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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Bilt Blue

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Bilt Blue from Bilt / Cardless at $0/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 Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,000 more in estimated value) than the Bilt Blue's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first; revisit the Bilt Blue after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexBilt Blue
Annual fee$650$0
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles$100 Bilt Cash
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$100
Min spend to unlock bonus-$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressBilt / Cardless
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNonebilt
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • $0 annual fee
  • 1x everywhere, no caps
  • Up to 1.25x on rent
  • Rent Day 2x on the 1st
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Bilt Blue
$0/yr · $100 Bilt Cash

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: Bilt Blue

The no-fee entry tier of Bilt 2.0, launched February 7, 2026 by Cardless. Flat 1x earn (no bonus categories — those live on Obsidian and Palladium). Best for renters who want the no-fee anchor + full transfer partner access without paying $95+. The 5-transactions-per-cycle minimum from legacy Bilt is gone, and Rent Day still doubles everyday earn on the 1st.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Bilt Blue?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus $100 Bilt Cash (~$100) on the Bilt Blue.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Bilt Blue?
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 Bilt Blue at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Bilt Blue?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Bilt / Cardless) 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 Amex or the Bilt Blue first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Bilt Blue: $0 in 0 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.