United Club vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Which Is Better In 2025?

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "781", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Most Premium Delta Offer"} ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

Here’s a look at why the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express card stands out to us.

‍

• Cardholders receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, a top-tier perk for frequent flyers.
• While it comes with a premium annual fee (See Rates & Fees), the card offers a suite of statement credits for rideshares and dining that help reduce the out-of-pocket cost.
• The annual companion certificate can provide enough value to cover the cost of the card on its own, particularly when used for a domestic first-class flight (publisher-formulated estimate).

‍

Pros

‍

• Provides a fast track to Delta Medallion elite status through annual spending waivers and mileage boosts.
• The annual Companion Certificate is valid for domestic travel in First Class, Delta Comfort, or the Main Cabin.
• Cardholders receive a variety of travel perks, including a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and complimentary upgrade priority on Delta flights.

‍

Cons

‍

• The card’s high annual fee can be difficult to justify for travelers who don’t fly with Delta frequently.
• Reward earnings are limited on non-Delta purchases, making it less competitive for everyday spending compared to other premium cards.
• Most of the card’s top benefits are Delta-centric, offering limited value if you fly with multiple airlines.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express vs United Club

‍

Categories

‍

When it comes to premium airline credit cards, the choice often comes down to brand loyalty, so which is better, the United Club℠ Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card? Both offer a suite of benefits designed to enhance your travel experience, but they cater to different types of flyers.

‍

• The United Club℠ Card is built for dedicated United Airlines flyers who travel often and value premium perks. It's an excellent fit for those who want to enjoy airport lounge access and other priority services to enhance their travel experience.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is tailored for frequent travelers loyal to Delta Air Lines who want to enjoy premium travel benefits and fast-track their way to elite status. It's particularly valuable for those who appreciate airport lounge access and can take advantage of an annual companion certificate.

‍

Redemption

‍

United Club℠ Card: Rewards are earned as United MileagePlus miles, which are primarily redeemed for flights with United and its extensive network of Star Alliance partners. Miles can also be used for upgrades, hotel stays, and other travel purchases made through the United portal.

‍

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This card earns Delta SkyMiles, which are best used for booking flights on Delta and its SkyTeam partner airlines. Redemptions can also be applied toward seat upgrades, Delta Vacations packages, and exclusive experiences.

‍

Travel Perks

‍

• Lounge Access: The United Club℠ Card includes a United Club membership, giving you access to all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance™ partner lounges. The Delta Reserve Card offers complimentary entry to Delta Sky Club® lounges when flying with Delta and access to the American Express Centurion® Lounge network. Terms apply.
• Airline Ecosystem: With the United Club℠ Card, your benefits are tied to the United Airlines and Star Alliance network, with travel managed through the United portal. The Delta Reserve Card's ecosystem is built around Delta and its SkyTeam partners, but also provides access to some premium American Express travel benefits. Terms apply.
• Checked Bags & Companion Travel: The United Club℠ Card provides the first and second checked bags free for you and a companion. The Delta Reserve Card offers the first checked bag free and includes an annual Companion Certificate for a domestic round-trip flight upon renewal. Terms apply.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards are excellent for global travel, as neither charges foreign transaction fees for purchases made abroad.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

To make the right choice, a tool like Kudos can be invaluable, offering a data-driven card explorer that evaluates nearly 3,000 credit cards to find your perfect match.

‍

• Test drive a credit card: Use your real spending data to see personalized earnings projections before you apply, all without impacting your credit score.
• Approval odds: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report to help you apply with confidence.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer within three months of being approved for a card through Kudos, they will match it.
• Exclusive rewards: Unlock member benefits like the $100 Kudos Kickstart+ reward for adding select cards to your wallet and earn extra rewards on top of your card’s points by shopping with Kudos Boost.
• Comprehensive card management: Manage all your cards in one place, track spending, monitor your credit score, and get actionable insights to maximize your rewards.

Who Should Choose the United Club?

‍

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is an ideal choice for frequent United flyers and business travelers who can take full advantage of its premium perks. Its value is most apparent for those who desire airport lounge access, as it includes a full United Club membership, and for travelers who regularly check bags, saving up to $320 per roundtrip. Additionally, international travelers and those seeking to earn MileagePlus Premier status will find the card's benefits, like no foreign transaction fees and PQP earning potential, highly compelling.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express?

‍

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is tailored for dedicated Delta loyalists who travel multiple times a year and want to elevate their airport experience. These travelers, often lounge enthusiasts or those who can maximize the annual companion certificate, find that the card's premium perks can easily offset its annual fee. It's also an exceptional tool for those aspiring to achieve or maintain Delta Medallion status, including business travelers who value upgrade priority and status-boosting opportunities.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

If this United Club vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve comparison has you concluding that neither card is the right fit, don't worry. There are several other excellent travel rewards cards that might better suit your wallet and travel style.

‍

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]

‍

_{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

‍

Before You Apply

‍

• Check your credit score: Premium travel cards typically require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Plan your spending: Make sure you can comfortably meet the minimum spending requirement to earn the welcome offer.
• Evaluate the ecosystem: Ensure the card's airline-specific benefits, like lounge access and companion perks, align with your travel habits.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Know the issuer's rules: Be aware of application restrictions from issuers like Chase or American Express.
• Time your application wisely: Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet the spending requirement naturally.
• Don't force the spend: Avoid carrying a balance or manufactured spending, as it can negate the value of the rewards.

Our Methodology

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

Can I bring guests into the lounge with these cards?

‍

Yes, both cards offer guest privileges for their respective lounges. The United Club℠ Infinite Card allows cardholders to bring up to two adult guests, while the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card provides a set number of complimentary guest passes each year. Terms apply for American Express benefits.

‍

What are the annual fees for these cards?

‍

These premium cards come with significant annual fees that reflect their benefits. The United Club℠ Infinite Card has a $525 annual fee, and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has a $650 annual fee.

‍

Do these cards offer benefits beyond lounge access?

‍

Absolutely. Both cards provide a suite of travel perks beyond lounge access, including first checked bag free, priority boarding, and accelerated miles earning on purchases with their respective airlines.

‍