Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Which Is Better In 2025?

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a breakdown of why we think the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a top-tier choice for loyal Delta flyers.

• This card unlocks premium lounge access, including a set number of annual visits to the Delta Sky Club® and access to the Centurion Lounge when flying Delta.
• It provides a clear path to earning Delta Medallion status faster through spending-based MQD waivers and MQM boosts.
• The annual companion certificate for a domestic first-class, Delta Comfort, or main cabin flight can easily offset the card's $650 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) in a single trip (publisher-formulated estimate).

_{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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• The annual companion certificate is a standout benefit, offering a round-trip domestic flight for a companion in First Class, Delta Comfort, or the main cabin.
• Cardholders get access to a network of premium airport lounges, including Delta Sky Club® and The Centurion® Lounge when flying with Delta.
• The card provides a shortcut to Delta Medallion® status, helping frequent flyers reach elite tiers and enjoy upgrade priority.

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Cons

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• The card’s high annual fee makes it a significant investment, best suited for travelers who can consistently take advantage of its Delta-specific perks.
• Reward earning rates are not competitive on everyday spending, as the best multipliers are reserved for Delta purchases.
• Delta SkyMiles can be less flexible and predictable than other rewards programs since there is no published award chart, which can make planning redemptions more difficult.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express vs Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Delta SkyMiles Reserve, often comes down to your personal travel habits and whether you have loyalty to a specific airline.

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card is best for frequent travelers who value flexibility in redeeming rewards across various airlines and hotels. It offers a broad range of premium travel benefits and strong earning rates on travel and dining.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express: This card is ideal for frequent travelers who are loyal to Delta. It focuses on enhancing the Delta flying experience with airline-specific perks and provides a clear path to earning elite status.

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Redemption

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, points offer significant flexibility. You can redeem them for travel through the Chase portal or transfer them to a variety of airline and hotel partners.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express: Rewards for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express card are redeemed within the Delta ecosystem. This means using your miles for flights, upgrades, and other Delta-specific perks. Terms Apply.

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Travel Perks

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®:
  • Broad Travel Ecosystem: The card operates within the Chase Ultimate Rewards® ecosystem, offering flexibility through its travel portal and a wide array of airline and hotel transfer partners.
  • Lounge Access: Cardholders receive a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, which grants access to a global network of airport lounges and experiences.
  • Annual Travel Credit: Offers an annual travel credit. Points are not earned on travel purchases until after the full amount of the credit is spent annually.
  • Application Fee Credits: Includes a statement credit for a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS application fee.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: You won't incur extra charges on purchases made outside the United States.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express:
  • Delta-Centric Ecosystem: All perks are designed to enhance the Delta Air Lines travel experience. Terms Apply.
  • Lounge Access: Provides complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® and to The Centurion® Lounge when you book your Delta flight with your card. Terms Apply.
  • Status Boost & Companion Certificate: Offers a way to get closer to Medallion® Status and includes an annual Companion Certificate for a qualifying round-trip flight after your card anniversary. Terms Apply.
  • In-Flight Perks: Includes benefits like a first checked bag free on Delta flights and priority boarding. Terms Apply.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: This card also waives foreign transaction fees on international purchases. Terms Apply.

_{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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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the best choice for your wallet, a tool like Kudos can help you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards based on your unique spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards: Before you apply, you can use your real spending data to simulate potential earnings with different cards. This feature provides personalized calculations without a hard credit pull.
• Personalized recommendations: Get card suggestions tailored to your actual transaction history to find the best fit for your spending.
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• Kudos Boost rewards: Earn extra rewards on top of your regular card rewards when you shop at participating stores.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better offer within three months of applying through Kudos, they will match it.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is tailored for frequent travelers and foodies who can take full advantage of its premium perks. Its ideal user is someone who spends enough on travel and dining to earn significant rewards and fully utilize the $300 annual travel credit, effectively offsetting the high annual fee. This premium travel card also offers valuable benefits like airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance, making it a strong choice for those who prioritize comfort and peace of mind on the road. Points are not earned until after the first $300 is spent annually on travel purchases, as the first $300 goes toward the $300 Annual Travel Credit.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is designed for the loyal Delta traveler who wants to elevate their travel experience. It's an ideal fit for frequent flyers aiming for Medallion status, those who value access to airport lounges like the Delta Sky Club, and travelers who can maximize the annual companion certificate. As detailed in our full review, the card's value is most apparent for those deeply integrated into the Delta ecosystem.

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.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve comparison has left you looking for other options, you're in luck. Even if the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express card aren't the right choice for you, several other premium cards might be a perfect match.

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Tips for Application Success

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Getting approved for a top-tier travel card is the first step, but maximizing its value starts with a smart application strategy.

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Before You Apply:

• Check your credit score - Most premium cards require good to excellent credit, typically a score of 740 or higher. Issuers also consider factors like your income and existing relationship with them.
• Plan your spending - Ensure you can naturally meet the minimum spend for the Welcome Offer within the required timeframe, which is often the first three months.
• Research the benefits - Understand how you’ll use the rewards, whether it's transferring points to airline partners or maximizing annual perks like companion certificates and travel credits.
• Note enrollment requirements - Many valuable benefits, from dining credits to lounge access perks, require manual enrollment after you’re approved. Check the terms so you don’t miss out.

Application Strategy:

• Be patient for the best offer - Welcome Offers can vary. If you see a lower offer, it can be worth waiting for a better one to appear, as you may not be eligible for another one for the same card for years.
• Don’t force the spend - Carrying a balance or using manufactured spending to hit a bonus threshold often negates the value of the rewards you earn. If the spend is unrealistic, consider a different card.
• Try different channels - Sometimes applying through a referral link, a partner website, or even an incognito browser window can yield a higher Welcome Offer.

Pro tip: Time your application just before a planned large purchase—like a vacation, home renovation, or new furniture—to help meet the spending requirement organically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which card has a higher annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Delta SkyMiles Reserve?

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card typically carries a higher annual fee than the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card. Both cards are positioned in the premium travel category, with benefits designed to provide value that can outweigh the cost for frequent travelers (Terms apply for Amex benefits).

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How do the lounge access benefits compare between the Sapphire Reserve and Delta Reserve?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card provides a Priority Pass Select membership, giving access to a global network of lounges. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and The Centurion Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your card (Terms apply).

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Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card good if I don't fly Delta often?

The value of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is maximized by frequent Delta flyers who can take full advantage of its airline-specific perks like Medallion Status boosts and the annual companion certificate (Terms apply). If you are not loyal to Delta, a more general travel card might offer better overall value.