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

If you’re a frequent flyer on Delta and you 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.

In this guide, we’ll compare these 2 premium Delta credit cards to show you which one is better for your needs.

Let’s get into it!

Delta Reserve Card vs. Delta Platinum 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:

*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.

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+ miles, resulting in a 5-fold 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 transferrable 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.

The Value of a Welcome Offer

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

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 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 Bonus Miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$720

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.99%-29.99% 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.

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.
• Receive $2,500 MQM each year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+^®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations each year after renewal.
• $240 Resy Credit: Earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases upon enrollment.
• $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.
• $200 Delta Stays Statement Credit: Earn up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
• Access to Complimentary Upgrades and Upgrade Priority
• Free checked bag
• 20% back on inflight purchases

Cons

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

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club^® and bring up to two guests or immediate family members at a rate of $50 per person per visit when flying 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.
• Receive four Delta Sky Club^® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
• 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 First Class, Delta Comfort+^®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip 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: With the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card. 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.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Airline Credit Cards

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

More Reads

• How to Find the 100k Welcome Offer for the Delta Reserve Card [Current Public Offer is 60K]
• Benefits of the Amex Delta Reserve Card
• Amex Platinum vs Delta Reserve
• Comparison of Amex Delta Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Delta Flyers
• How To Get Delta Medallion Status

Delta Platinum Card

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 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.

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

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^® 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 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

50,000 Bonus Miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$600

Annual Fee

$350

APR

20.99%-29.99% 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.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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 checked bag
• Main Cabin 1 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

Card Highlights

• Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• 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 $1 Medallion^® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• 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 and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive $100 back for Global Entry or up to $85 back for TSA PreCheck^® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• 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: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

• Credit Card Reviews
• Airline Credit Cards

Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

More Reads

• Find the 100K Welcome Bonus Offer for the Delta Platinum
• Benefits of the Amex Delta Platinum
• Amex Platinum vs Delta Platinum
• Amex Gold vs Delta Platinum
• How To Get Delta Medallion Status
• Best Credit Cards for Delta Flyers

In general, the Delta Platinum card is more consistent in terms of how often elevated welcome bonuses are offered — on the other hand, the Delta Reserve card offers enhanced welcome bonuses less often; but when it does, these welcome bonuses are generous.

Delta SkyMiles

Regardless of which Delta credit card you have, your credit card purchases will 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

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

In a perhaps unexpected twist, the ultra-premium 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%. This return on spending is achieved on 3x SkyMiles categories.

Otherwise, 2x SkyMiles translates to a 2.4% return on spending, while 1x SkyMiles comes out to 1.2%.

Redemption Options

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 will always be on award flights.

For example, a one-way flight from St. Maarten (SXM) to Paris (CDG) on Air France business class costs around 75,000 SkyMiles + ~$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 that 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’ll 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 outsized 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

Truth be told, the bread and butter of Delta credit cards are 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 the ability to enjoy 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 without any special elite status with Delta SkyMiles. When you fly on a same-day Delta flight, you will get complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. Also, the Delta Reserve card gets you 2 complimentary Delta Sky Club one-time guest passes every year for your family and friends. (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.)

On the other hand, the Delta Platinum card only gets you discounted per-visit rates of $50 per person for yourself and 2 companions (or immediate family) traveling with you on the same flight. (Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available.)

Delta Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) Waiver

Both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card offer a benefit known as the MQD waiver, which stands for Medallion Qualification Dollar waiver. When you spend at least $25,000 in purchases in a calendar year, you’ll get a waiver for the ordinary MQDs requirement to qualify for Platinum, Gold, or Silver status.

To get the MQD waiver for top-tier Diamond status, you must spend at least $250,000 in purchases per calendar year.

Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.

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 roundtrip flights to select destinations each year after renewal, while the Delta Reserve card’s certificate is valid on First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations each year after renewal.

Just keep in mind that terms apply and you can only use these for certain fare classes.

First Checked Bag for Free

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card both offer your first checked bag for free, which covers yourself and up to 8 companions traveling on the same reservation as you.

Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding

Both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card offer priority Main Cabin 1 boarding for yourself 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 purchase a snack box for $10 using your Delta Reserve card or Delta Platinum card, you’ll 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

The only statement credits offered are the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit, which will reimburse up to $100 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4 or 4.5 years. Both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card have this benefit.

Travel Benefits and Protections

Using the Delta Reserve card and Delta Platinum card can help you enjoy better treatment when flying 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 per-visit rate of $50 per person.

Interestingly, the Centurion Lounges have an additional requirement of paying 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 (CDW/LDW) 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 boasts 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 sub-limit 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 post-evacuation
• Unaccompanied minor/visitor to bedside

Shopping Benefits and Protections

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 will 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 to protect 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.

Foreign Transaction Fees

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

ShopRunner Membership

Cardholders can enroll in a complimentary ShopRunner membership to receive free 2-day shipping and returns plus discounts at dozens of retailers.

Amex Offers

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

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

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

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 have totally different value propositions 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 will ultimately boil 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.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 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. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, 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.  Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the purchase protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum 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 $1,000 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. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the trip delay insurance coverage benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. 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^® Platinum 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. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Cell Phone Protection benefit of Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the Global Assist benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum 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. 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 car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 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. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, 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.  Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. 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 $1,000 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. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. 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. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the trip delay insurance coverage benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. 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. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Cell Phone Protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the Premium Global Assist 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. 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 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.