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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card vs USAA Rewards American Express

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card comes from American Express at $0/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

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Blue American Express CardUSAA Rewards American Express
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonus10,000 Delta SkyMiles2,500 USAA Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)$110$25
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,000 in 6 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressUSAA
Card categorytravelrewards
Best earning category (Delta)2x1x
Transfer partnersdelta-skymilesNone
Headline benefits
  • $0 annual fee
  • 2X Delta + 2X restaurants
  • 20% off Delta in-flight
  • No foreign transaction fees
    Read the full review
    Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card
    $0/yr · 10,000 Delta SkyMiles
    Read the full review
    USAA Rewards American Express
    $0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards points

    Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card

    The entry-level Delta card with no annual fee. Useful for keeping SkyMiles alive at $0/year and locking in 20% off in-flight Delta purchases plus no FX fees. For anyone flying Delta even one round trip a year, the $150 Gold's first-bag-free benefit usually justifies the upgrade.

    Editorial take: USAA Rewards American Express

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card or USAA Rewards American Express?
    The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card has the bigger bonus, 10,000 Delta SkyMiles, worth roughly $110, versus 2,500 USAA Rewards points (~$25) on the USAA Rewards American Express.
    Is the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Rewards American Express?
    The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the USAA Rewards American Express's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the USAA Rewards American Express's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card.
    Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card 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 Blue American Express Card or the USAA Rewards American Express first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card: $1,000 spend in 6 months. 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.