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 Amex vs IHG One Rewards Traveler

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex comes from American Express at $350/yr; the IHG One Rewards Traveler 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 ($510 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Traveler's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Traveler after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Platinum AmexIHG One Rewards Traveler
Annual fee$350$0
Sign-up bonus90,000 miles80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$990$480
Min spend to unlock bonus-$2,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytravelhotel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Companion certificate annually
  • 3x on Delta + hotels
  • Free checked bag
  • Main Cabin 1 priority
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 17x at IHG
  • No annual fee
  • Silver status
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
$350/yr · 90,000 miles
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 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: IHG One Rewards Traveler

The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex or IHG One Rewards Traveler?
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex has the bigger bonus, 90,000 miles, worth roughly $990, versus 80,000 points (~$480) on the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex's $350 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Traveler?
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 IHG One Rewards Traveler's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex and IHG One Rewards Traveler?
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 IHG One Rewards Traveler first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: no published min spend. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 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.