If you’ve flown with Delta more than a couple of times, you’ve probably ended up with a flight credit at some point, whether from a canceled trip, a schedule change, or an intentional change you made. I’ve redeemed Delta flight credits over a dozen times in the past few years, and while the system has gotten smoother, there are still a few things most travelers miss or misunderstand.
In 2025, Delta continues to offer several types of flight credits. Each type has its own rules around expiration, eligibility, and how to apply it to a future trip. And if you’re not careful, it’s surprisingly easy to let one expire, or miss out on using its full value.
If you’re sitting on a Delta flight credit right now, this guide will walk you through exactly how to use it, how to check its expiration date, and how to make sure you don’t lose any remaining value.
What Are Delta eCredits
Delta’s eCredits are digital travel vouchers issued when you cancel or change a nonrefundable ticket, accept compensation for a schedule change, or receive a customer service adjustment. They represent the dollar value of your original flight, minus any fees if applicable.
These credits are tied to the individual passenger name and must be used for that same traveler. If I cancel a ticket in my name, I cannot use that credit for a family member or colleague. That’s a detail a lot of people overlook until it’s too late.
Most commonly, you’ll receive an eCredit when you cancel a flight voluntarily or change your travel dates. Occasionally, Delta will issue one if you accept compensation due to operational disruptions. The credit will reflect the amount you paid for your original fare, including taxes and fees, minus any service charges if they applied.
Where to Find Your Credit
Delta has made this part easier. All flight credits issued in your name will appear in the Wallet section of your SkyMiles account. Once you log in at delta dot com, you can go to My Profile and then select Wallet. Under Credits and Certificates, you’ll see all available eCredits tied to your account.
If you booked without logging into your SkyMiles account, or if you booked through a third party, you can still locate your credit manually by using the original ticket number or confirmation code on Delta’s eCredit redemption page.
I always recommend saving the original confirmation email and ticket number. Even if the credit doesn’t appear automatically in your wallet, you can retrieve it using that number later.
How to Use an eCredit for a New Flight
Redeeming an eCredit is a straightforward process. When booking a new trip on Delta’s website or mobile app, you select your flights and proceed to the payment page. Near the bottom of the payment screen, there’s an option to Apply eCredit.
Clicking that opens a prompt where you can log in or enter your ticket information. From there, you choose which credit to apply to the current reservation. If the ticket costs more than your credit value, you simply pay the difference by card. If the flight costs less, the remaining credit stays on file under the same confirmation number and expiration date.
I’ve used eCredits to book domestic and international flights, including Delta One and Comfort Plus. There are no fare class restrictions. The one thing to keep in mind is that the traveler name must match exactly.
Credit Expiration Rules in 2025
Most Delta eCredits expire exactly one year from the date the original ticket was issued, not from the date you canceled it. This is an important distinction. If you booked a ticket in March and canceled in June, the credit will still expire the following March.
There are a few exceptions. If your credit was issued under pandemic-era flexibility (between 2020 and 2022), you may still have extended expiration terms. But for most 2025 travelers, the one-year rule applies.
Delta does not send reminder emails before your credit expires. I always set a personal calendar reminder about two months before the deadline to avoid losing the value.
Can You Use eCredits for Someone Else
The answer is no. eCredits are non-transferable and must be used by the same person whose name was on the original ticket. Even if you booked for a friend or family member, each eCredit remains tied to the original passenger.
I’ve been in situations where I had to help someone book a new flight using their credit. In those cases, I completed the transaction for them using their credentials, but the name on the new ticket still had to match the original one.
Delta does not allow the transfer of credits between different SkyMiles accounts or across passengers, no matter the circumstances.
Using eCredits for International Flights
There are no destination restrictions when it comes to redeeming your credit. You can apply an eCredit toward any Delta-operated flight or partner itinerary sold through Delta, including international segments.
I’ve used eCredits for travel between the United States and Europe, and for multi-leg itineraries that included connections with Air France and KLM. The process works exactly the same: select your flights, go to checkout, and apply the credit.
It’s important to know that the travel, not just the booking, must be completed before the eCredit’s expiration date. Booking a flight for after your credit expires is not allowed, even if you try to pay for it in advance.
What Happens If You Cancel a Flight Booked with an eCredit
If you book a new flight using a credit and then cancel again, you won’t lose the full value, but it does come with conditions.
Delta generally issues a new eCredit for the remaining value, subject to the same expiration window as the original one. That means the clock does not reset. The new credit will expire on the original expiration date, even if the second ticket was canceled weeks or months later.
To avoid confusion, I try not to rebook unless I’m fairly confident the new trip will happen. I’ve seen travelers lose value by repeatedly canceling rebooked tickets, only to realize they’ve run out of time to use the final credit.
Practical Tips from Experience
Over the years, I’ve built a few habits that help me get the most from Delta’s eCredit system. First, I always check my Wallet before I book any new flight. It’s easy to forget about a credit, especially when it’s from a long-delayed or changed trip.
Second, I prioritize booking flexible fares with credits, especially Main Cabin or higher. Basic Economy is less flexible and doesn’t always allow changes or cancellations, which limits your ability to preserve the value if plans change again.
Lastly, I never wait until the last month to use a credit. Availability tends to drop, and prices go up. Planning even a short domestic trip can help you use the value before it expires.
Final Thoughts
Delta’s eCredits are one of the more traveler-friendly credit systems among major U.S. airlines, especially now that they’re linked to your SkyMiles profile and usable online. But they do require attention to detail. From the one-year expiration rule to the non-transferable restrictions, it’s important to understand how they work if you want to use every dollar of value.
I’ve used flight credits to book everything from a last-minute business trip to a long-planned international vacation. As long as you plan ahead and track your expiration dates, they’re an excellent way to avoid losing money on canceled travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Delta eCredits last
Typically one year from the original ticket issue date.
Can I use someone else’s eCredit for my flight
No. eCredits are non-transferable and tied to the original traveler.
What happens to unused value after booking
The remaining value stays available under the same credit until it expires.
Can I use credits for international travel
Yes, eCredits are valid for any Delta flight, domestic or international.
Does canceling a credit booking extend the expiration
No. The original expiration date remains unchanged after cancellation.