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With almost no exception, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) has spent the past few decades as the busiest airport in the world, serving more than 160 domestic and 80 international destinations. Popular routes include Orlando (MCO), New York (LGA), Los Angeles (LAX), London (LHR), and Paris (CDG).
Dozens of airlines fly to and from Atlanta — but as you’ll see, the airport is dominated by just a couple of airlines (primarily Delta). That should heavily influence the type of credit card you keep in your wallet.
Here’s what you need to know to optimize your Atlanta-based credit card strategy.
What should Atlanta travelers consider for their credit card strategy
Atlanta is infamously one of the most captive-to-one-carrier airports in the U.S. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think it was built by the bare hands of Delta CEO Ed Bastian.
Delta accounts for more than 74% of the market share (closer to 80% if you include Endeavor, a subsidiary of Delta). Nipping at its heels are Southwest and Frontier with a paltry 5.85% combined market share.
In other words, those flying out of Atlanta are virtually destined to sit in a Delta seat more often than not. Holding a Delta credit card (or two) can elevate your travel experience and save you hundreds of dollars.
Of course, there are some exceptions, but most folks should consider the following rewards credit cards for their travels through Atlanta.
Top credit cards for Atlanta-based travelers
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the highest-tier Delta credit card on the market. It’s flush with valuable perks such as the first checked bag free and a 15% award discount on Delta-operated flights. You’ll even get up to $520 in annual statement credits toward things like dining, hotel stays, and rideshare.
Perhaps the card’s most impressive benefit is its airport lounge access. When flying on an eligible Delta fare, you can redeem one of 15 Delta Sky Club passes every year (unlimited visits if you spend $75,000 per calendar year). You’ll also get complimentary access to Amex Centurion Lounges when flying Delta — widely considered to be some of the most upscale airport lounges in the U.S.
This card is ideal for those who travel with a buddy at least once per year, as it comes with an annual Companion Certificate valid for round-trip travel within the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America on Delta (up to first class). This will almost certainly save you hundreds of dollars, depending on where you travel.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
The less-fancy sibling to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card comes with similar — but not quite as eye-popping — Delta-focused benefits.
While you’ll also get the first checked bag free and a 15% award discount on Delta-operated flights, the card offers a less impressive $390 in annual statement credits to offset the cost of eligible hotel stays, rideshare, and dining expenses. Its annual Companion Pass is only good for Main Cabin tickets, instead of first class.
For an upper-midrange airline credit card, it’s still one of the best. If you’re uncomfortable ponying up a premium credit card annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card is a top-notch choice.
American Express Platinum Card®
You may be surprised to find a non-Delta card in a list of recommendations about the top option for Delta flyers. In fact, The Platinum Card® from American Express may be an even better fit for your Atlanta-based wallet — particularly if you tend not to fly Delta exclusively.
Here’s why: The card earns transferable American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be instantly converted into Delta miles at a 1:1 ratio. But its points also transfer to many other valuable airline programs, such as JetBlue TrueBlue, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Air Canada Aeroplan, and many more.
Plus, the card grants more comprehensive airport lounge access. You’ll get fewer Sky Club entries than the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card (just 10 per year when flying eligible Delta fares), but you can enter the Centurion Lounge no matter what airline and fare you book. You’ll also have over 1,000 additional locations to choose from thanks to partnerships with networks like Plaza Premium and Priority Pass (enrollment required).
You’ll find well over $1,500 in easy-to-use travel and lifestyle statement credits on the Amex Platinum Card. If you travel frequently, the card is difficult to beat.
Why Delta cards are recommended for Atlanta travelers
Delta credit cards are recommended for Atlanta travelers because of Delta’s overwhelming presence in Atlanta. Credit cards with perks that are focused on Delta travel are hyper-relevant to Atlanta-based travelers. From airport lounge access to free checked bags to Companion Certificates on eligible Delta-operated flights, even a casual flyer can save big with the right Delta credit card.
Alternative airlines and credit cards from Atlanta
While Delta is the most ubiquitous option for those flying through Atlanta, your travel style may result in relatively few Delta flights.
For example, Southwest flies nonstop between Atlanta and over 20 cities. If you find yourself flying Southwest a few times each year, you may rarely need Delta-specific perks. A credit card like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card could better suit your travel goals.
On the other hand, those flying exclusively between United hubs like Chicago (ORD) and Houston (IAH) may do better with a credit card like the United℠ Explorer Card.
The best cards for airport lounge access in Atlanta
Atlanta is one of the biggest airports in the U.S., and it’s got no shortage of airport lounges dotted throughout its seven concourses. Here are some of the most popular locations — and the cards you’ll need to gain entry.
American Express Centurion Lounge
Atlanta houses one of the most spectacular Amex Centurion Lounges on the planet. Some of its best features include a whiskey bar and a large outdoor tarmac-facing deck. You’ll find it in Concourse E near Gate E11.
To get in, you’ll need one of the following cards:
Delta Sky Club
Delta offers a whopping eight lounges at its HQ airport. You’ll find two in Concourse A (one in the center on the second level and one near Gate A17), one in Concourse B (near Gate B18), one in Concourse C (near Gate C37), one in Concourse D (near Gate D18), one in Concourse E (near Gate E15), one in Concourse F (on the mezzanine level), and one in Concourse T (near Gate T6).
You can enter this lounge with the following cards with an eligible same-day Delta fare:
The Platinum Card® from American Express (10 visits per Medallion year; unlimited visits when spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year)
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (15 visits per Medallion year; unlimited visits when spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year)
The Club ATL
The Club is a network of lounges you can access with a Priority Pass lounge membership. You’ll find it in Concourse F — next to the Chapel on the Mezzanine Level.
To get in, you can use the Priority Pass Select membership offered from cards like:
The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required)
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
United Club
United Airlines offers one United Club location in Concourse T between Gates 11 and 12. You can enter this lounge with cards such as:
United Club℠ Card
United℠ Explorer Card (2 passes per cardmember year)
Admirals Club
American Airlines offers a single lounge location in Atlanta. You’ll find it past security across from gate T11 (on the left). To get in, use:
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Citi Strata Elite (maximum four Admirals Club day passes per calendar year)
Frequently asked questions
Are Delta credit cards worth it if I only fly 2-3 times per year?
Delta credit cards can be worth it even if you only fly two or three times per year. If you can get more value from your credit card perks than you’re paying in annual fees (which can be easy thanks to benefits like the first checked bag free and companion certificate), then the annual fee can be worthwhile
Can I use my Companion Certificate for international Delta flights?
Yes, you can use your Companion Certificate for international Delta flights — but only to destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America.
How does the 15% SkyMiles discount work?
The 15% SkyMiles discount, called TakeOff 15, will lower the miles portion of your Delta award flight by 15%. Only seats booked through Delta on flights operated by Delta qualify for this discount.
Should I get both the Delta Platinum and Reserve cards?
Again, if you can get more value from each card than you pay in annual fees, getting both cards can be a good idea. Each comes with an annual Delta Companion Certificate, as well as a variety of valuable travel credits.
What's the best strategy for earning Delta miles in Atlanta?
The best strategy for earning Delta miles in Atlanta is to funnel all your spending through a credit card that earns Delta SkyMiles. This may not necessarily be a Delta credit card; some cards that earn transferable rewards, such as the American Express® Gold Card, are often better for racking up miles. Their bonus categories are generous and they instantly transfer to Delta at a 1:1 ratio.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Compensation may affect how and where the cards appear on the site, and we do not include all card companies and all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses, and recommendations have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these affiliate entities. point.me has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. point.me and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened.
The American Express Platinum Card see rates and fees, terms apply; Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card see rates and fees, terms apply; Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card see rates and fees; terms apply
