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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex vs Chase Freedom Unlimited

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex comes from American Express at $350/yr; the Chase Freedom Unlimited from Chase 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 Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($790 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Unlimited's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Platinum AmexChase Freedom Unlimited
Annual fee$350$0
Sign-up bonus90,000 miles$200 bonus
Bonus value (est.)$990$200
Min spend to unlock bonus-$500 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Travel)3x5x
Transfer partnersNonechase-ur
Headline benefits
  • Companion certificate annually
  • 3x on Delta + hotels
  • Free checked bag
  • Main Cabin 1 priority
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
$350/yr · 90,000 miles
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus

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: Chase Freedom Unlimited

The best no-fee cash back card in the Chase family. Stack it with a Sapphire and your cash back converts into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, a free upgrade most people miss. Note: Cell phone protection is on Freedom Flex, not Freedom Unlimited.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex or Chase Freedom Unlimited?
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex has the bigger bonus, 90,000 miles, worth roughly $990, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex's $350 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Freedom Unlimited?
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 Chase Freedom Unlimited's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex and Chase Freedom Unlimited?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) 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 Amex or the Chase Freedom Unlimited first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: no published min spend. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 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.