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Side-by-side

Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature comes from Bank of America at $95/yr; the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex from American Express at $650/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureAtmos Rewards Ascent Visa SignatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
Annual fee$95$650
Sign-up bonus80,000 points + Companion Fare100,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$1,600$1,100
Min spend to unlock bonus$4,000 in 4 mo-
IssuerBank of AmericaAmerican Express
Card categoryairlinetravel
Best earning category (Alaska_hawaiian)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • $99 Companion Fare annually
  • 80K + Companion Fare welcome offer
  • 3x on Alaska & Hawaiian
  • No foreign tx fees
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
Read the full review
Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature
$95/yr · 80,000 points + Companion Fare
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles

Editorial take: Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature

The current Atmos Rewards Ascent card replaces Alaska's legacy Visa Signature. The Companion Fare alone justifies the $95 fee, book a paid Alaska or Hawaiian ticket, take a partner along for $99 + tax. Easy three-figure value at the West Coast / Asia-via-Alaska routes Alaska reaches.

Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex

Only worthwhile if you actually use Delta SkyClubs, the access alone is worth the fee for frequent Delta flyers. The upgraded companion cert (can be used on First/Comfort+) is a big perk over the standard Platinum version.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex?
The Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points + Companion Fare, worth roughly $1,600, versus 100,000 miles (~$1,100) on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex.
Is the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex?
At $95/yr, the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bank of America and American Express) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
Should I get the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature or the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature: $4,000 spend in 4 months. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.