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

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a breakdown of why we like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

• It comes packed with valuable travel perks like an annual companion certificate for a domestic main cabin round-trip flight and a free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
• Cardholders can accelerate their earnings with 3X miles on Delta purchases and at hotels, plus 2X miles at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
• Using the annual companion certificate for just one domestic round-trip flight can cover the card's $350 annual fee (See Rates & Fees), effectively making the card pay for itself (publisher-formulated estimate).

_{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.}

Pros

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• Receive valuable travel perks, including an annual companion certificate for a domestic main cabin round-trip flight and a free first checked bag on Delta flights.
• Accelerate your path to Delta Medallion® status through spending waivers.
• Take advantage of annual statement credits for select dining and rideshare purchases.

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Cons

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• Carries a significant annual fee that isn't waived for the first year.
• Best suited for Delta loyalists; its value diminishes for infrequent travelers or those who don't fly with the airline exclusively.
• Lacks complimentary airport lounge access, and other key benefits like the companion certificate come with notable restrictions.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum 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 Platinum, depends entirely on your personal travel habits and spending patterns.

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card is best for frequent travelers who value flexibility, premium travel benefits, and the ability to transfer points to various airline and hotel partners. It is ideal for individuals who are not loyal to a single airline and want to maximize rewards on dining and general travel.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: This card is ideal for frequent Delta Air Lines travelers who want to earn miles quickly and enjoy airline-specific perks. It is particularly valuable for those pursuing Delta Medallion status or who can take advantage of the annual companion certificate.

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Redemption

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Points are redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, offering high flexibility by allowing you to book travel directly or transfer points to numerous airline and hotel partners.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Rewards are earned as SkyMiles, which are best redeemed for flights with Delta and its partner airlines, as well as for upgrades and other airline-specific benefits.

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Travel Perks

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card provides access to a wide-ranging travel ecosystem via the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal. Cardholders get a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, which offers entry to more than 1,300 airport lounges globally. Additionally, the card does not charge foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: The travel ecosystem for this card is centered around Delta Air Lines and its partners. Cardholders can access the Delta Sky Club® when flying with Delta, although an entry fee is required. The card also features no foreign transaction fees. Terms apply.

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 the decision even easier, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare top-rated cards and get personalized, data-driven recommendations.

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• Test Drive Cards: Simulate how much you could earn with a new credit card using your actual spending data—all before you apply and without a hard credit pull.
• Personalized Recommendations: Get card recommendations based on your unique spending habits, not generic lists, by comparing nearly 3,000 different credit cards.
• Approval Odds & Guarantees: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds for specific cards and take advantage of a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better public offer if you find one within three months.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card rewards when you shop at your favorite stores.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is tailor-made for frequent travelers who can fully leverage its premium perks, including the $300 Annual Travel Credit. This card is a strong fit for individuals who also spend significantly on dining, value airport lounge access, and want comprehensive travel insurance. Points enthusiasts who enjoy transferring points to airline and hotel partners for maximum value will also find this card particularly rewarding. Keep in mind that points are not earned on travel until after the first $300 is spent annually, as this spending goes toward the travel credit.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express?

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This card is a strong choice for frequent Delta flyers looking to fast-track their Medallion status and maximize their SkyMiles earnings. It's also particularly valuable for couples or families who can take full advantage of the annual companion certificate for a domestic flight. As detailed in a comprehensive review, the card best serves moderate to heavy spenders who can leverage the bonus categories for travel, dining, and groceries. A good to excellent credit score is generally needed to qualify.

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.

Alternatives to Consider

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If the Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Delta SkyMiles Platinum comparison didn't reveal the right card for you, don't fret. The world of travel rewards is vast, and several other top-tier cards might be a better fit for your wallet.

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Tips for Application Success

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Ready to apply? Following a few key steps can significantly boost your chances of approval for top-tier cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

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Before You Apply:

• Check your credit score - Premium travel cards typically require good to excellent credit. While some issuers like American Express may consider applicants with scores starting around 670, others often look for scores of 740 or higher. Issuers also consider your income and overall credit history.
• Plan your spending - Most welcome offers require you to meet a minimum spending threshold within the first few months. Make sure you can reach this amount through your natural spending habits without going into debt.
• Research transfer partners - Understand how you can use the points you earn. Knowing which airlines and hotels are transfer partners helps you confirm the card aligns with your travel goals.

Application Strategy:

• Use trusted sources - Always apply through the issuer’s website or a trusted partner to ensure you’re accessing the correct, most current offer.
• Be patient - If you're hunting for an elevated welcome offer, don't settle for a lower one right away. These offers can be targeted and may appear at different times.
• Try multiple methods - If you’re having trouble finding a specific offer, sometimes trying a different browser, device, or an incognito window can help.

Pro tip: Time your application just before a large, planned purchase like a vacation, home renovation project, or new furniture. This can help you meet the spending requirement for the welcome offer organically and quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points directly to the Delta SkyMiles program. Chase does have other airline transfer partners, including several other major domestic and international carriers.

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Which card offers better airport lounge access?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides a Priority Pass Select membership for access to over 1,300 lounges. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers access to the Delta Sky Club when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Terms apply.

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Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum better for a loyal Delta flyer?

A loyal Delta flyer may get more value from the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card’s brand-specific benefits, like an annual companion certificate and first checked bag free on Delta flights. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers broader travel rewards and credits not tied to a specific airline. Terms apply.

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How do the annual fees for these cards compare?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card has a higher annual fee, which is effectively lowered by an easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit; the first $300 spent on travel annually goes toward this credit and does not earn points. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card has a lower annual fee than the Sapphire Reserve.

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.