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Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs USAA Rewards American Express

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the USAA Rewards American Express from USAA 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 ($1,075 more in estimated value) than the USAA Rewards American Express's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first; revisit the USAA Rewards American Express after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexUSAA Rewards American Express
Annual fee$650$0
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles2,500 USAA Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$25
Min spend to unlock bonus-$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressUSAA
Card categorytravelrewards
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
    USAA Rewards American Express
    $0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards 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: USAA Rewards American Express

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or USAA Rewards American Express?
    The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus 2,500 USAA Rewards points (~$25) on the USAA Rewards American Express.
    Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Rewards American Express?
    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 USAA Rewards American Express at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
    Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and USAA Rewards American Express?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and USAA) 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 USAA Rewards American Express first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. USAA Rewards American Express: $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.