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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card from Citi 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 ($1,100 more in estimated value) than the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first; revisit the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexAmerican Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
Annual fee$650$0
Sign-up bonus100,000 milesNot advertised
Bonus value (est.)$1,100-
Min spend to unlock bonus--
IssuerAmerican ExpressCiti
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
    Read the full review
    Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
    $650/yr · 100,000 miles
    Read the full review
    American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card
    $0/yr ·

    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: American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
    The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has a public bonus (100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100), while the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp 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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Citi) 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 American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Card: no published min spend. 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.