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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority from Chase at $229/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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, 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 AmexSouthwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Annual fee$650$229
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles60,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$840
Min spend to unlock bonus-$2,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytravelairline
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • 7,500 anniversary points
  • $75 annual travel credit
  • 4 upgraded boardings/year
  • 4x on Southwest
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
$229/yr · 60,000 points

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: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

If Southwest is your airline, this is the card to have. The anniversary points and $75 travel credit help offset the annual fee, and the 4x earning on Southwest is class-leading among airline cards.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus 60,000 points (~$840) on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority at $229/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: $2,000 in 3 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.