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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card vs PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $650/yr; the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card from PenFed Credit Union at $95/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 Reserve Business American Express Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($840 more in estimated value) than the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card first; revisit the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express CardPenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
Annual fee$650$95
Sign-up bonus70,000 milesNot advertised
Bonus value (est.)$840-
Min spend to unlock bonus$6,000 in 6 mo-
IssuerAmerican ExpressPenFed Credit Union
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
    PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
    $95/yr ·

    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: PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card or PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
    The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card has a public bonus (70,000 miles, worth roughly $840), while the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature 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 PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card and PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and PenFed Credit Union) 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 PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card 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. PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: no published min spend. 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.