Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card vs USAA Preferred Cash Rewards

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $350/yr; the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards from USAA at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($590 more in estimated value) than the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card first; revisit the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express CardUSAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Annual fee$350$0
Sign-up bonus70,000 miles$250 cash bonus
Bonus value (est.)$840$250
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressUSAA
Card categoryairlinecashback
Best earning category (Delta)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Annual companion cert
  • Free bag for 9 travelers
  • Sky Club at $50/visit
  • $10/mo resy credit
    Read the full review
    Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card
    $350/yr · 70,000 miles
    Read the full review
    USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
    $0/yr · $250 cash bonus

    Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card

    Strong middle-tier Delta card. The annual companion certificate alone covers the $350 fee for any couple flying domestic. Sky Club access at member rate is also better than nothing.

    Editorial take: USAA Preferred Cash Rewards

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card or USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
    The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus, 70,000 miles, worth roughly $840, versus $250 cash bonus (~$250) on the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards.
    Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card's $350 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
    At $350/yr, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card and USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and USAA) 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 Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card or the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. USAA Preferred Cash Rewards: $1,000 in 3 months. 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.