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Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs IHG One Rewards Traveler

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the IHG One Rewards Traveler 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 ($620 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Traveler's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Traveler after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexIHG One Rewards Traveler
Annual fee$650$0
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles80,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$480
Min spend to unlock bonus-$2,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytravelhotel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 17x at IHG
  • No annual fee
  • Silver status
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 points

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: IHG One Rewards Traveler

The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or IHG One Rewards Traveler?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus 80,000 points (~$480) on the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Traveler?
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 IHG One Rewards Traveler at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and IHG One Rewards Traveler?
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 IHG One Rewards Traveler first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 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.