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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex comes from American Express at $350/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority from Chase at $229/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Platinum AmexSouthwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Annual fee$350$229
Sign-up bonus90,000 miles60,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$990$840
Min spend to unlock bonus-$2,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytravelairline
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • Companion certificate annually
  • 3x on Delta + hotels
  • Free checked bag
  • Main Cabin 1 priority
  • 7,500 anniversary points
  • $75 annual travel credit
  • 4 upgraded boardings/year
  • 4x on Southwest
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
$350/yr · 90,000 miles
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
$229/yr · 60,000 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: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

If Southwest is your airline, this is the card to have. The anniversary points and $75 travel credit help offset the annual fee, and the 4x earning on Southwest is class-leading among airline cards.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex or Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex has the bigger bonus, 90,000 miles, worth roughly $990, versus 60,000 points (~$840) on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex's $350 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: no published min spend. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: $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.