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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card from American Express at $150/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 Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express 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 AmexDelta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Annual fee$650$150
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles80,000 bonus miles
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$960
Min spend to unlock bonus-$3,000 in 6 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Card categorytravelairline
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • Free first checked bag
  • $200 Delta flight credit
  • Priority boarding
  • 2x on restaurants & groceries
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
$150/yr · 80,000 bonus 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: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

A good choice for Delta loyalists. The free checked bag and $200 flight credit easily offset the $150 annual fee if you fly Delta a few times a year.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus 80,000 bonus miles (~$960) on the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express 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 Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
Yes, though both are issued by American Express so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). 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 Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: $3,000 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.