Amex Green vs Delta SkyMiles Blue: Which Is Better In 2025?

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we think the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express (See Rates & Fees) is a compelling choice for travelers new to airline rewards cards.

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• It's an accessible entry point into the Delta SkyMiles program, perfect for travelers who are new to airline rewards or fly Delta occasionally.
• You can earn bonus miles on everyday spending, including at restaurants worldwide and on all your Delta purchases.
• The card includes travel perks like savings on eligible in-flight purchases and access to special events through American Express Experiences.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Pros

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• No annual fee, making it a low-risk way to earn Delta SkyMiles.
• Earn bonus miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide.
• Travel without foreign transaction fees and receive savings on eligible in-flight purchases.

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Cons

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• Fewer Delta-specific travel benefits, such as free checked bags or priority boarding, compared to higher-tier Delta cards.
• Lower earning potential on everyday spending when compared to other general travel rewards cards.
• Limited redemption options, as miles are primarily used within the Delta SkyMiles program.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express vs American Express® Green Card

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Categories

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When considering which is better Amex Green or Delta SkyMiles Blue, the choice ultimately comes down to your travel and spending habits. Each card caters to a different type of consumer, making it essential to understand their primary focus.

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• American Express® Green Card: This card is built for individuals who spend heavily on travel and dining and want to earn flexible rewards across a broad range of purchases in those categories.
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: This card is geared toward occasional Delta flyers and restaurant-goers looking for an entry-level way to earn SkyMiles.

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Redemption

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American Express® Green Card: Points earned with this card are highly flexible, allowing you to book travel through the American Express portal, transfer them to various airline and hotel partners, or redeem them for statement credits and gift cards.

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Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Rewards earned are Delta SkyMiles, which are primarily redeemed for flights with Delta Air Lines and its partner airlines.

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Travel Perks

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• American Express® Green Card: Offers statement credits that can cover a CLEAR® Plus Membership and lounge access purchased through LoungeBuddy. A foreign transaction fee applies to purchases made outside the U.S. Terms apply.
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Cardmembers get savings on eligible in-flight Delta purchases as a statement credit and can use the Pay with Miles benefit to reduce the cost of flights. This card also has a foreign transaction fee. Terms apply.

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• Take cards for a “Test Drive” to simulate your potential earnings based on your actual spending history before you apply.
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Who Should Choose the American Express® Green Card?

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The American Express® Green Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers and diners who are willing to put in the effort to maximize rewards through transfer partners and statement credits. This card suits those who spend regularly on a broad range of travel, transit, and restaurant purchases worldwide, allowing them to earn 3X points on these common expenses. While it comes with a $150 annual fee, cardholders can offset this cost by taking advantage of valuable benefits like up to $209 in CLEAR+ credits and up to $100 in LoungeBuddy credits annually (LoungeBuddy benefit expires Jan. 13, 2025; terms apply).

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express card is an excellent choice for occasional Delta flyers who want to earn miles without the commitment of an annual fee. It particularly suits budget-conscious travelers and dining enthusiasts who can take advantage of the 2x miles on restaurant purchases worldwide. Ultimately, this card serves as a perfect entry point for those new to the SkyMiles program or anyone seeking a no-cost way to accumulate miles on everyday spending.

Alternatives to Consider

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So, the Amex Green vs. Delta SkyMiles Blue comparison didn't reveal a clear winner for your wallet? That's perfectly fine—there are plenty of other excellent travel cards on the market worth considering.

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - You will generally need good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending - Ensure you can naturally meet the spending requirement for the Welcome Offer.
• Align benefits with your lifestyle - Confirm the card’s perks and rewards structure match your actual spending habits.

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Application Strategy

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• Know your redemption options - Researching transfer partners ahead of time ensures you can maximize the value of your points.
• Time your application - Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet the Welcome Offer spending requirement.
• Don't force it - If the card’s benefits don’t align with your lifestyle, a card with no annual fee may be a better fit.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I choose between a general travel card and an airline-specific card?

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Your choice should depend on your travel habits and loyalty. If you frequently fly with one airline, a co-branded card offers specific perks for that airline, while a general travel card provides more flexibility for booking with various carriers and hotels.

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Can I have both the American Express® Green Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card?

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Yes, it is possible to hold both cards at the same time. Having both could allow you to enjoy flexible travel rewards and airline-specific benefits simultaneously.

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What's the main difference in how I can use the rewards from each card?

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The primary difference lies in redemption flexibility. The American Express® Green Card earns points that can be transferred to multiple travel partners, whereas the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card earns miles primarily for use within the Delta Air Lines ecosystem.

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