Delta Platinum vs. Delta Reserve: My recommendation: A comparison between the Delta Platinum and Delta Reserve memberships, from a seasoned Delta frequent flyer's perspective
In the world of frequent flyer credit cards, Delta has three options to choose from: the Delta SkyMiles® Gold, Platinum, and Reserve American Express Cards. Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different types of travellers.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has a $150 annual fee (waived the first year) and comes with a welcome offer of 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership. This card earns 2x miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants worldwide.
However, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card does not provide annual statement credits for Resy, ride-hailing, Delta Stays, Global Entry, or TSA PreCheck. It also does not offer complimentary Hertz membership status, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, or no foreign transaction fees.
One of the key benefits of the Gold card is the 15 day passes to Delta Sky Clubs per year when flying Delta with a same-day boarding pass. A pass is valid for 24 hours after entering the first Sky Club, and cardholders can also enjoy four guest passes per year. Spending more than $75,000 on the card in a calendar year grants unlimited Sky Club access.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card has an annual fee of $250. It provides a welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.
This card earns 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, 3 miles per dollar on purchases made directly with hotels worldwide, 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
The Delta Platinum Amex provides a 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights, 20% off in-flight purchases, up to $120 annual Resy credit each calendar year, up to $120 annual ride-hailing credit every calendar year, up to $150 Delta Stays statement credit per calendar year, up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry every 4 years or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years, complimentary Hertz Five Star status, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
The key difference between the Platinum and Reserve cards lies in their annual fees, rewards earning potential, and additional perks. The Platinum card focuses more on broad rewards earning and lower annual costs, making it better for value-focused travellers who prioritize miles earning over luxury perks.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has an annual fee of $650. It offers a welcome offer of 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.
The Reserve card provides premium airport lounge access (including Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges when flying Delta), higher-tier Medallion Qualification boosts aiding elite status, and an annual companion certificate valid for more premium cabin classes.
The key differences between the Reserve and Platinum cards include a higher annual fee, a lower welcome bonus, lower earning rates on non-Delta purchases, and fewer statement credits. However, the Reserve card offers more premium perks tailored to frequent Delta flyers seeking top-tier status benefits, lounge access, and premium companion certificates.
In summary, the Reserve card suits frequent Delta flyers seeking top-tier status benefits, lounge access, and premium companion certificates, while the Platinum card offers stronger rewards on everyday spend and a lower fee, making it better for value-focused travellers who prioritize miles earning over luxury perks. The Gold card caters to those who value access to Delta Sky Clubs and can reach the $75,000 spend threshold for unlimited access.
- The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, despite having a higher annual fee, provides valuable lifestyle perks such as an annual statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, 20% off in-flight purchases, and up to $120 annual Resy and ride-hailing credits.
- For those who prioritize travel, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card provides finance benefits like higher-tier Medallion Qualification boosts and an annual companion certificate, as well as luxurious business perks such as premium airport lounge access and top-tier status benefits for frequent Delta flyers.
