This Little-Known Perk of the Delta American Express Cards Could Save Families More Than $200 Every Time They Travel

Free checked bags are a rather common perk of airline cobranded credit cards, especially those that have annual fees. This can be a big money-saver for frequent travelers.

However, this benefit might be more valuable than you think, especially when it comes to Delta's cards, which are issued by American Express. There are several that offer free checked bags, and it typically costs $30 to check a bag on a Delta flight.

One important thing that many people don't realize is that this benefit doesn't just apply to the Delta American Express cardholder. It gives a free checked bag to the cardholder and everyone else traveling on the same reservation -- up to nine people altogether (terms apply).

Most people reading this don't typically head to the airport with a party of nine. But even if you regularly travel with your family, this can be an extremely valuable benefit. For example, I regularly travel with my wife and two children, and being able to check one free bag per person saves us a total of $240 for each round trip. If we fly just twice a year, that translates to nearly $500 in savings.

Three different Delta Amex cards offer free checked bags

There are four different cobranded Delta cards issued by American Express. All but the no annual fee Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (see rates and fees) offer the free checked bags benefit. To be sure, the free checked bags benefit can be a very valuable perk, but it isn't all these cards offer. Here's a quick overview of the three Delta cards that offer free checked bags.

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. (Terms apply, see rates and fees). In addition to the free checked bags benefit, card members get an excellent welcome bonus, the ability to earn a $100 Delta flight credit after meeting purchase requirements, and Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding (terms apply).

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is more of a premium product and has a $350 annual fee (see rates and fees). However, the fee can be well worth it. Each year you renew the card, you get a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate (terms apply), essentially a buy-one-get-one-free plane ticket, which can easily justify the annual fee all by itself. You'll also get a credit to cover a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years and 20% savings on in-flight purchases (terms apply).

Finally, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the highest level of Delta card, designed to be most beneficial for frequent travelers. It has a $650 annual fee (see rates and fees), but it offers quite a bit of value. To name its two most valuable perks, it offers a companion certificate good for a first-class flight as well as a seat in the main cabin. Plus, it offers access to Delta Sky Club and American Express Centurion Lounges (terms apply).

Which is best for you?

All three of these Delta American Express cards could be an excellent value if you take advantage of the perks. The best fit for you depends how frequently you travel, and whether you're likely to use your companion certificates and other benefits. But one key takeaway is that all of them have the excellent free checked bags benefit, and this can be a far more valuable perk than you might have thought.