RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card vs American Express Gold Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $650/yr; the American Express Gold Card from American Express at $325/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the American Express Gold Card — its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express CardAmerican Express Gold Card
Annual fee$650$325
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles60,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,200$1,200
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo$8,000 in 6 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Card categoryairlinetravel
Best earning category (Delta)3x1x
Transfer partnersskymilesamex-mr
Headline benefits
  • 15 Sky Club visits/year
  • First-class companion cert
  • $20/mo resy credit
  • MQD Headstart
  • 4x on restaurants worldwide
  • 4x on U.S. supermarkets
  • $120 dining credit
  • $120 Uber Cash
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 60,000 points

Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Premium Delta business. Sky Club + first-class companion cert combined typically cover the fee for couples on a single trip. Stack with personal Delta Reserve only if you really want unlimited Sky Club.

Editorial take: American Express Gold Card

The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card or American Express Gold Card?
The two cards offer comparable sign-up bonuses around $1,200. Pick based on which earning categories you actually use.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the American Express Gold Card?
Premium cards like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card ($650/yr) earn their fee through credits — travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $650+ of those credits, the math works. The American Express Gold Card at $325/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card and American Express Gold 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 Reserve Business American Express Card or the American Express Gold Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 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.