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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Chase Freedom Flex

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Chase Freedom Flex from Chase 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 ($900 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Flex's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first; revisit the Chase Freedom Flex after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexChase Freedom Flex
Annual fee$650$0
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles$200 cash back
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$200
Min spend to unlock bonus-$500 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNonechase-ur
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • 5% rotating categories
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • No annual fee
  • Cell phone protection
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Flex
$0/yr · $200 cash back

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: Chase Freedom Flex

Worth it only if you'll actually activate the rotating 5% categories every quarter. If you won't, the Freedom Unlimited earns more on everyday spend with zero effort.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Chase Freedom Flex?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Flex.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Freedom Flex?
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 Chase Freedom Flex at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Chase Freedom Flex?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) 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 Chase Freedom Flex first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Chase Freedom Flex: $500 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.