Delta SkyMiles Reserve vs. Amex Platinum: A Premium Travel Credit Card Comparison
For frequent travelers, a premium credit card can offer elite-level benefits that justify a substantial annual fee. Two of the best premium travel credit cards from American Express (Amex) are the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express. This article provides a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which card best suits your travel needs.
Annual Fee and Welcome Bonus
Both cards come with steep annual fees. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card has an annual fee of $650, while the Platinum Card’s annual fee is $895. Despite the higher fee, both cards offer valuable benefits and rewards that can offset the cost.
Both cards also offer substantial welcome bonuses for new cardholders:
- Delta Reserve Card: Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 within the first six months of account opening (offer ends 10/29/2025).
- Amex Platinum Card: You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months (welcome offers vary). Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact (if you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted)
While the Amex Platinum Card has a higher spending threshold, it offers a potentially higher bonus and greater flexibility with Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for various options, including travel, statement credits, and gift cards.
Rewards and Benefits
The Delta Reserve earns 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x mile on all other purchases. The Amex Platinum earns 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 spent each year) and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1x point per dollar.
Both cards are designed for frequent travelers, but the Amex Platinum offers broader rewards on eligible travel spending. However, both cards lack bonus categories for everyday expenses like groceries and gas.
Both cards shine with their annual benefits, which can provide significant value. However, the value of Delta Reserve's benefits is primarily restricted to those who predominantly fly Delta Air Lines. The Platinum Card has a broader range of flexible benefits.
Who Should Get Each Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is ideal for travelers who fly often and prefer Delta Air Lines. It offers complimentary access to Delta SkyClub lounges when flying Delta and provides an accelerated path towards Medallion elite status.
The American Express Platinum Card is best for those who don't have a single preferred airline or want flexible travel options. It offers bonus rewards for airfare and access to over 1,550 airport lounges, including Delta SkyClubs when flying Delta. Plus, it has a long list of added perks and credits, from eligible hotel stays and CLEAR Plus membership to dining at Resy restaurants and digital entertainment subscriptions.
Should You Get Both Cards?
Holding both cards results in a combined annual fee of $1,545. While the benefits can potentially offset this cost, it is a significant amount. However, having both cards offers the best of both worlds: extra benefits when flying Delta and flexible benefits when flying on other airlines.
Alternative Credit Cards to Consider
Here are some additional premium travel credit cards to consider:
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Offers premium travel benefits at a lower price point, including access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass locations.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Another luxury travel card with travel and dining rewards, a $300 annual travel credit, and Priority Pass Select membership.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: A more affordable option for Delta flyers, offering free checked bags, priority boarding, and inflight discounts.
| Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Offer | Rewards | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | $650 | Earn 125,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 10/29/25) | 3x miles on Delta purchases, 1x mile on all other purchases | Upgrade priority, Companion Certificate, Delta Sky Club access (limited visits), MQD Headstart & Boost |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | $895 | You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 within the first 6 months (welcome offers vary) | 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (up to $500,000 per calendar year), 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1x points on all other purchases | $200 hotel credit, $240 digital entertainment credit, $155 Walmart+ membership credit, $200 airline fee credit, Uber Cash, CLEAR® Plus credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, Equinox credit |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | $395 | Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months | 10x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on all other purchases | $300 annual credit for travel bookings through Capital One Travel, 10,000 annual bonus miles, Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and partner lounges |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $795 | Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months | 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct, 3x points on dining worldwide, 1x points on all other purchases | $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass Select membership, $300 in annual dining credits, IHG One Rewards Platinum elite status, Travel Insurance Protections |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months (offer ends 10/29/25) | 2x mile on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), 1x mile on all other eligible purchases | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150, $200 Delta Flight Credit (after spending $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year), Free checked bags |
Key Takeaways
- The Platinum Card® from American Express provides 5x points on flights booked directly with the airlines or on AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year, then 1x) and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com and has travel benefits and statement credits.
- The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers 3x SkyMiles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on everything else.
- The Delta Reserve card may offer better overall value for domestic Delta travelers who won’t use the Amex Platinum card’s international lounge access or other benefits.
Ultimately, the best card for you depends on your travel preferences and spending habits. If you're a frequent Delta Air Lines flyer, a Delta co-branded card is a solid choice. Otherwise, a general premium travel card like the Amex Platinum offers broader benefits.