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Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Mastercard Black Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Mastercard Black Card from Barclays (Luxury Card) at $699/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 Mastercard Black Card's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first; revisit the Mastercard Black Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexMastercard Black Card
Annual fee$650$699
Sign-up bonus100,000 milesNo public welcome offer
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$0
Min spend to unlock bonus-$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressBarclays (Luxury Card)
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • $200 airline credit
  • $100 dining credit
  • Priority Pass Select
  • 1.5cpp cash back, 2cpp airfare
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Mastercard Black Card
$699/yr · No public welcome offer

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: Mastercard Black Card

The mid tier of the Barclays Luxury Card lineup. The $200 airline + $100 dining credits offset $300 of the $699 AF before lounge value, and the 1.5cpp cash-back rate is the best of the Luxury Card tiers. Still hard to beat Sapphire Reserve or Venture X on transferable-points flexibility, but the all-stainless body and concierge appeal to some.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Mastercard Black Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus No public welcome offer (~$0) on the Mastercard Black Card.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Mastercard Black 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 Mastercard Black Card at $699/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Mastercard Black Card?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Barclays (Luxury Card)) 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 Mastercard Black Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Mastercard Black Card: $0 in 0 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.