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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs United Quest Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the United Quest Card from Chase at $350/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 United Quest Card, 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 AmexUnited Quest Card
Annual fee$650$350
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles70,000 miles + 500 PQP
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$950
Min spend to unlock bonus-$4,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNonemileageplus
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • 3x on United
  • $125 United credit
  • 2 free bags
  • Award rebates
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
United Quest Card
$350/yr · 70,000 miles + 500 PQP

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: United Quest Card

If you fly United 3+ times a year, the $125 travel credit, two free bags, and 10k miles of rebates on award flights ($100+ in direct value) make this card pay for itself.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or United Quest Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus 70,000 miles + 500 PQP (~$950) on the United Quest Card.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the United Quest Card?
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 United Quest Card at $350/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and United Quest Card?
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 United Quest Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. United Quest Card: $4,000 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.