Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus 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 the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card stands out as an entry-level travel card.

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• This card is a great starting point for earning Delta SkyMiles without the commitment of an annual fee or foreign transaction fees (See Rates & Fees).
• You'll earn double miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide, making it rewarding for both travel and everyday dining.
• With no annual fee to offset, you start gaining value from the very first mile you earn (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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• No annual fee, making it a low-commitment way to earn Delta SkyMiles.
• Earn bonus miles on purchases with Delta and at restaurants worldwide.
• No foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for use abroad.

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Cons

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• Lacks premium Delta travel benefits like free checked bags or priority boarding.
• The rewards structure is less competitive, with limited bonus categories and redemption options primarily within the Delta SkyMiles program.
• Does not include common travel perks such as airport lounge access or travel credits.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express vs Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus

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Categories

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When deciding between airline co-branded credit cards, the question of which is better Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or Delta SkyMiles Blue often comes down to your travel habits and loyalty.

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• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This card is ideal for occasional to frequent Southwest flyers who are budget-conscious and may be working toward earning the coveted Companion Pass.
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: As an entry-level card, this is best suited for occasional Delta flyers and dining enthusiasts who want to earn miles without the commitment of an annual fee.

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Redemption

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Points are redeemed primarily for flights on Southwest Airlines, where the number of points needed is tied to the fare price. This straightforward system also helps you track progress toward the valuable Companion Pass.

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Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: SkyMiles can be redeemed for flights on Delta and its extensive network of partner airlines, providing global travel possibilities. You can also use miles for seat upgrades and other travel-related perks.

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Travel Perks

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• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: The travel ecosystem is centered entirely on Southwest Airlines. Bookings are made directly through Southwest, and the card's main draw is its role in earning the highly-valued Companion Pass. While it doesn't offer perks like lounge access, it does provide two EarlyBird Check-In® credits each year and 25% back on in-flight purchases. Cardholders should be aware that this card includes a foreign transaction fee, making it less ideal for international travel.
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: This card plugs you into the broader Delta and SkyTeam Alliance network, offering global travel options redeemable with SkyMiles. While it's a no-annual-fee card and lacks premium perks like lounge access, it does provide a 20% savings as a statement credit on eligible in-flight purchases. Like the Southwest card, it also carries a foreign transaction fee.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make a data-driven decision, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your own spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
• Get personalized card recommendations matched to your unique spending patterns.
• Earn extra rewards, called Kudos Boost, on top of your regular credit card rewards when shopping online.
• Monitor your credit score, transactions, and spending all in one place.
• Take advantage of a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months.

Who Should Choose the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus?

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The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers and occasional Southwest flyers who want to earn rewards without committing to a high annual fee. It's also a strategic tool for Southwest loyalists working towards the coveted Companion Pass, as all points earned contribute to qualifying for this valuable perk. Overall, this card serves as a perfect entry point for beginners looking to dip their toes into travel rewards, as detailed in this complete 2025 guide.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is an ideal choice for occasional Delta flyers who want to earn miles without the commitment of an annual fee. It also appeals to budget-conscious travelers and dining enthusiasts, offering 2x miles at restaurants worldwide and no foreign transaction fees. As our in-depth review shows, it's a great entry-level option for those new to the SkyMiles program or anyone seeking a straightforward, no-cost travel rewards card.

Alternatives to Consider

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If this Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card comparison makes it clear that neither is the right choice for you, don't worry. There are several other travel rewards cards that might be a better fit for your wallet and travel style.

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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 rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending - Ensure you can naturally meet the minimum spend for the welcome offer without forcing purchases.
• Review issuer rules - Look into any application restrictions that could impact your eligibility for the card or its welcome offer.

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Application Strategy

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• Match the card to your habits - Choose a card that aligns with your existing travel and spending patterns.
• Know your goal - Understand how you plan to use the rewards to ensure the card is a good fit for you.
• Be patient - If you don't receive the best offer, you can often decline and try again later without impacting your credit.

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 beginners in airline rewards?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is often a good starting point as it has no annual fee, allowing you to earn miles without an upfront investment. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, while carrying an annual fee, has a straightforward rewards program that can be very valuable for those who frequently fly with Southwest.

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Can I transfer points between Southwest Rapid Rewards and Delta SkyMiles?

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No, you cannot transfer rewards between the Southwest Rapid Rewards and Delta SkyMiles programs. Each airline's loyalty program is distinct, and their points or miles are not interchangeable.

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Which card offers better in-flight benefits?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offers a 20% statement credit on eligible in-flight purchases on Delta flights. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card provides two EarlyBird Check-In® services each year and 25% back on in-flight purchases.

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