How to use Delta eCredit?

Learn how to find, check, and use your Delta eCredit from canceled flights or price drops. Step-by-step guide to redeeming eCredits before they expire.

Quick Summary

  • What is a Delta eCredit? It’s a digital credit you receive when you cancel a non-refundable Delta flight, change to a cheaper fare, or when Autopilot finds a price drop on your reservation.
  • How does Autopilot help? Autopilot monitors your reservations after booking. When prices drop, we reprice your reservation at the lower fare. Since most people book nonrefundable tickets, the savings often come back as an eCredit you can use on future trips.
  • Where do I find it? For SkyMiles members, check your Delta Wallet. If you are booked as a guest, use delta.com/redeem with your 13-digit eCredit number (starts with 006).
  • Does it expire? Yes. Voluntary cancellations give you 1 year from the original ticket date. If Delta canceled or significantly delayed your flight, you get 5 years from the issuance date.
  • Can I transfer it to someone else? No. Delta eCredits are non-transferable. You must validate the eCredit by entering the first and last name of the original ticket holder. 

How to Find Your Delta eCredit

The Easy Way (Delta Wallet):

  1. Log in to Delta.com.
  2. Go to Profile > Wallet > Certificates & eCredits. Only credits issued to your SkyMiles number will appear here.

The Manual Way (If it’s not in your wallet): 

If you didn’t have a SkyMiles number attached, you can look it up manually.

  1. Go to delta.com/redeem.
  2. Enter your eCredit Number (starts with 006), credit card number, or contact information.
  3. Validate by entering the first and last name of the original ticket holder.

Step-by-Step: How to Redeem Delta eCredit

  • Step 1: Search for your new flight as normal. 
  • Step 2: Select your flights and proceed to checkout. 
  • Step 3: Under the "Payment" section, look for "Use eCredits" (or select them beforehand at delta.com/redeem). 
  • Step 4: Select the credit you want to apply.

Note: If the flight is cheaper than the credit, the remaining balance may be issued as a residual value eCredit.

What Happens to Unused eCredit After Booking?

You don't lose it. If your new flight costs less than your eCredit, Delta automatically issues the leftover amount as a new eCredit or your as a residual value eCredit. You can use it on future flights.

  • Here's the catch: the residual eCredit keeps the same expiration date as your original credit. 

For example, say you have a $400 eCredit that expires March 1, 2026. You book a $200 flight in January. Delta gives you back the remaining $200, but it still expires March 1, 2026, not one year from when you used it. The clock doesn't reset.

You'll find the residual eCredit in your Delta Wallet after completing your booking. It appears as a separate eCredit from your original one, but the rules are the same: non-transferable, airfare and taxes only (no baggage or upgrades), and you must validate it with the original ticket holder's name.

Delta eCredit Rules

Delta eCredits Expiration

Your eCredit’s expiration depends on why you got it:

  • You canceled/changed your flight - Your eCredit is valid for 1 year from when you bought the original ticket (not when you were supposed to fly). So if you purchased a ticket on March 1st for a June 15th flight, your eCredit expires March 1st next year, no matter when you actually canceled.
  • Delta canceled or changed your flight - You get 5 years from when the eCredit was issued.

You need to book your new flight before the eCredit expires. The actual travel can happen later, but make sure you reserve the ticket while the credit is still valid.

Delta eCredit Transfer to Someone Else

The name on your new ticket must match the eCredit exactly. eCredits require validation using the first and last name of the original ticket holder during the redemption process. 

Multiple eCredits in One Booking

Delta lets you stack eCredits, but there are limits:

  • For New flight bookings, you can use up to 5 eCredits
  • For Changing an existing reservation, you can only apply 2 eCredits

For example, if you’re booking a new trip, you could combine 5 different eCredits to cover the fare. But if you’re just modifying a flight you already reserved, you’re limited to adding 2 eCredits to that change.

eCredits vs. Risk-Free Cancellation

If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you don't get an eCredit, you get a full refund to your credit card. eCredits are for cancellations after that 24-hour window.

How Autopilot Helps You Get eCredits

  • Autopilot monitors your flight prices after booking.
  • Autopilot identifies price drops and reprices you at the lower fare.
  • Assuming you booked a nonrefundable ticket, you'll receive the savings as a Delta eCredit.
  • You can redeem that credit using the steps in this guide.

Autopilot is an independent service not affiliated with Delta Air Lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my Delta eCredit for someone else? 

A: No. The eCredit must be validated with the original ticket holder's first and last name.

Q: What happens if my new flight is cheaper than my eCredit? 

A: The remaining value is generally available for future use. Check your account for the specific terms of the residual credit.

Q: Can I use a Delta eCredit for baggage fees or seat upgrades? 

A: Generally, no. eCredits are for airfare and government-imposed taxes/fees only. You usually cannot use them for ancillaries like baggage fees during checkout. However, Pro tip: if you want to use your eCredits to upgrade, you can cancel your existing reservation for an eCredit, and rebook using multiple eCredits to buy the higher fare.

Q: How long do I have to use my Delta eCredit? 

A: If you voluntarily canceled, you have 1 year from the original ticket date. If Delta canceled your flight, you have 5 years from issuance. Always check the specific expiration date listed in your Delta Wallet.

Q: Why isn't my eCredit showing up in my Wallet? 

A: It may not have been linked to your SkyMiles number. Use the lookup tool at delta.com/redeem with your original 13-digit ticket number (starting with 006) to locate it manually.

Q: Do I need a credit card if my eCredit pays for the whole flight? 

A: Yes. Credit card information is required for all flight purchases.

Q: What is the easiest way to price match airfare when the price drops after booking?

A: The easiest way is to use Autopilot. Instead of manually monitoring flight prices and going through Delta's rebooking process yourself, Autopilot automatically tracks your reservation after you book. When prices drop, Autopilot reprices your ticket at the lower fare and you receive the savings as a Delta eCredit, without lifting a finger. This saves you time and ensures you never miss a price drop opportunity.

Disclaimer 

Autopilot is an independent third-party service and is not affiliated with any airline, hotel, or travel provider. Airline policies and availability can change, always check the provider’s official terms.

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