Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
The companion certificate alone usually covers the annual fee on a single trip. If you fly Delta domestically at least once a year with a partner, this is worth it.
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Side-by-side
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex comes from American Express at $350/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
Both cards come from American Express and target travel spenders, so the choice usually comes down to whether you'll use the premium-tier benefits. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex costs $300 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.
| Feature | Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex | Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $350 | $650 |
| Sign-up bonus | 90,000 miles | 100,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $990 | $1,100 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | - |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 3x | 3x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
$350/yr · 90,000 miles
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
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.
The real-world take
TL;DR. Two Delta personal cards. Delta Platinum ($350) includes a domestic Main Cabin companion certificate, 3x on Delta and hotels, and Resy and ride share credits. Delta Reserve ($650) upgrades the companion cert to First Class/Comfort+ and adds Sky Club access. Platinum is the right choice for a couple flying Delta once a year domestic. Reserve is right only if you actually use Sky Clubs more than 3-4 times a year.
The three dimensions that actually decide it. First, companion certificate class. Platinum's is Main Cabin; Reserve's covers First Class and Comfort+. Reserve's upgrade is genuinely valuable on a single transcon. Second, Sky Club access. Reserve includes it; Platinum does not. Sky Club walk-in is $50/visit, so 7+ visits a year breaks even. Third, fee. $300 delta. Reserve has to clear that delta in marginal value.
Real customer scenario for each. If you and a partner fly Delta domestic once a year and use the companion cert in Main Cabin, Platinum's $350 fee is offset by that cert alone. If instead you fly Delta 8+ times a year and use Sky Clubs, Reserve's $650 fee is cleared by lounge access alone, never mind the better companion cert.
The trap to avoid. Buying Reserve "for status." Neither card earns Medallion status meaningfully; both earn MQDs that count toward status if you actually fly Delta, but neither replaces flying. If you do not already fly Delta enough to earn status organically, Reserve's status-boost dollars are not worth the fee.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex?
- The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus 90,000 miles (~$990) on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex.
- Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex's $350 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex?
- At $350/yr, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex 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 Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex?
- Yes, though both are issued by American Express so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 Amex or the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: no published min spend. 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.