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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Citi Custom Cash

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Citi Custom Cash 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 ($900 more in estimated value) than the Citi Custom Cash's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first; revisit the Citi Custom Cash after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexCiti Custom Cash
Annual fee$650$0
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles$200 cash back
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$200
Min spend to unlock bonus-$1,500 in 6 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressCiti
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneciti-ty
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • 5% on top category
  • Auto-selected monthly
  • No annual fee
  • Convert to TY Points
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Citi Custom Cash
$0/yr · $200 cash back

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 Custom Cash

Genuinely clever. 5% on whichever category you spent most on each month, capped at $500/month. Earns $25/month = $300/year effortlessly. Pairs with Premier to convert to transferable ThankYou Points.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Citi Custom Cash?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Citi Custom Cash.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Custom Cash?
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 Custom Cash at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Citi Custom Cash?
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 Custom Cash first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Citi Custom Cash: $1,500 in 6 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.