IHG One Rewards Traveler 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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This section breaks down why we like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

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• This card unlocks premium lounge access, including to the Delta Sky Club® and Centurion Lounges when flying with Delta.
• While it carries a premium annual fee (See Rates & Fees), the card includes valuable statement credits for rideshares and dining that help offset the cost.
• The annual Companion Certificate can easily recoup the card's cost, as one domestic round-trip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort, or Main Cabin can be worth more than the fee (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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• Premium Lounge Access: The card offers extensive airport lounge access, including to the Delta Sky Club® and Centurion Lounges when you're flying with Delta.
• Annual Companion Certificate: Each year upon renewal, you receive a Companion Certificate valid for a domestic round-trip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort®, or the Main Cabin.
• Fast-Track to Elite Status: Cardholders get a boost toward earning Delta Medallion® Status and can earn additional status boosts through spending.

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Cons

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• High Annual Fee: The card carries a significant annual fee, which may only be worthwhile for those who fly Delta frequently enough to maximize its benefits.
• Limited Bonus Categories: Earning rewards on everyday spending is slow, as the card offers a low rewards rate on purchases outside of Delta.
• Inflexible Rewards Program: The card’s benefits are heavily tied to Delta, and the SkyMiles program can have unpredictable redemption values and less flexibility compared to other premium travel cards.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express vs IHG One Rewards Traveler

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Categories

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When considering which is better, IHG One Rewards Traveler or Delta SkyMiles Reserve, it's essential to compare their core purposes. These cards are tailored for very different types of travelers, one focusing on hotel stays and the other on airline loyalty.

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• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: This card is ideal for occasional IHG hotel guests and budget-conscious travelers looking to earn rewards without paying an annual fee. It serves as a solid entry point for those new to hotel loyalty programs.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This premium card is built for frequent flyers loyal to Delta Air Lines. It caters to travelers who want to maximize perks like airport lounge access and fast-track their way to elite status.

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Redemption

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IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Rewards are redeemed as points primarily for stays across IHG's portfolio of hotels and resorts. Cardholders can use their points for reward nights, which can significantly reduce the cost of travel accommodations.

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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Miles are redeemed through the Delta SkyMiles program, mainly for flights with Delta and its airline partners. These miles can also be used for other travel-related perks, such as seat upgrades.

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Travel Perks

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• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: The travel ecosystem is built around IHG's portfolio of hotels. Cardholders book travel and redeem points through the IHG portal. This card does not offer airport lounge access and does charge a foreign transaction fee.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This card's ecosystem is centered on Delta Air Lines and its partners. It offers complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® and The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your card. Terms apply. It does not have a foreign transaction fee.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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If you're unsure which card is right for you, a tool like Kudos can help you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards using your own spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply.
• Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• Track your progress toward earning welcome offers and monitor your transactions and credit score in one place.
• Use the Chrome extension to automatically select the best card at checkout to maximize your rewards.
• Unlock additional rewards, such as a $20 sign-up bonus with a qualifying purchase or a $100 Kickstart+ reward for adding certain cards to your Kudos Wallet.

Who Should Choose the IHG One Rewards Traveler?

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The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who stay at IHG properties occasionally but don't want to commit to an annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for those new to hotel rewards or travelers who can maximize the fourth-night-free benefit on longer award stays. Overall, this card serves as a practical entry point into the IHG One Rewards program, offering a way to earn points on everyday spending without the overhead.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is tailor-made for loyal Delta flyers who frequently travel with the airline for business or leisure. These travelers will find immense value in the card's premium perks, such as access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, and a clear pathway to achieving or maintaining Medallion status. Additionally, it's a strong choice for anyone who can consistently leverage the annual companion certificate for premium cabin travel, as detailed in this comprehensive review.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our comparison of the IHG One Rewards Traveler and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express has you thinking neither card is the right fit, don't worry. There are plenty of other travel rewards cards to explore that might better suit your spending habits and travel goals.

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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.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score: Most premium travel cards require a good to excellent credit score for the best approval odds.
• Plan your spending: Ensure you can naturally meet the minimum spend for the welcome offer without forcing unnecessary purchases.
• Understand the benefits: Familiarize yourself with the card’s perks and credits, as some may require enrollment to activate.

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Application Strategy

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• Know the issuer’s rules: Be aware of policies like Chase’s 5/24 rule that could impact your approval.
• Time your application wisely: Apply just before a large, planned purchase to help meet the welcome offer’s spending requirement.
• Match the card to your lifestyle: Choose a card that aligns with your travel patterns, whether you’re an occasional hotel guest or a loyal frequent flyer.

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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Which card is better for airport lounge access?

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The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card is the clear winner for lounge access, offering complimentary entry to Delta Sky Clubs and The Centurion Lounge when flying Delta (Terms Apply). The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card does not include any lounge access benefits.

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Can I transfer points between IHG One Rewards and Delta SkyMiles?

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No, you cannot directly transfer points between the IHG One Rewards and Delta SkyMiles loyalty programs. They are separate programs and do not have a transfer partnership.

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Do both cards offer a free night award?

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The IHG One Rewards Traveler Card provides a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a stay of four or more nights. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card offers a Companion Certificate each year after your account renewal but does not offer a free hotel night award.

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