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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus from Chase at $99/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 ($1,100 more in estimated value) than the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first; revisit the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexSouthwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Annual fee$650$99
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles50,000 bonus points
Bonus value (est.)$1,100-
Min spend to unlock bonus-$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x2x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
  • 3k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • Companion Pass qualifying
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus 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: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

The entry-level Southwest card after the 2025 refresh raised the fee to $99. Worth it primarily if you're chasing the Companion Pass; the Priority card delivers more value if you fly Southwest 2+ times per year.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has a public bonus (100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus at $99/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 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.