Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Delta SkyMiles Gold: Which Is Better In 2025?

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This section breaks down why we like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.

• It offers a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (See Rates & Fees), making it an accessible entry point for earning valuable Delta perks.
• You get a first checked bag free for yourself and up to eight companions on the same reservation, plus Zone 5 priority boarding on Delta flights.
• The free checked bag benefit can easily offset the annual fee, as just two round-trip flights per year could save a solo traveler $140 in baggage fees. (publisher-formulated estimate)

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Pros

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• Enjoy a first checked bag free and priority boarding on Delta flights for you and your travel companions.
• Earn bonus miles on key spending categories, including Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets.
• Receive valuable travel perks like a discount on award flights and statement credits for in-flight purchases.

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Cons

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• Does not include premium travel benefits such as complimentary Delta Sky Club access or a companion certificate, which are reserved for higher-tier cards.
• The rewards earning rate is not as competitive for spending outside of its bonus categories when compared to other general travel cards.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold 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 Gold, depends entirely on your travel habits and loyalty preferences. Let's break down which card is the right fit for your wallet.

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card is built for frequent travelers who value flexible rewards and premium benefits that can be used across a wide range of airlines and hotels.
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: This card is best suited for travelers who are loyal to Delta Air Lines and want to maximize their rewards and perks specifically within that ecosystem.

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Redemption

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®:This card offers highly flexible rewards, allowing you to redeem points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal or transfer them to numerous airline and hotel partners.
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card:With this card, your rewards are earned as miles that are redeemed directly within the Delta SkyMiles program for flights, upgrades, and other airline-specific perks.

_{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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Travel Perks

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®:This card provides a broad travel ecosystem with perks like complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership for airport lounge access, an annual travel credit, and a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. Points are not earned on travel purchases until after the first $300 is spent annually, as this spending goes toward the annual travel credit. It also has no foreign transaction fees.
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card:The benefits here are focused on enhancing the Delta flying experience. Cardholders get their first checked bag free on Delta flights, Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding, and can access the Delta Sky Club for a fee. This card also has no foreign transaction fees. Terms apply.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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If you're looking to take the guesswork out of choosing a credit card, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your own spending habits.

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• Personalized card recommendations based on your actual spending history.
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• Access to exclusive offers and Kudos Boost rewards when shopping at participating stores.
• Tools to track your spending, monitor your credit score, and manage your card perks all in one place.
• A detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is designed for frequent travelers and avid diners who can fully leverage its premium benefits to justify the annual fee. The ideal cardholder is someone who values perks like the $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass™ Select lounge access, and the ability to transfer points to various airline and hotel partners, as detailed in a comprehensive review. It's important to note that 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® Gold American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express card is ideal for the frequent, but not fanatical, Delta flyer. If you fly with the airline a few times a year and typically check a bag, the card's benefits can quickly outweigh its annual fee. It also rewards everyday spending with 2X miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, while the TakeOff 15 feature offers a 15% discount on award flights. As a detailed card review notes, it's built for travelers who prioritize practical savings over premium luxuries like lounge access.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Delta SkyMiles Gold comparison has you convinced that neither card is the right choice, don't worry. Let's explore a few other top travel cards that might be a better fit for your wallet.

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Tips for Application Success

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Applying for a premium travel card can feel daunting, but a little preparation goes a long way. Follow these tips to improve your chances of success.

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Before You Apply:

• Check your credit score. Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card typically require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending. Most welcome offers require you to meet a minimum spending threshold within the first few months. Make sure you can meet this responsibly to earn the bonus.
• Gather your information. Have your personal details, income information, and any relevant loyalty program numbers (like your Delta SkyMiles account for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card) ready to go.

Application Strategy:

• Be honest and accurate. Double-check all the information on your application for accuracy to avoid delays or denials.
• Understand the perks. Be aware that many valuable benefits, from lounge access to statement credits, may require enrollment after you're approved. For American Express benefits, remember that terms apply.
• Pro tip: Don’t force it. If you’re not in a strong financial position to meet the spending requirements or manage the annual fee, it’s better to wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which card has a higher annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Delta SkyMiles Gold?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a significantly higher annual fee than the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, but it also offers more premium travel credits and benefits to help offset the cost.

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Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Delta SkyMiles Gold better for airport lounge access?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, providing access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card does not include complimentary lounge access.

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Can I use Chase Ultimate Rewards points for Delta flights?

While Delta SkyTeam is not a direct transfer partner for Chase Ultimate Rewards®, you can often book Delta flights by transferring your points to other partners like Air France-KLM Flying Blue or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

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What type of traveler should get the Delta SkyMiles Gold card?

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is ideal for frequent Delta flyers who want airline-specific perks like a free first checked bag and priority boarding. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.