Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/yr; the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card from American Express at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,540 more in estimated value) than the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 125,000 points | 80,000 bonus miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,500 | $960 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | American Express |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| Best earning category (Chase_travel) | 8x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
|
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 points
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
$150/yr · 80,000 bonus miles
Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
A good choice for Delta loyalists. The free checked bag and $200 flight credit easily offset the $150 annual fee if you fly Delta a few times a year.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, versus 80,000 bonus miles (~$960) on the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $795+ of those credits, the math works. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and American Express) 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 Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 spend in 3 months. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: $3,000 in 6 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.