Delta Reserve Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card [Detailed Comparison]

If you have an appreciation for points and happen to book a lot of flights on Delta, you might find yourself considering 2 premium credit cards: the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®.

You might assume it’s best to get the Delta Reserve card if you’re a Delta loyalist and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card for other airlines.

This belief is directionally true, but the truth is much more nuanced than that. If your primary goal is to maximize your everyday spending for free flights, consider getting the Chase Sapphire Reserve card even if you fly on Delta a lot.

In this guide, we’ll clear up misinformation about these 2 credit cards and demonstrate which card is objectively the best for your goals.

Let’s get to it!

Overview

If you don’t have time to read the in-depth specifics of each card, don’t fret! See how these cards stack up against each other in this table:

*Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.

The Delta Reserve card earns Delta SkyMiles, which can be used for flights with Delta and its partners but are limited in utility. Also, Delta SkyMiles have been devalued many times over the past few years, so holding these SkyMiles will likely be a losing strategy.

Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are significantly more valuable than Delta SkyMiles. These points can be used for award travel, including business and first class flights and luxury hotel stays. These points can even be used for Delta flights!

In an apples-to-apples comparison, you’re better off earning flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points rather than Delta SkyMiles.

On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card can’t offer the same benefits when flying on Delta. Even so, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card outshines the Delta Reserve card in general travel protections, ranging from car rental insurance to emergency medical and dental benefits.

We encourage you to view your Benefits Guide in detail by logging into your respective online account and accessing your benefits there.

Welcome Offer Comparison

A credit card welcome offer is arguably the quickest way to rack up points. Also, one of the easiest ways to justify making the jump to a new credit card is when there’s an amazing welcome offer available.

Here are the welcome bonuses you can access with either the Delta Reserve card or Chase Sapphire Reserve card:

Delta Reserve Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

70,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$840

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.49%-29.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its MQD Headstart towards status boost, lounge access, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.

Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases.
• 1x SkyMile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights.

Cons

• $650 annual fee (rates & fees)
• No bonus categories other than Delta purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club^® when you fly Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
• Receive four Delta Sky Club^® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Earn $1 Medallion^® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49%-29.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Delta SkyMiles vs. Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Ultimate Rewards points tend to be much more valuable and flexible than Delta SkyMiles. The former is a flexible rewards currency, while the latter is an airline mileage currency.

Delta SkyMiles are generally best used for flights on Delta and its partners (including SkyTeam airline partners).

Meanwhile, Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for outsized value on a variety of airlines, including SkyTeam, Oneworld, Star Alliance, and even non-alliance airlines like Emirates and Etihad.

To sweeten the deal further, Chase Ultimate Rewards points can also be used for hotel stays at potentially game-changing values through World of Hyatt.

Here are how the points stack up when using each card:

Earning Potential Comparison

According to our valuations, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2 cents each, while Delta SkyMiles are worth 1.2 cents each.

Even when comparing an earning multiplier of 1x Chase points and 1x Delta SkyMiles, you’re getting almost double the value by sticking with Chase.

Not to mention that the Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns up to 10x points, which is equivalent to a whopping 20% return on spending; you can only earn a maximum of 3.6% return on spending on the Delta Reserve card.

Redemption Options

The flexibility of Chase points is the main reason they are more valuable than Delta SkyMiles.

You should expect a transatlantic business class flight to cost around 400,000 SkyMiles each way. Meanwhile, with Chase points, that number can drop down to as little as 50,000 points each way.

Also, if you wanted to book a flight on British Airways using Delta SkyMiles, you’d be out of luck. With Chase points, you have no such restriction — yet another reason why SkyMiles are worth less than Chase points.

You can even use Chase points for luxury Hyatt hotel stays for superb redemption value.

If you aren’t in the mood to look for award availability, using Chase points through your Chase Sapphire Reserve card can get you a 50% redemption bonus (equal to 1.5 cents per point) in 2 ways:

• Travel booked through the Chase travel portal
• Pay Yourself Back (with up to a 50% redemption bonus; until January 31, 2025)

If you’re willing to settle for less value but need the most flexibility, you can also redeem Chase points for gift cards, cash-back, Amazon.com, cash-back, or online shopping.

Delta Air Lines Benefits Comparison

The biggest reason to get a Delta Reserve card is the benefits that are unique to Delta Air Lines flights.

Currently, these benefits are available to holders of the Delta Reserve card:

• Delta 2,500 MQDs every qualification year
• Earn $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your card per calendar year
• Complimentary Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta
• Delta annual domestic, Caribbean, or Central America companion certificate
• First checked bag free when flying Delta
• 20% back on Delta inflight purchases
• Priority boarding
• Upgrade priority

Note, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card does not offer any Delta-specific perks.

But the Delta perks on the Delta Reserve card is comprehensive — stick with us as we explain each of these benefits further.

Delta Medallion Status Boost

You’ll automatically receive 2,500 MQDs for every qualification year.

Delta Medallion Qualification Dollar Earnings

You can earn $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your card per calendar year, helping you earn elite status.

Complimentary Delta Sky Club Access

While you hold the Delta Reserve card, you can enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club when you fly on a same-day Delta flight. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.

Delta Annual Companion Certificate

Another valuable benefit from this card is the round-trip companion certificate you get each year when you renew your Delta Reserve card, which is valid for a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America.

First Checked Bag for Free

Also, your first checked bag flies for free with the Delta Reserve card, which includes yourself and up to 8 companions traveling on the same reservation with you.

Get 20% Back on Delta Inflight Purchases

Whenever you make an inflight purchase at Delta, you’ll also get a 20% statement credit back, too. So if you buy a beverage for $10 on a Delta flight, you’ll get back $2 when you pay with your Delta Reserve card.

Priority Boarding

Board early, secure a spot for your carry-on, and enjoy plenty of time to settle in before takeoff on your next Delta flight with Zone 5 Priority Boarding.

Upgrade Priority

Lastly, the Delta Reserve card gets you upgrade priority after SkyMiles Medallion members on flights, which is pretty much a worthless benefit, but still worth pointing out.

Statement Credits Comparison

The Delta Reserve card offers:

• Annual $240 Resy credit: Earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled card.
• Annual $120 rideshare credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your enrolled card.
• Annual $200 Delta Stays credit: Earn up to $200 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.

In addition, there’s a statement credit of up to $120 for Global Entry application fees (once every 4 years, as of October 1, 2024) or up to $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck application fees (once every 4.5 years). Remember, it also has the 20% statement credit on Delta inflight purchases, but we don’t consider this a true statement credit benefit.

Meanwhile, this is where we first start to see the Chase Sapphire Reserve card outshine the Delta Reserve card. To start, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a $300 annual travel credit, which is renewed every cardmember year. It’s incredibly easy to use — you can use that credit towards flights, hotels, Ubers, and so much more.

Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers the same exact Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit as the Delta Reserve card, but also has a NEXUS credit option, as well.

It also offers up to $5 in DoorDash credits per month when you activate your DashPass subscription by December 31, 2027.

If properly maximized, you’re looking at getting back anywhere from $660 to $760 in value per year just from statement credits on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Bottom Line: The Delta Reserve card can’t be underestimated in terms of benefits, assuming you’re a Delta loyalist. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers much more value in statement credits.

Travel Protection and Benefits Comparison

If you’re traveling with any degree of frequency, you can probably appreciate how crucial travel benefits, insurance, and protection can be while you’re away from home.

In this section, we’ll walk you through the A to Z of the travel benefits and protections of the Delta Reserve card and Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Airport Lounge Benefits

The most important benefit we can start with is airport lounge access — Delta Reserve cardholders get complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club, plus four One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta.

Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits (including Grab and Go) at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.

In addition, Delta Reserve cardholders can get access to Centurion Lounges when flying Delta on the same day.

Those who hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve card have access to 2 lounge networks. The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club is is a new lounge network with several locations in the works. Cardholders can also activate their complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which grants them access to over 1,400+ lounges and additional experiences around the world. This membership also entitles you to take up to 2 guests to participating lounges.

Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card allows cardholders and 2 guests access to Chase Sapphire Terrace locations.

Hotel and Rental Car Program Benefits

The Delta Reserve card doesn’t offer any specific hotel and rental car perks.

Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card allows you to book stays at The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, which consists of over 1,000 luxury properties that offer these benefits:

This is a fantastic way you can enjoy even more benefits when booking hotels.

Rideshare Benefits

The Delta Reserve card does not offer any rideshare benefits.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers 2 free years of Lyft Pink All Access membership, which is worth $199 per year and includes these benefits:

• Complimentary Priority Pickup upgrades
• Member-exclusive pricing (including 10% off all Lux rides)
• Cancellation forgiveness, which allows you to cancel up to 3 times per month for free
• In-app roadside assistance for your own car, up to 4 times per year
• Free Grubhub+ for 1 year
• Free SIXT rental car upgrades
• Free, unlimited 45-minute classic bike rides
• Free, unlimited ebike and scooter unlocks
• Discounted ebike and scooter rates
• 3 bike or scooter guest passes every year
• 50% discount on the third year of Lyft Pink All Access membership

Remember, you’ll still earn 10x points on Lyft rides with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card through March 31, 2025, which is equivalent to a 20% return on spending.

Rental Car Insurance

The Delta Reserve card comes with secondary rental car coverage that covers damage, theft, and loss of use. You can also purchase primary insurance for $12.25 to $24.95 per rental through Amex Premium Car Rental Protection.

One of the many ways in which the Chase Sapphire Reserve card sets itself apart from the rest of the pack (including the Delta Reserve card) is its inclusion of primary rental car coverage as a complimentary benefit. This coverage also includes luxury and exotic values with a maximum coverage of $75,000.

Remember, to get coverage on either card, you must make your car rental reservation using your credit card and decline the car rental company’s CDW/LDW (collision damage waiver/loss damage waiver). After that, you’re good to go.

Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance

As an ultra-premium card, it only makes sense that the Delta Reserve card offers trip interruption and cancellation insurance, which covers up to $10,000 per trip and up to $20,000 total per rolling 12 months.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers up to $10,000 per person per trip in coverage with a cap of $20,000 per trip for all eligible travelers.

Trip Delay Reimbursement

The Delta Reserve card’s trip delay insurance covers you for up to $500 per trip in reimbursing certain additional expenses purchases with the same card on covered delays of more than 6 hours. You can have up to 2 claims per consecutive 12-month period.

Keep in mind that in order for the Delta Reserve card’s trip delay reimbursement to kick in, the entire round-trip fare must be paid for using your card.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card also offers trip delay coverage of up to $500 per trip for delays of more than 6 hours, though there’s no specified limit as to the number of approved claims per rolling 12 months.

Baggage Delay Insurance

The Delta Reserve card doesn’t offer baggage delay insurance.

Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers baggage delay insurance for delays of more than 6 hours with a benefit amount of up to $100 per day and up to 5 consecutive days of coverage.

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

If you’re traveling on a common carrier ticket (such as a plane, train, ship, or bus) and pay for the ticket using your Delta Reserve card, you can get covered for up to $1,250 per bag if your luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen. There’s a combined limit of $10,000 for all covered travelers per trip.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers up to $3,000 per person per trip in lost luggage reimbursement.

Travel Accident Insurance

The Delta Reserve card doesn’t offer travel accident insurance.

With the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you’ll get up to $1 million in common carrier travel insurance per person, as well as $100,000 in 24-hour travel accident insurance per person.

Roadside Dispatch

The Delta Reserve card’s benefits do not include roadside dispatch.

While you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you can make up to 4 free service calls per year, which covers up to $50 per event. This covers:

• Fuel delivery (up to 5 gallons, plus the cost of fuel)
• Jump starting
• Lockout service (key replacement is not included)
• Standard towing (up to 5 miles included)
• Standard winching
• Tire changing (must have a good, inflated spare)

Travel and Emergency Assistance Services

Both the Delta Reserve card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offer travel and emergency assistance services. Chase doesn’t have a name for it, but Amex offers it through a benefit called the Premium Global Assist Hotline.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s travel and emergency assistance services includes:

Meanwhile, Premium Global Assist includes all of the above, as well as emergency medical transportation and evacuation, plus the repatriation of mortal remains.

Emergency Evacuation and Transportation

With the Delta Reserve card’s Premium Global Assist benefit, you can use emergency medical transportation and evacuation at no additional cost.

Finally, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card covers up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation and transportation coverage, should you need it.

Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card outperforms the Delta Reserve card in almost every general travel arena. With superior travel insurance, a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, Lyft Pink All Access membership, and so much more, it’s hard to see the appeal of the Delta Reserve card over the Chase Sapphire Reserve card in this context.

Shopping Protection and Benefits Comparison

Another essential part of a credit card’s features is the shopping benefits and protections you get by holding the card.

Let’s take a look at what each card offers!

DoorDash Benefits

The Delta Reserve card doesn’t offer any DoorDash perks.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a complimentary DashPass membership for at least 1 year when you activate by December 31, 2027.

After you activate your DoorDash DashPass membership, you’ll get $5 per month in DoorDash credits.

Purchase Protection

The Delta Reserve card offers purchase protection of up to $10,000 per item and up to $50,000 per calendar year, as long as your eligible incident occurs at most 90 days after the date of purchase.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card also gets you up to $10,000 per item and up to $50,000 per calendar year — the exception here is that you’ll get coverage for 120 days!

Extended Warranty

With the Delta Reserve card’s extended warranty protection, you’ll get 1 additional year on eligible warranties of 5 years or less.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s extended warranty gets you 1 additional year of warranty on eligible warranties of 3 years or less.

Return Protection

Another neat benefit that the Delta Reserve card offers is return protection, which covers you in the event that the original merchant with which you purchased an item won’t accept your return.

Eligible returns made within 90 days from the date of purchase can be reimbursed up to $300 per item and up to $1,000 per calendar year.

When you use the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the return protection covers up to $500 per item and up to $1,000 per calendar year. It also covers returns made up to 90 days after the date of purchase.

Cell Phone Protection

Another benefit that the Delta Reserve card offers is cell phone protection, whereby you can file for reimbursement against theft or damage as long as your monthly cellular bill is paid for using your card.

You can get up to $800 per claim with a $50 deductible per claim for a maximum of 2 approved claims per year.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card doesn’t offer cell phone protection.

Fees and Authorized Users

Now that we’ve run through all of the detailed benefits of both the Delta Reserve card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, let’s look at the major costs associated with holding each card.

Foreign Transaction Fees

Neither the Delta Reserve card nor the Chase Sapphire Reserve card has foreign transaction fees.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

The annual fee for the Delta Reserve card is $650, and to add an authorized user to the Delta Reserve card, you’ll need to pay an additional fee of $175 per user per year (rates & fees).

While the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s annual fee is $550, it’ll only cost an additional annual fee of $75 to add each authorized user.

Final Thoughts

The Delta Reserve card is a great choice if you’re insistent on enjoying the best benefits when flying Delta. This credit card allows you to get closer to Medallion elite status, statement credits on Delta inflight purchases, a complimentary round-trip companion certificate, and so much more.

However, this card is weak on rewards earning, especially in light of the fact that Delta SkyMiles are continually devalued.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card doesn’t offer any airline-specific benefits, but it does offer industry-leading rewards, plus the ability to earn points that can be flexibly redeemed for luxury travel on a variety of airlines.

The card that makes the most sense to you should ultimately boil down to whether you’d rather have top-notch rewards or top-notch Delta benefits. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and we hope you learned more about these 2 cards in this guide!

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, the baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for Eligible Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the car rental loss & damage insurance benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the cell phone protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, when an American Express^® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the premium global assist hotline benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the purchase protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the return protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express^® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories.  Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, the maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.  Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the trip delay benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.