Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 breakdown of what we like about the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card.

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• As the only Delta co-branded card with a $0 annual fee (See Rates & Fees), it offers an accessible way to start earning SkyMiles.
• Cardholders earn 2x miles on both Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery.
• Since there is no annual fee to recoup, you begin accumulating value from your very first purchase (publisher-formulated estimate).

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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.}

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Pros

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• It's a solid choice for international travel since there are no foreign transaction fees.
• The miles you earn won't expire, giving you the flexibility to save up for a big trip over time.
• You'll get a statement credit back on a portion of what you spend on eligible in-flight purchases, like food and drinks.

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Cons

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• It lacks many of the premium travel benefits found on other Delta cards, like free checked bags and priority boarding.
• The rewards program is less flexible than some competitors, as miles are most valuable when redeemed for Delta flights.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express vs Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Delta SkyMiles Blue, depends entirely on your travel frequency and spending habits. One is a premium card loaded with luxury perks, while the other offers a straightforward way to earn miles with no annual fee.

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers who can maximize its premium benefits, comprehensive travel protections, and flexible rewards. It's also ideal for those who dine out often and want to transfer points to various airline and hotel partners.
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is an entry-level card perfect for occasional Delta flyers and budget-conscious travelers looking to earn miles without an annual commitment. It's a solid choice for earning rewards on dining and for those new to the Delta SkyMiles program.

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Redemption

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase portal or transferred to a wide array of airline and hotel loyalty programs. This flexibility allows cardholders to book rewards across different brands.

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Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Miles are redeemed primarily within the Delta SkyMiles program for flights and upgrades. Cardholders can also use miles for other Delta-related purchases, such as seat selection or lounge access.

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Travel Perks

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• Airport Lounge Access: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card includes a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, providing access to a global network of lounges. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card does not offer complimentary lounge access.
• Annual Travel Credit: With the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you receive an annual travel credit. It's important to note that points are not earned on travel purchases until after the first $300 is spent annually, as that amount applies toward the credit. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card does not have a comparable travel credit.
• Expedited Security Screening: The Sapphire Reserve offers a statement credit for the application fee for either Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS. This benefit is not available with the Delta SkyMiles Blue card.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: For international travelers, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a strong choice as it does not charge foreign transaction fees. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card does include a fee for transactions made outside the U.S.
• Travel and Purchase Protections: The Sapphire Reserve comes with a robust suite of protections, including primary auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. The Delta SkyMiles Blue card provides a more basic level of coverage.

_{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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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make an informed decision, you can use a financial companion like Kudos to compare thousands of credit cards and find the best one for your spending habits.

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• Test drive a credit card: Before you apply, you can simulate your potential earnings with a new card based on your actual transaction history, all without a hard credit pull.
• Get approval odds: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer within three months of being approved for a card through Kudos, they will match it.
• Personalized matching: Get matched with cards that will maximize your rewards based on your unique spending history, not generic recommendations.
• Track your finances: Monitor your transactions, spending habits, and credit score all in one place.
• Access exclusive offers: Unlock special rewards and offers, such as the Kudos Kickstart+ program, for registered users.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is built for the frequent traveler who can fully leverage its premium benefits to offset the $795 annual fee. This cardholder is someone who regularly dines out, values airport lounge access through Priority Pass™ Select, and spends enough on travel to easily use the $300 annual travel credit. Ultimately, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a powerful tool for points enthusiasts who want comprehensive travel protections and the flexibility to transfer points to various airline and hotel partners.

Points are not earned on travel until after the first $300 is spent annually on travel purchases, as this spending goes toward the $300 Annual Travel Credit.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is an excellent choice for occasional Delta flyers who want to earn miles without committing to an annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers and dining enthusiasts who can take advantage of earning 2x miles at restaurants worldwide and on Delta purchases, as detailed in this card review. This card serves as a risk-free entry point into the Delta SkyMiles program for those who don't need premium perks like free checked bags or lounge access.

Alternatives to Consider

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If this Chase Sapphire Reserve® vs. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express comparison didn't reveal a clear winner for your wallet, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent travel rewards cards that might be a better fit for your spending habits and travel goals.

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score – Most premium cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Plan your spending – Make sure you can meet the welcome offer's spending requirement without overspending.
• Know the rewards ecosystem – Research the card’s transfer partners to ensure they align with your travel goals.

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Application Strategy

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• Understand issuer-specific rules – Be aware of policies that may affect your eligibility for a welcome offer.
• Match the card to your habits – Choose a premium travel card for frequent trips or a no-fee airline card for occasional flights.
• Activate benefits upon approval – Some perks, like lounge access or statement credits, require manual enrollment.

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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Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® annual fee worth it?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card comes with a significant annual fee, but its value depends on how much you use its premium travel credits and benefits. If you travel frequently and can maximize the perks, it can easily offset the cost.

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Which card is better for a loyal Delta flyer?

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For travelers who consistently fly with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offers more direct value by earning miles directly with the airline. It also provides benefits like a 20% savings on in-flight purchases (Terms Apply).

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Can I transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to Delta SkyMiles?

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No, Delta SkyMiles is not a direct transfer partner of the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program. You can, however, transfer Chase points to other airline partners like Air France-KLM Flying Blue or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to book Delta-operated flights.

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