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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Capital One Spark Cash

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Capital One Spark Cash from Capital One 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 Capital One Spark Cash, 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 AmexCapital One Spark Cash
Annual fee$650$95
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles$1,000 cash bonus
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$1,000
Min spend to unlock bonus-$10,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressCapital One
Card categorytravelbusiness
Best earning category (Delta)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
    Read the full review
    Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
    $650/yr · 100,000 miles
    Read the full review
    Capital One Spark Cash
    $95/yr · $1,000 cash bonus

    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: Capital One Spark Cash

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Capital One Spark Cash?
    The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus $1,000 cash bonus (~$1,000) on the Capital One Spark Cash.
    Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Capital One Spark Cash?
    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 Capital One Spark Cash at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Capital One Spark Cash?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Capital One) 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 Capital One Spark Cash first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Capital One Spark Cash: $10,000 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.