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Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select from Citi at $99/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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, 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 AmexCiti AAdvantage Platinum Select
Annual fee$650$99
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles60,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$840
Min spend to unlock bonus-$3,500 in 4 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressCiti
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • Free checked bag
  • Priority boarding
  • 2x on AA + dining + gas
  • First year free
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
$99/yr · 60,000 miles

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: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select

The free checked bag covers the fee on just one round-trip with a partner. Good if you fly AA more than twice a year, otherwise AAdvantage is worth collecting through other means.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus 60,000 miles (~$840) on the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select at $99/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: $3,500 in 4 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.