United States card comparison
The Platinum Card® vs Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express card is the airline-specific Delta companion to the broader Amex Platinum. Both include Sky Club access (the Reserve gets 15 same-day visits per year, the Platinum gets 10), but the Reserve focuses entirely on Delta benefits while the Platinum is universal. Most Delta-loyal travelers ask which one alone is the better choice.
Last reviewed: . Card information is summarized from issuer benefit pages and is reviewed periodically. Always verify current terms with the issuer before applying.
American Express
The Platinum Card®
American Express
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | The Platinum Card® | Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Issuing country | United States | United States |
| Annual fee | $895 | $650 |
| Lounge networks |
|
|
| Lounges this card opens (tracked) | 440 lounges across 181 airports | 48 lounges across 35 airports |
| Guest policy | 2 guests Centurion / 10 Delta Sky Club visits/year | 4 One-Time Guest Passes Annually (Sky Club) |
| Credit score | Excellent (Good Credit) | Excellent |
| Purchase APR | See Pay Over Time APR in account | 19.49% - 28.49% Variable |
Who should pick which
Pick the The if
Best for travelers who fly multiple airlines, want Centurion Lounge access, and use Sky Club only opportunistically. The Platinum's 10 Sky Club visits a year typically cover light Delta flying.
See full The Platinum Card® detailsPick the Delta if
Best for travelers who fly Delta as their primary airline, want a Delta companion certificate (a near-100% recoup of the fee), and will hit Medallion-status thresholds via card spend.
See full Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card detailsStrengths and trade-offs
The Platinum Card®
Strengths
- Welcome Offer: 175,000 Points (Spend $8k in 6 months)
- Over $3,500 in annual value from credits and perks
- Access to 1,550+ lounges (Centurion, Delta, Priority Pass)
- 5X Points on Flights & Prepaid Hotels via Amex Travel
- Elite Status: Hilton Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Leaders Club Sterling
Trade-offs
- High Annual Fee ($895)
- Credits require enrollment and specific usage (must use designated vendors)
- Centurion guest access requires $75k spend
- Rates and fees apply
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Strengths
- Welcome Bonus: 70,000 Miles (Spend $5k in 6 months)
- Companion Certificate valid for First Class, Comfort+, or Main Cabin
- $560+ in Annual Credits (Resy, Rideshare, Delta Stays)
- Complimentary Sky Club (15 visits) & Centurion Lounge Access
- MQD Headstart & Boost to fast-track Medallion Status
Trade-offs
- High Annual Fee ($650)
- Sky Club access limited to 15 visits (unless spending $75k)
- Earning rate is weak (1X) on non-Delta spend
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