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 Reserve Business American Express Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business from Chase at $299/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($79,160 more in estimated value) than the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express CardSouthwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Annual fee$650$299
Sign-up bonus70,000 miles80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$840$80,000
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categoryairlinetravel
Best earning category (Delta)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 15 Sky Club visits/year
  • First-class companion cert
  • $20/mo resy credit
  • MQD Headstart
    Read the full review
    Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
    $650/yr · 70,000 miles
    Read the full review
    Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
    $299/yr · 80,000 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: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
    The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus 70,000 miles (~$840) on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card.
    Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
    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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business at $299/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
    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 Reserve Business American Express Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business: $5,000 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.