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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Discover it Cash Back

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

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexDiscover it Cash Back
Annual fee$650$0
Sign-up bonus100,000 milesCashback Match (first year, unlimited)
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$200
Min spend to unlock bonus-$0 in 12 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressDiscover
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • 5% rotating categories
  • First-year match
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign tx fees
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Discover it Cash Back
$0/yr · Cashback Match (first year, unlimited)

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: Discover it Cash Back

The first-year Cashback Match effectively doubles your earnings, someone who earns $300 in cash back gets $600 total. It's the best no-fee first card for building credit with real rewards.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Discover it Cash Back?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus Cashback Match (first year, unlimited) (~$200) on the Discover it Cash Back.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Discover it Cash Back?
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 Discover it Cash Back at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Discover it Cash Back?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Discover) 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 Discover it Cash Back first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Discover it Cash Back: $0 in 12 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.