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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Capital One Venture Rewards

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Capital One Venture Rewards 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 Venture Rewards, 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 Venture Rewards
Annual fee$650$95
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles75,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$1,238
Min spend to unlock bonus-$4,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressCapital One
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNonecapital-one
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • 2x on everything
  • 18 transfer partners
  • $120 TSA credit
  • No foreign tx fees
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Capital One Venture Rewards
$95/yr · 75,000 miles

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 Venture Rewards

The simplest travel card in the game. Flat 2x on everything plus transfer partners means you don't have to think, just swipe. Great for people who don't want to chase bonus categories.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Capital One Venture Rewards?
The Capital One Venture Rewards has the bigger bonus, 75,000 miles, worth roughly $1,238, 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 Capital One Venture Rewards?
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 Venture Rewards at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Capital One Venture Rewards?
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 Venture Rewards first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Capital One Venture Rewards: $4,000 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.