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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Citi Diamond Preferred Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Citi Diamond Preferred 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 Citi Diamond Preferred Card's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first; revisit the Citi Diamond Preferred Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexCiti Diamond Preferred Card
Annual fee$650$0
Sign-up bonus100,000 milesNo welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no rewards program
Bonus value (est.)$1,100-
Min spend to unlock bonus--
IssuerAmerican ExpressCiti
Card categorytravel
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
    Citi Diamond Preferred Card
    $0/yr · No welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no rewards program

    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 Diamond Preferred Card

    Common questions

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