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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card vs United Explorer Card

Both are airline travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $650/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase at $150/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 United Explorer 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 CardUnited Explorer Card
Annual fee$650$150
Sign-up bonus125,000 miles50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Bonus value (est.)$840$1,040
Min spend to unlock bonus$15,000 in 6 mo$3,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categoryairlineairline
Best earning category (Delta)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 15 Sky Club visits/year
  • First-class companion cert
  • $20/mo resy credit
  • MQD Headstart
  • Free checked bag
  • 2 United Club passes/year
  • Priority boarding
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
$650/yr · 125,000 miles
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus

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: United Explorer Card

Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 70k + 10k AU bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights. $0 intro annual fee, then $150.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card or United Explorer Card?
The United Explorer Card has the bigger bonus, 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus, worth roughly $1,040, versus 125,000 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 United Explorer 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 United Explorer Card at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card and United Explorer Card?
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 United Explorer Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card: $15,000 spend in 6 months. United Explorer Card: $3,000 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.