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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card from American Express at $125/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($700 more in estimated value) than the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's. Get the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first; revisit the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Annual fee$650$125
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles150,000 points + $125 statement credit
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$1,800
Min spend to unlock bonus-$8,000 in 6 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Card categorytravelhotel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • Annual 35k Free Night Award
  • 15 elite nights/year
  • 6x at Marriott
  • Silver status
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · 150,000 points + $125 statement credit

Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex

Only worthwhile if you actually use Delta SkyClubs, the access alone is worth the fee for frequent Delta flyers. The upgraded companion cert (can be used on First/Comfort+) is a big perk over the standard Platinum version.

Editorial take: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The Marriott business card pulls its weight on the annual Free Night cert alone, a 35k cat-property is routinely $250-400/night cash. Add 15 elite night credits and the dining stipend and the $125 fee is easy.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus, 150,000 points + $125 statement credit, worth roughly $1,800, versus 100,000 miles (~$1,100) on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
Premium cards like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex ($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 Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card at $125/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express 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 Amex or the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express 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.