How to Use the Delta Stays Statement Credit [2024]
Another benefit introduced this year for Delta SkyMiles credit cardholders is a hefty annual hotel credit for hotel stays purchased through the Delta Stays Travel Extras portal. This is in addition to the Delta Amex Resy Credit we wrote about yesterday, among other exciting updates.
What the heck is Delta Stays?
You are probably wondering… what is Delta Stays?!… it is indeed confusing with so many travel portals out there. Delta Stays is a co-branded travel booking site powered by Expedia. It allows you to book prepaid hotel reservations, vacation rentals, and rental cars while earning extra SkyMiles.
Up until recently, we didn’t recommend using Delta Stays because the stays are third-party bookings, and elite status benefits don’t apply. That changed with the introduction of the Delta Stays credit, and we now recommend using the Delta Stays portal at least once per year to take advantage of the new statement credit!
What Amex cards include a Delta Stays credit?
Most Delta-branded American Express cards include an annual Delta Stays credit (the only card that is excluded is the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card).
Here are the included credits for each card:
Statement credits are per calendar year and reset on January 1st. That means you can likely double-dip the Delta Stays credit if this is your first year holding a Delta-branded American Express card.
How to use your Delta Stays credit
It is easy to use your Delta Stays credit… all you need to do is head over to https://www.travelextras-delta.com/Hotels and book a pre-paid hotel or vacation rental and pay with an eligible Delta-branded American Express card.
Your statement credit will usually be applied to your American Express account within a few days, but it may take 6-8 weeks.
Remember, you must book a pre-paid reservation to receive your credit. Charges paid on-site at your hotel do not qualify and will not be reimbursed.
Once you visit Delta Stays, you can search for hotels in any city. The interface should feel familiar as it is similar to any other travel booking portal (it is powered by Expedia).
Here is an example for available DeltaStays hotels in New Orleans:
Once you’ve found an interesting hotel, click it to see the different booking options.
Here’s an example with Hotel Indigo New Orleans French Quarter:
Any prepaid rate will trigger the Delta Stays Amex Credit. That includes non-refundable rates and any rates paid for at the time of booking. Non-refundable rates are usually the cheapest.
A few other things to keep in mind…
- Non-lodging bookings do not qualify, so don’t expect a statement credit if you book something else like a rental car.
- Delta Vacations bookings do not qualify. This may confuse some, but Delta Vacations is a separate platform and is not eligible for this travel credit.
- Credits are per calendar year and reset on January 1st. Don’t wait to use your credit!
- Delta Stays are third-party bookings, so you usually won’t get perks for holding elite status during these stays (this is a great reason to try something new!!)
Closing Thoughts
The new Delta Stays credit is a welcome addition to Delta-branded American Express cards and it is surprisingly easy to use. All you need to do is book a prepaid hotel via Delta Stays and pay with your eligible American Express card. Statement credits will automatically be applied within 6-8 weeks, but it has been much faster in my experience. While elite benefits don’t usually apply for third-party bookings, I find it a great excuse to try independent hotels.
Have you used your Delta Stays credit? Add your experience below!
