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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa

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

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexUpgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa
Annual fee$650$0
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles$200 statement bonus
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$200
Min spend to unlock bonus-$0 in 2 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressUpgrade
Card categorytravelcash-back
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
    Read the full review
    Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
    $650/yr · 100,000 miles
    Read the full review
    Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa
    $0/yr · $200 statement bonus

    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: Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa?
    The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus $200 statement bonus (~$200) on the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa.
    Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa?
    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 Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Upgrade) 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 Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa: $0 in 2 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.