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 Amex vs Alaska Airlines Visa Signature

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature from Bank of America at $95/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 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature, 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 AmexAlaska Airlines Visa Signature
Annual fee$650$95
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles70,000 miles + Companion Fare
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$1,050
Min spend to unlock bonus-$3,000 in 90 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressBank of America
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • Companion Fare annually
  • Free checked bag
  • 3x on Alaska
  • No foreign tx fees
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
$95/yr · 70,000 miles + Companion Fare

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: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature

The Companion Fare is the hook, $122 + taxes/fees to bring a companion on any Alaska flight, even international business class. If you fly Alaska once a year with a partner, this pays for itself many times over.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus 70,000 miles + Companion Fare (~$1,050) on the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
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 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Bank of America) 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 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: $3,000 in 90 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.