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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs United Business Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the United Business Card from Chase 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 United Business 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 AmexUnited Business Card
Annual fee$650$150
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$1,500
Min spend to unlock bonus-$5,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorytravelbusiness
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • $125 credit after 5 UA flights $100+
  • $50 hotel credit 2x/year
  • Free checked bag (you + 1)
  • 2 United Club passes/yr
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
United Business Card
$150/yr · 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP

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: United Business Card

Strong United business card. The free checked bag for two travelers, two club passes, and the under-the-radar $50/twice-per-year hotel credit help cover the $150 AF for any United-leaning small business. The 100k + 2,000 PQP bonus is the sweetener. Post-2025 refresh swapped the old $100/$10k-spend credit for a $125 travel credit unlocked by 5 United flight purchases of $100+.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or United Business Card?
The United Business Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles + 2,000 PQP, worth roughly $1,500, versus 100,000 miles (~$1,100) on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the United Business 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 United Business Card at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and United Business Card?
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 United Business Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. United Business Card: $5,000 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.