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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Chase Sapphire Preferred from Chase 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 Chase Sapphire Preferred, 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 AmexChase Sapphire Preferred
Annual fee$650$95
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles75,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$1,500
Min spend to unlock bonus-$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x5x
Transfer partnersNonechase-ur
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • 5x on travel booked via Chase
  • 3x on dining & streaming
  • $50 annual hotel credit
  • Transfer to 13 partners (Hyatt 1:1)
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Preferred
$95/yr · 75,000 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: Chase Sapphire Preferred

The best starter travel card, period. Transferable points, solid bonus categories, and a low annual fee make this the card we recommend to almost everyone getting into the points game. Note: the 10% anniversary points bonus sunsets October 1, 2026.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has the bigger bonus, 75,000 points, worth roughly $1,500, 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 Chase Sapphire Preferred?
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 Sapphire Preferred at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Chase Sapphire Preferred?
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 Sapphire Preferred first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $5,000 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.