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

Key Takeaways

• The Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card offers 3x SkyMiles on Delta purchases and 1x SkyMiles on everything else.
• The Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card offers 3x SkyMiles on Delta purchases and hotels, 2x SkyMiles on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1x SkyMiles on everything else.
• The Delta Platinum card offers better earnings categories, while the Delta Reserve card provides premium perks like Amex Centurion Lounge access and a yearly companion certificate.

If you’re a frequent flyer on Delta and feel like you’re missing out on benefits by not holding a Delta-branded credit card, you’re not alone.

Delta partners with American Express exclusively to offer co-branded credit cards that earn Delta SkyMiles and benefits when flying on the carrier.

Whether you want to travel in style by pursuing airline elite status — or nab award tickets using miles — the 2 cards you’ve probably seen most often are the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card.

Overview

Both of these credit cards focus on offering Delta-specific perks. To give you a high-level understanding of each card’s benefits, check out this table below:

*To earn an unlimited number of visits each year, the total eligible purchases must equal $75,000 or more each calendar year.

Both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card earn Delta SkyMiles, the carrier’s proprietary airline mileage currency.

In the past, Delta SkyMiles was useful for booking luxury travel, particularly business class flights on partner airlines like Air France and KLM. However, over the past few years, the team behind the Delta SkyMiles frequent flyer program has ruthlessly devalued its miles. For instance, a business class flight that was just 75,000 miles a few years ago can now be booked for a whopping 350,000 or more miles, resulting in a fivefold increase in price.

But if you’re looking to enjoy benefits with Delta, it might make the most sense to earn Delta SkyMiles instead of another transferable currency like Amex points if you can’t imagine your life without Delta elite status, for example.

Of course, we always recommend you to navigate to your account dashboard or benefits guide to view your card’s benefits in detail, including any terms and conditions that may apply.

Welcome Offer Comparison

The easiest way to rack up a ton of miles quickly is to open a new card that’s offering a welcome offer bonus. And in this case, both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card are have welcome offer bonuses:

Delta Reserve 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 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026.

Up to 125,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,500

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 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026.
• 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.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion^® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion^® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card. To access Sidecar by The Centurion^® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion^® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
• 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: Earn 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 participating 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 Platinum Card

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum 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.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of 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.

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026.

Up to 100,000 Miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,200

Annual Fee

$350

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^® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.

A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning a handful of valuable benefits with the airline.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases made directly with hotels
• 2x SkyMiles per $1 spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets
• 1x SkyMile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
• 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.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. Taxes and fees will apply.
• Receive $2,500 MQDs each year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Complimentary first and second checked bags for you and first bag free for up to 8 companions on the same reservation
• Zone 5 Priority Boarding
• $120 Resy Credit: Earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers upon enrollment.
• Application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• 20% back on inflight purchases
• $150 Delta Stays Credit: Earn up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.

 

Cons

• $350 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not earn transferable rewards

 

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America 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.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum 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.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Resy Credit: Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: With your $120 Rideshare Credit, earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum 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.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee every 4 years, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $350 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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

Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

 

In general, the Delta Platinum card is more consistent in terms of how often higher welcome offer bonuses come up. On the other hand, the Delta Reserve card offers higher welcome offers less often, but when it does, these welcome offers are generous.

Delta SkyMiles Comparison

Regardless of which Delta credit card you have, your credit card purchases earn Delta SkyMiles — no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Some of the best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles are for business class award travel on SkyTeam partner airlines like Air France, KLM, or Korean Air, or for low-cost domestic tickets starting at 5,000 SkyMiles one-way.

Earning Potential Comparison

Here’s the breakdown of how quickly you earn Delta SkyMiles on your purchases:

In a perhaps unexpected twist, the ultrapremium Delta Reserve card has weaker earning potential than the Delta Platinum card. So if you’re looking primarily to earn Delta SkyMiles on everyday purchases, the Delta Platinum card is a better choice than the Delta Reserve card.

We value Delta SkyMiles at around 1.2 cents per point, which translates to a maximum return on spending of 3.6%, on 3x SkyMiles categories. Otherwise, 2x SkyMiles translates to a 2.4% return on spending, while 1x SkyMiles comes out to 1.2%.

Redemptions

Practically speaking, Delta SkyMiles can only be used for redemptions within the SkyMiles ecosystem. And although this includes more than just flights on Delta and its partners, the best ways to redeem your SkyMiles is almost always be on award flights.

For example, a one-way flight from St. Martin (SXM) to Paris (CDG) on Air France business class costs around 75,000 SkyMiles plus around $6 in taxes and fees.

These flights typically cost nearly $4,000 each way, which results in a redemption value of more than 5 cents per mile, way above our standardized 1.2 cents per mile valuation.

In contrast, if you book a flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Salt Lake City (SLC) in economy for 10,000 SkyMiles, which would otherwise cost $130, you’re only getting a redemption value of around 1.3 cents per mile.

The story is pretty much the same for other redemptions like hotel bookings, Delta Vacations reservations, gift cards, and so on. You’d typically max out at around 1.2 cents per mile of redemption value — unless you find luxury award space on partner airlines.

Bottom Line: When thinking about the best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles, one of the tried-and-true ways to get outsize redemption value beyond our 1.2 cent-per-mile threshold is to book award travel (particularly in business class) on international, long-haul flights operated by partner airlines.  

Delta Air Lines Benefits Comparison

Truth be told, the bread and butter of Delta credit cards is the Delta-specific benefits. Other cards like the Platinum Card^® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card may offer dramatically increased rewards, but they do not offer give you the opportunity for greater perks on Delta flights.

In this section, we’ll break down all of the benefits you get on Delta Air Lines when you have the Delta Reserve card or Delta Platinum card.

Delta Sky Club Access

The Delta Reserve card is one of the only credit cards that can grant you access to the Delta Sky Club. Delta Reserve cardmembers receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club 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.

Plus, you receive 4 one-time guest passes each year.

Delta Annual Companion Certificate

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card both offer an annual companion certificate, which covers a round-trip ticket for domestic travel every year after you renew your card.

The Delta Platinum card’s certificate is valid for a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flights to certain destinations each year after renewal, while the Delta Reserve card’s certificate is valid on a First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your card.

Just keep in mind that terms apply and you still have to pay the government-imposed taxes and fees.

First Checked Bag for Free

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card both offer your first checked bag for free, which covers you and up to 8 companions traveling on the same reservation as you. In addition, your second checked bag is free on domestic Delta flights if you’re the cardholder.

Zone 5 Priority Boarding

Both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card offer priority boarding for you and up to 8 companions traveling on the same reservation as you.

20% Statement Credit on Delta Inflight Purchases

Whenever you make any inflight purchases on a Delta-operated flight, pay with your Delta Reserve card or Delta Platinum card to get 20% back. So, for example, if you purchased a snack box for $10 using your Delta Reserve card or Delta Platinum card, you’d get $2 back.

Upgrade Priority

The Delta Reserve card has upgrade priority as a stated benefit, though it’s pretty much worthless considering the fact that you would be prioritized below all SkyMiles members.

The Delta Platinum card does not offer upgrade priority.

Statement Credits Comparison

Both cards offer a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit that reimburses up to $120 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4 or 4 1/2 years.

Both cards can be used to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals on Delta Stays. The Delta Reserve card has up to a $200 annual Delta Stays credit, and the Delta Platinum card has up to a $150 annual Delta Stays credit.

Both cards feature up to $10 in monthly ride-share credits (upon enrollment) and monthly Resy credits (up to $10 per month for the Delta Platinum card and up to $20 per month for the Delta Reserve card).

Travel Benefits and Protection Comparison

Using the Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card can get you better treatment when you fly on Delta. But what about outside of Delta? In this section, we’ll walk you through everything else you need to know in terms of other travel benefits and protections.

Airport Lounge Benefits

One of the biggest benefits of the Delta Reserve card over the Delta Platinum card is the ability to access the popular Amex Centurion Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your Delta Reserve card. You can also bring up to 2 additional guests at a rate of $50 per person per visit.

Interestingly, the Centurion Lounges have an additional requirement that you pay for your Delta flight using your Delta Reserve card, as opposed to Delta Sky Clubs, which permit access as long as you’re on a same-day Delta flight (regardless of how you booked your Delta flight).

The Delta Platinum card doesn’t offer Centurion Lounge access in any way.

Rental Car Insurance

Most American Express cards (including the Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card) come with secondary rental car insurance that covers theft, damage, and loss of use. To get coverage, decline the collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver from the car rental agency and pay for your car rental reservation using your Delta Reserve card or Delta Platinum card.

With either card, you can also purchase a primary rental car insurance policy for $12.25 to $24.95 per rental via Amex Premium Car Rental Protection. This does not cover liability.

The Delta Reserve card offers up to $75,000 in coverage, while the Delta Platinum card offers up to $50,000 in coverage.

Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance

The Delta Reserve card has trip interruption and cancellation insurance, which covers up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 in total claims every rolling 12-month period.

The Delta Platinum card doesn’t offer any trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

Trip Delay Reimbursement

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card both offer trip delay reimbursement, though the Delta Reserve card’s reimbursement policies are better.

To be specific, the Delta Reserve card can reimburse you for up to $500 per trip in eligible expenses on covered delays of more than 6 hours, with a maximum of 2 claims every rolling 12-month period.

Meanwhile, the Delta Platinum card reimburses up to $300 per trip in eligible expenses on covered delays of 12 hours or more, with a maximum of 2 claims every rolling 12-month period.

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

Both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card offer nearly identical baggage insurance policies. If your baggage is lost or damaged, you can get up to $1,250 per carry-on bag and up to $500 per covered person for checked bags with a sublimit of $250 per covered person for high-risk items.

Travel Assistance Services

The Delta Reserve card gets you access to the Premium Global Assist Hotline, while the Delta Platinum card gets you access to the Global Assist Hotline.

The Global Assist Hotline benefit is available 24/7 as long as you’re traveling more than 100 miles from your home, and it includes these benefits for referral only:

The Premium Global Assist Hotline includes everything from the Global Assist Hotline in addition to:

• Emergency medical transportation assistance (may cover eligible charges)
• Medical financial coordination
• Travel assistance after evacuation
• Unaccompanied minor or visitor to bedside

Shopping Benefits and Protection Comparison

Now that we’ve wrapped up the other travel benefits and protections, let’s look at the ways your Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card have your back when you’re not traveling.

Purchase Protection

The Delta Reserve card offers an awesome purchase protection policy, which covers eligible incidents that occur up to 90 days after the date of purchase. You can get up to $10,000 per item and up to $50,000 per calendar year.

The Delta Platinum card also offers purchase protection up to 90 days after the date of purchase, covering up to $1,000 per item and up to $50,000 per calendar year.

Extended Warranty

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card both offer extended warranty protection on eligible warranties of 5 years or less. You get 1 additional year of protection on these warranties.

Return Protection

Although the Delta Platinum card doesn’t offer return protection, the Delta Reserve card does.

If you attempt to return an item and the original merchant doesn’t accept your return, you can file a claim within 90 days from the date of purchase and get reimbursed for up to $300 per item, with a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.

Cell Phone Protection

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card both offer cell phone protection against theft or damage as long as you pay for your monthly cellular bill using your eligible card.

Both cell phone protection policies cover up to $800 in reimbursements per claim with a $50 deductible per claim and a maximum of 2 approved claims per 12-month period.

Amex Offers

Log in to your online card account and select from dozens of Amex Offers from retailers and service providers. Enroll in the offers you want and use your card to make the associated purchases to earn additional Membership Rewards points or cash-back.

Fees and Authorized Users

In this very last section, we’ll run through the fees and any additional costs for authorized users on these cards.

Foreign Transaction Fees

Both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card charge no foreign transaction fees.

Annual Fees

The Delta Reserve card has a $650 annual fee, while the Delta Platinum card has a $350 annual fee.

Authorized Users

The Delta Reserve card charges a $175 fee per additional user, but the Delta Platinum card does not levy additional fees for authorized users.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! The Delta Platinum card and the Delta Reserve card offer totally different value for consumers with different needs. For example, the Delta Platinum card has significantly better earning categories than the Delta Reserve card.

Meanwhile, the Delta Reserve card has some fantastic benefits like the ability to get Delta Sky Club or Centurion Lounge access, as well as a companion certificate. Also, the Delta Reserve card tends to offer greater travel and shopping protections.

The best card for you ultimately boils down to how badly you want to get closer to Medallion elite status with Delta, your appetite for paying an increased annual fee, and so on.