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Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex vs American Express Schwab Investor Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex comes from American Express at $350/yr; the American Express Schwab Investor Card from American Express at $0/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 Platinum Amex costs $350 more per year, only worth it if you'll actually use the upgraded perks.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Platinum AmexAmerican Express Schwab Investor Card
Annual fee$350$0
Sign-up bonus90,000 miles10,000 Membership Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)$990$110
Min spend to unlock bonus-$1,000 in 6 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneamex-mr
Headline benefits
  • Companion certificate annually
  • 3x on Delta + hotels
  • Free checked bag
  • Main Cabin 1 priority
  • 1.5X MR on everything
  • $0 annual fee
  • 1.0c/pt Invest with Rewards
  • Full MR transfer partners
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
$350/yr · 90,000 miles
Read the full review
American Express Schwab Investor Card
$0/yr · 10,000 Membership Rewards points

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.

Editorial take: American Express Schwab Investor Card

The hidden gem of the Amex MR lineup for Schwab brokerage customers. Flat 1.5X MR with $0 annual fee, full transfer-partner access, AND a 1.0 cents-per-point cash-into-brokerage redemption guarantees you can always extract real cash. The catch: you need a Schwab brokerage account to apply.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex or American Express Schwab Investor Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex has the bigger bonus, 90,000 miles, worth roughly $990, versus 10,000 Membership Rewards points (~$110) on the American Express Schwab Investor Card.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex's $350 annual fee worth it compared to the American Express Schwab Investor Card?
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 American Express Schwab Investor Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex and American Express Schwab Investor Card?
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 American Express Schwab Investor Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: no published min spend. American Express Schwab Investor Card: $1,000 in 6 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.