for another attempt by a union to represent its flights attendants.

CEO Ed Bastian told Delta employees Monday that the airline will boost pay for flight attendants and ground workers by 5%, raise the minimum wage for U.S. workers to $19 per hour, and set aside money for merit raises.

Delta said the increases affect more than 80,000 employees.

“With this increase in base pay and starting rates, we continue our commitment to provide Delta people with industry-leading total compensation for industry-leading performance,” Bastian wrote in a memo to staff. He said the company has raised pay among major work groups by a cumulative 20% to 25% since 2022.

That figure includes base pay and profit-sharing. Delta gave employees $1.4 billion in profit-sharing for 2023.

Delta earned $4.6 billion last year — more than United, American, Southwest and Alaska airlines combined. It was Delta’s biggest profit since 2019, before the pandemic affected U.S. travel.

About 20% of the Atlanta-based airline’s workers are represented by unions — by far the lowest percentage among the nation’s four biggest airlines. Delta pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, but cabin crews, maintenance workers and others are nonunion. Flight attendants narrowly voted against unionizing in 2010, and previous organizing campaigns failed in 2002 and 2008.

The Association of Flight Attendants is trying to change that . President Sara Nelson said her union hopes to gather enough authorization cards from Delta attendants by the end of the year to trigger another election.

“Delta has become the leader in generating profits, and that means Delta flight attendants should be leading on pay and benefits, and they are not,” she said.

Nelson believes that unions are in a stronger place now, even in the largely nonunion South, where the United Auto Workers won an election last week at a Volkswagen plant in Tennessee. Nelson’s union is seeking an industry-leading contract at United Airlines, which could bolster its case at Delta.