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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Chase Sapphire Reserve from Chase at $795/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,400 more in estimated value) than the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexChase Sapphire Reserve
Annual fee$650$795
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles125,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$2,500
Min spend to unlock bonus-$6,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNonechase-ur
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • 8x on Chase Travel
  • 4x on flights & hotels booked direct
  • $500 The Edit hotel credit
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 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 Reserve

Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Chase Sapphire Reserve?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, 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 Reserve?
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 Reserve at $795/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Chase Sapphire Reserve?
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 Reserve first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 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.