Delta Reserve Card vs. Delta Gold Card [Detailed Comparison]

Key Takeaways

• The Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card offers 3x SkyMiles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on everything else.
• The Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card offers 2x SkyMiles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on everything else.
• The Delta Reserve card has superior benefits such as upgrade priority, Centurion Lounge access, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, but it does carry a $650 annual fee (rates & fees).

Have you ever found yourself comparing the various Delta-branded credit cards only to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of differences among them?

Delta and Amex, in partnership, offer a dizzying number of credit cards that earn Delta SkyMiles, Delta’s frequent-flyer mileage currency. While each card appeals to a distinct Delta consumer, two of the most popular are the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the various perks and features of these 2 cards and discuss why each card can provide value for the right cardholder.

Overview

If you’re short on time, check out this chart detailing the main features of these 2 credit cards:

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card both earn Delta SkyMiles, which can be used to book flights on Delta and with partner airlines like Virgin Atlantic and Korean Air.

However, Delta SkyMiles, as a frequent-flyer program, has become significantly less useful because of a handful of devaluations over the past few years. That’s not to say that you can’t get outsize value from your SkyMiles, but you can generally get a lot less value from your redemptions than in the past.

Your primary motivation for getting a Delta co-branded credit card should probably be to pursue benefits when flying on Delta.

There are plenty of other credit cards that are better for earning transferable rewards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or the American Express^® Gold Card, though these cards aren’t Delta-centric in terms of benefits.

Welcome Offer Comparison

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card both routinely have welcome offers that are earned after you meet an introductory spending requirement within a specified period following card approval.

Typically, the Delta Reserve card’s welcome offer has been equal to, or higher than, the Delta Gold card’s welcome offer.

Here are the current welcome offers and an overview of card highlights.

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express 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 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

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 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 100,000 Miles. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,200

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

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 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.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion^® Year to the Delta Sky Club^® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
• 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.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• 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

Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Gold 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.

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

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^® Gold American Express Card

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 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 80,000 Miles. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $960

Annual Fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

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

Frequent Delta flyers will love the Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card. The card offers great benefits that will help save you money, effectively mimics low-level elite status with Delta SkyMiles, and helps you earn miles even faster, all for a low annual fee. Let’s dive into the benefits to see if the Delta Gold card is a good fit for your needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• $100 Delta Stays Credit: You can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
• Receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year.
• 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.

Cons

• Moderate annual fee
• Earn rate for Delta flights is relatively low compared to other travel cards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 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.
• Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Gold 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.
• $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after your first Card renewal when you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• When you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card, you can earn: 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Every mile you earn brings you closer to the places you want to go. Turn them into your next trip, use them for seat upgrades, and more.
• Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• Send money, split purchases, and focus on the moments that matter – with Send & Split^®. Powered by Venmo and PayPal. Enrollment Required. Terms apply.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

Delta SkyMiles Comparison

The Delta Reserve card and the Delta Gold card both earn Delta SkyMiles.

And even though Delta SkyMiles are a lot less valuable now than they were in the past, you can still use them to book business class flights on major airlines such as Delta, KLM, and Vietnam Airlines.

Earning Potential

Let’s take a look at how fast you can rack up points with either the Delta Reserve card or the Delta Gold card:

Even though the Delta Reserve card is considered a premium credit card, the Delta Gold card has stronger earnings on purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.

Both cards earn 1x SkyMiles on other purchases, and the Delta Reserve card earns 3x SkyMiles on Delta purchases.

Since we value Delta SkyMiles at 1.2 cents per mile, we’re looking at a return on spending of 1.2% (1x SkyMiles), 2.4% (2x SkyMiles), or 3.6% (3x SkyMiles), depending on your purchase category and card you use.

Redemptions

As mentioned above, Delta SkyMiles can be surprisingly flexible. Delta has several airline partners, including SkyTeam partners such as Air France and KLM, as well as nonalliance partners like WestJet and Virgin Atlantic.

The best potential value of Delta SkyMiles comes from redeeming them for luxury award travel on competitive business-class products.

For example, let’s look at a basic Delta SkyMiles redemption for economy seats on a flight from Detroit (DTW) to Boston (BOS), where paid tickets may sell for around $150 and award tickets might cost around 12,000 SkyMiles. In this example, you’d get a redemption value of about 1.2 cents per mile.

But if you redeemed your Delta SkyMiles for a long-haul business class flight from Paris (CDG) to Johannesburg (JNB) for 85,000 SkyMiles, which can cost $4,000, you’d be getting a much better value of 4.7 cents per mile.

Plus, both cards provide a 15% discount on qualifying Delta award flights.

Bottom Line: You can stretch the value of your Delta SkyMiles by redeeming them for international long-haul flights rather than short-haul domestic flights! Check out our guide to the best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles for max value for inspiration.

Delta Air Lines Benefits Comparison

A top reason to have a Delta co-branded credit card is for better flight-related benefits when flying Delta.

So in this section, we’ll show you all of our favorite ways to get better treatment on Delta with either the Delta Reserve card or the Delta Gold card.

Delta Sky Club Access

One of the most important elements of a frequent traveler’s lifestyle is access to airport lounges — and the Delta Sky Club has some of the best airport lounges you can access with a credit card.

The Delta Reserve card offers 15 visits to a Delta Sky Club per year when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of visits after you spend $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.

Lastly, you get 4 complimentary, one-time Delta Sky Club guest passes per year.

The Delta Gold card doesn’t offer any airport lounge access perks at all.

Delta Annual Companion Certificate

Another lovely benefit of the Delta Reserve card is the Delta Reserve Annual Companion Certificate, which is essentially a buy one, get one free ticket valid for specific round-trip tickets (you just pay the taxes and fees).

A companion certificate is issued after each Delta Reserve card renewal and can be used for a domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin.

The Delta Gold card doesn’t have an annual companion certificate benefit.

Delta Flight Credit

The Delta Gold card offers a $200 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year. You can use these credits toward future travel, which is great!

The Delta Reserve card doesn’t have this perk.

Free Checked Bags

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card both offer the first checked bag for free on Delta flights, covering yourself and up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation (up to 9 travelers total). In addition, as a cardholder, your second checked bag is free on domestic Delta flights with either card.

Zone 5 Priority Boarding

Both the Delta Reserve card and the Delta Gold card have Zone 5 Priority Boarding as a complimentary benefit.

This perk covers you and up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation (up to 9 travelers in total).

20% Statement Credit on Delta Inflight Purchases

One of the best ways to earn cash-back from your Delta Reserve card or Delta Gold card is through the 20% statement credit on Delta inflight purchases.

For instance, if you spent $15 on an alcoholic beverage on a Delta flight, you’d get $3 back as a statement credit.

Upgrade Priority

The last Delta-specific perk we’ll discuss is the Delta Reserve card’s upgrade priority when flying Delta.

You may think this is a fantastic benefit at first, but the truth is that your upgrade group comes after all other SkyMiles members, even those without any SkyMiles status. For this reason, the card’s upgrade priority benefit isn’t very meaningful.

The Delta Gold card doesn’t offer any upgrade priority benefits.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credits Comparison

The Delta Reserve card reimburses you up to $120 for Global Entry application or renewal fees or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4 or 4 1/2 years, respectively.

The Delta Gold card doesn’t offer this benefit.

Travel Benefits and Protection Comparison

In this section, we’ll show you all the travel-related benefits and protections beyond the cards’ Delta-specific perks.

Airport Lounge Benefits

Another key feature of the Delta Reserve card is access to American Express Centurion Lounges. You receive access when you book your Delta flight with your Delta Reserve card and are flying the same day with Delta. Also, you can bring up to 2 guests for $50 per person per visit, but as of July 8, 2026, those guests must be flying on the same flight as the main cardmember.

Centurion Lounge access is in addition to the Delta Sky Club access benefits that we discussed in the previous section.

The Delta Gold card doesn’t have any airport lounge perks.

Ride-Share Credits

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card come with up to $120 in annual ride-share credits, divvied into up to $10 per month. This benefit requires enrollment, and credits do not roll over from one month to the next.

Delta Stay Credits

Receive an annual Delta Stays statement credit when booking and prepaying through the Delta Stays portal for hotels or vacation rentals.

The Delta Reserve card provides up to $200 in annual credits, while the Delta Gold card provides up to $100 in annual credits. Prepay for your stay with your eligible card.

Resy Dining Credits

The Delta Reserve card comes with up to $240 in annual statement credits, up to $20 monthly, for purchases made at U.S. Resy restaurants.

The Delta Gold card does not have this benefit.

Rental Car Insurance

Both the Delta Reserve card and the Delta Gold card offer secondary rental car coverage. To be eligible, decline the rental car company’s collision damage waiver and loss damage waiver, pay for your entire car rental using your card, and you’re good to go.

The Delta Reserve card covers up to $75,000 in damages per rental, while the Delta Gold card covers up to $50,000 per rental. Liability coverage is not included.

Hot Tip: Amex allows you to purchase an additional primary rental car coverage policy for $12.25 to $24.95 per rental period through Amex Premium Car Rental Protection.

Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance

If your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason, you could receive up to $10,000 per trip in reimbursements, with a maximum total coverage of $20,000 over any rolling 12-month period, with the Delta Reserve card.

The Delta Gold card does not have trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

Trip Delay Reimbursement

The Delta Reserve card can reimburse eligible purchases, such as toiletries and accommodation, for covered delays of more than 6 hours. You could receive up to $500 per trip as reimbursement, with up to 2 approved claims per rolling 12-month period.

The Delta Gold card does not currently offer trip delay reimbursement.

Baggage Insurance Plan

If your luggage is lost, both the Delta Reserve card and the Delta Gold card can reimburse you for up to $1,250 per bag.

The $1,250 per bag maximum applies to carry-on bags. There’s a $500 limit per person for checked bags and a $250 sublimit per person for high-risk items.

Travel Assistance Services

While you’re traveling in faraway destinations, you might occasionally encounter emergency situations where you need help as soon as possible.

The Delta Gold card comes with a Global Assist Hotline, and the Delta Reserve card comes with a Premium Global Assist Hotline. Each offers 24/7 referral and assistance services as long as you’re traveling more than 100 miles from home.

Also, the Premium Global Assist exclusively offers these extra benefits:

• Medical financial coordination
• Travel assistance after an evacuation
• Unaccompanied minor and visitor-to-bedside assistance

Shopping Benefits and Protection Comparison

What happens when we use these credit cards for purchases outside of travel? Here’s how your card can protect you with everyday purchases.

Purchase Protection

One of the most useful shopping benefits these cards offer is purchase protection, which covers you if your item is damaged or stolen shortly after purchase.

To be specific, the Delta Reserve card provides up to $10,000 in purchase protection per item and up to $50,000 per calendar year for eligible incidents that occur within 90 days of the original purchase date.

The Delta Gold card’s coverage offers up to $1,000 per item, up to $50,000 per calendar year. It kicks in up to 90 days after an item’s original purchase date.

You have to pay for the eligible item with your card for it to be covered by the purchase protection policy.

Extended Warranty

Both the Delta Reserve card and the Delta Gold card offer 1 additional year of extended warranty coverage on eligible warranties of 5 years or less. You have to pay for your item with the card in order for it to be covered by the extended warranty policy.

Return Protection

Return protection is a benefit that’s increasingly rare. Fortunately, the Delta Reserve card offers it. This perk allows you to be reimbursed if you attempt to return an item to the original merchant within 90 days and the merchant doesn’t accept your return.

File a claim within 90 days of purchase and get reimbursed up to $300 per item for up to $1,000 per calendar year.

The Delta Gold card does not offer return protection.

Cell Phone Protection

The Delta Reserve card has an awesome cell phone protection policy that covers theft or eligible damages, but you only get this coverage if you pay your monthly cellular bill with the card.

You can get up to $800 in reimbursement for theft or damage to your cell phone. There is a $50 deductible per claim, and you get up to 2 approved claims in any rolling 12-month period.

The Delta Gold card does not have cell phone protection.

Fees and Authorized Users

Foreign Transaction Fees

Both the Delta Reserve card and the Delta Gold card have no foreign transaction fees, making either a solid choice for travel abroad.

In our final section, we’ll take a look at how much each of these cards would cost you.

Annual Fees

The Delta Reserve card has a $650 annual fee, while the Delta Gold card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 annual fee.

Authorized Users

With the Delta Reserve card, you pay an additional annual fee of $175 per authorized user you add.

The Delta Reserve card also affords its authorized users many of the same perks as the primary cardholder, except for their own companion certificate and the Delta Sky Club one-time guest passes. Authorized users on the Delta Reserve card have access to Delta Sky Clubs, Centurion Lounges, and so on.

There are no additional annual fees for authorized users on the Delta Gold card.

The Delta Gold card’s authorized user benefits are similar to those of the primary cardholder, except for the Delta flight credit.

Final Thoughts

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card appeal to 2 different types of Delta frequent flyers.

If you want maximum rewards and a free flight on Delta in economy from time to time, the Delta Gold card is better for you.

But if you like flying first class, elite status, and other benefits like airport lounge access, the Delta Reserve card would be a good addition to your wallet.