Amex Platinum Card vs. Delta Reserve Card [Detailed Comparison]

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.

If you’re a frequent Delta Air Lines flyer, considering a Delta co-branded credit card is a logical choice. You’ll receive various benefits that make your travel on Delta Air Lines more comfortable, including savings with benefits such as free checked baggage for you and your travel companions, and a faster path to elite status.

If you fly various airlines, Delta included, considering another premium travel rewards card might also be a logical choice. You’ll receive some of the same benefits as a Delta-branded card, plus additional benefits that apply no matter which airline you’re flying.

Using these travel scenarios as a basis, we’ve selected one of the most popular travel rewards cards ever and compared it to the top premium Delta co-branded rewards card. We’ll compare earnings, redemption options, benefits, and ultimately, the value each card provides for the frequent traveler.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express and the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card both stand tall and are widely respected as premium travel rewards cards — let’s start with our comparison!

Overview

Before we discuss each card’s details, we’ve included an overview of each product so you can easily compare the attributes of the 2 featured cards side by side.

Welcome Offers Compared

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card offers Membership Rewards points as a welcome bonus offer after meeting minimum spending requirements in the first few months after account opening. These points can be redeemed for 1 cent each towards travel when booking with AmexTravel.com.

BEST LOUNGE CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

The Amex Platinum card reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and elite status.

Apply Now(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.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum card reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. 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.

As High as 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, the Platinum Card^® from American Express is a top choice.

The card offers premium perks like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and several annual card credits. The Amex Platinum card is easily worth the annual fee for frequent travelers who use the lounges and travel credits, and hard to justify for those who won’t.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far): Get access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5 points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5 points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags).

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. 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.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits (subject to visit limitations) when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass™ membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 01/2026
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card^® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants in select cities through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
• $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4pm late check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card^®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

You may receive greater value for your Membership Rewards points when transferring them to the Amex transfer partners.

Delta Reserve Card

Welcome offers for the Delta Reserve card vary, but you’ll historically see tens of thousands of miles offered after meeting minimum spending requirements. Delta flyers striving for elite status with Delta may also enjoy the opportunity to receive Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) with their welcome offer, which counts towards elite status when you get the card.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

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 ins and outs 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.

Apply Now(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 two round‑trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.

2 Round-Trip Delta Comfort Flights + 50,000 Miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $600

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.49%-28.49% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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 two round‑trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. A 21+ day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply. Offer ends 11/4/2026.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion^® Year to the Delta Sky Club^® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card during a calendar year. Reserve Card Members can also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge and Escape Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
• Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
• $240 Resy Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases.
• Global Dining Access by Resy gives you special access to sought-after U.S. Resy restaurants when you add your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from Resy.com or the Resy app.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment Required.
• Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
• 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 Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

Membership Rewards Points vs. Delta SkyMiles

Earning Potential

The Amex Platinum card earns valuable Membership Rewards points, while the Delta Reserve card earns Delta SkyMiles. Membership Rewards points may be more valuable, but Delta SkyMiles are easy to earn if you spend on the Delta Reserve card and fly with Delta.

Let’s look at the earning power of each card.

Bottom Line:

If you spend a lot on flights (with any airline) and prepaid hotels, the Amex Platinum card could earn you significantly more rewards than the Delta Reserve card. 

Redemption Options

Membership Rewards points are flexible rewards earned with the Amex Platinum card, while the Delta Reserve card earns Delta SkyMiles, which have narrower redemption options.

While both rewards currencies are generally worth about 1 cent each when redeemed for flights, you can elevate their value by either transferring the points to Amex transfer partners (Amex Platinum card) or using your miles to book good value partner airline award tickets (Delta Reserve card).

To learn more about the best ways to redeem Membership Rewards points or redeem Delta SkyMiles for maximum value, check out our complete guides.

Hot Tip:

You can use Membership Rewards points earned on the Amex Platinum card to book Delta airline tickets via AmexTravel.com and earn Delta SkyMiles on your flight. You can also transfer Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles at a ratio of 1:1.

Membership Rewards cards come with very different annual fees and earning rates. Compare all the options to find the best fit.

Statement Credits Comparison

Statement credits can deliver direct economic value if you can use these benefits. Here are the statement credits for each card when you make an eligible purchase.

Air Travel Advantages

A Delta-branded card offers plenty of benefits for frequent flyers. However, let’s compare the Delta-specific benefits offered on each card and see how they measure up.

*As of July 8, 2026, guests must be traveling on the same flight as the cardholder.

Bottom Line:

Delta travelers may receive benefits with the Amex Platinum card that other travel rewards cards do not offer, such as Delta Sky Club and worldwide lounge access. While the Delta Reserve card offers Delta-specific benefits, Delta Medallion elite flyers receiving these benefits may find greater overall value with the Amex Platinum card. 

Airport Lounge Access

The Amex Platinum card rates highest in the lounge access category with its complimentary access to over 1,550 airport lounges worldwide. The Delta Reserve card focuses on access for loyal Delta flyers.

*As of July 8, 2026, guests must be traveling on the same flight as the cardholder.

Lounge Access for Authorized Users

Adding authorized users or additional Platinum cardholders to the Delta Reserve card or Amex Platinum card gives them the same lounge access benefits as the primary cardmember.

Bottom Line:

The Amex Platinum card is known for its superb worldwide airport lounge access benefit that is second to no other travel rewards card. This benefit alone is worth more than the card’s annual fee. 

Hotel Program Perks

Amex Platinum Card

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

Upon enrollment, Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status offers upgraded rooms, free Wi-Fi, welcome bonus points, 25% more earnings at Marriott, and late checkout.

Leaders Club Sterling Status

Members can enroll for Sterling status with Leaders Club, the program for Leading Hotels of the World. This status offers upgrade priority at check-in, 5% bonus rewards on stays, and 5 pre-arrival upgrade awards annually.

Hilton Honors Gold Elite Status

Upon enrollment, Hilton Honors Gold elite status offers some great benefits, starting with complimentary breakfast or a food and beverage credit, a Hilton fan favorite. You’ll also receive upgraded rooms when available, free Wi-Fi, and earn 18x points at Hilton properties thanks to Hilton status.

$600 Prepaid Hotel Credit

Get up to $600 back in statement credits each year (up to $300 semi-annually) on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (2-night minimum stay required for The Hotel Collection) through AmexTravel.com when you pay with your card.

American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts

When you stay at Fine Hotels + Resorts properties, you’ll receive these benefits:

• Room upgrades, when available
• Complimentary breakfast for 2 each day
• Noon check-in and late checkout
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Local amenity valued at $100

The Hotel Collection

On stays of 2 nights or more at The Hotel Collection properties, you’ll receive a $100 credit towards on-site property amenities, including dining, spa, and resort activities. You’ll also earn 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid bookings.

Delta Reserve Card

The Delta Reserve card does not offer any hotel-specific benefits.

Rental Car Program Benefits

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card comes with these rental car program benefits upon enrollment:

• Avis Preferred Club: Receive a 25% discount on base rates and a 1-category upgrade based on availability
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: Complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status and a 1-category upgrade when you rent an intermediate-size vehicle or greater
• National Emerald Club Executive: Access to upgraded preferred cars, seamless returns, a 1-category upgrade if you rent a full-size vehicle or greater, plus qualify for accelerated earnings towards free rentals

Delta Reserve Card

The Delta Reserve card does not offer any rental car program benefits.

Bottom Line:

When we compare hotel and rental car program benefits, the Amex Platinum is the clear winner. With hotel and rental car program elite status, special amenities, perks, discounts, and property credits, the card delivers plenty of value in these categories. 

Comparing Travel Insurance and Protection

Since both the Amex Platinum card and Delta Reserve card are premium-level cards issued by American Express, they have the same travel and shopping benefits/protections, except where noted.

• No foreign transaction fees: Neither card charges foreign transaction fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance and trip interruption insurance: Both cards offer the same benefits of $10,000 per occurrence up to a maximum of $20,000 per 12-month period for each coverage.
• Premium Global Assist Hotline: Enjoy 24/7 assistance for planning your trip and during your travels. Cardmembers have access to customs information, emergency transportation assistance, weather, currency conversion, lost luggage assistance, and more.
• Rental car loss/damage insurance: Receive complimentary secondary rental car insurance that covers damage, theft, and loss of use. You’ll also have access to purchase low-cost Premium Car Rental Protection.
• Baggage insurance: You could receive a benefit if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged. The Amex Platinum card offers up to $3,000 for carry-on and $2,000 for checked baggage. The Delta Reserve card coverage limits are $1,250 for carry-on and $500 for checked baggage. Limits on both cards are per covered person, per trip.

Shopping Benefits and Protection Comparison

• American Express Auto Purchasing Program: Save on your new car purchase and be able to charge at least $2,000 or more on your eligible card. You’ll also receive up to $2,000 in post-purchase benefits.
• Purchase protection: Purchase an eligible item with your card and if it is damaged or stolen, you could receive up to $10,000 per incident/$50,000 per year. You’ll have coverage for 90 days from the date of purchase.
• Return protection: If a merchant won’t accept the return of an eligible item you purchased with your card (within 90 days), you could receive up to $300 per item, $1,000 per year.
• Cell phone protection: Cardmembers now receive up to $1,600 in cell phone protection (2 claims per year with up to $800 for each claim) against theft and damage, including cosmetic damage (like a cracked phone screen). Each claim has a $50 deductible and your monthly phone bill must be paid with your card to receive coverage.

This is not an all-encompassing list of benefits and protections. Access each card’s membership benefits for full descriptions and for the terms and conditions of each coverage.

Bottom Line:

The Amex Platinum card offers a higher amount of statement credits compared to the Delta Reserve card. If you use these benefits, you could partially offset the cost of the annual fee on the card. Travel and shopping benefits and protections are similar on both cards. 

Annual Fees and Adding Additional Users

Annual fees on the Amex Platinum card and Delta Reserve card have increased. You can expect to pay a high annual fee when you are approved for either of these cards.

The Amex Platinum card charges $195 per Additional Platinum Card (rates & fees). The Delta Reserve card charges $175 for each additional authorized user (rates & fees).

Hot Tip:

Read about how the Amex Platinum card stacks up to the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, another popular Delta card.

Final Thoughts

The Delta Reserve card is geared towards the Delta loyalist who travels primarily on Delta Air Lines. The card comes with enough benefits to make a positive difference in your travels with Delta and also help you qualify for elite status.

However, for Delta Medallion elites who are also frequent international travelers flying on a variety of airlines, the better value may be realized with the Amex Platinum card with its higher earnings on flights and its collection of luxury travel perks.

The Amex Platinum card isn’t airline-centric like the Delta Reserve card but still offers Delta flyers plenty of benefits.

Which of these cards makes sense for you will depend on how much you’ll use the benefits offered on each card, your level of spending on flights, your redemption preferences, and your frequency of international travel.