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.
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Side-by-side
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes from Chase at $795/yr; the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex 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 ($1,660 more in estimated value) than the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $795 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 125,000 points | 70,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,500 | $840 |
| 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 (Flights) | 10x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | chase-ur | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 points
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
$150/yr · 70,000 miles
Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
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 Amex?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus — 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, versus 70,000 miles (~$840) on the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex.
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex?
- 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 Amex at $150/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex?
- 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 Amex 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 Amex: $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.