United Club 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 closer look at why the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card stands out as an entry-level travel card.

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• This card is a great entry point into travel rewards since it has a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (See Rates & Fees).
• You'll earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide, plus 1x mile on all other eligible purchases.
• With no annual fee to offset, you start accumulating value from your very first mile earned (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Earn travel rewards without paying an annual fee.
• Receive accelerated miles on purchases at restaurants worldwide and with Delta.
• Enjoy savings on eligible in-flight purchases when you fly with Delta.

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Cons

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• Lacks premium travel perks like free checked bags and airport lounge access.
• Lower rewards rate on everyday spending compared to premium travel cards.
• Redemption options are limited, as miles are primarily used within the Delta SkyMiles program.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express vs United Club

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Categories

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Deciding between airline credit cards can be tough, especially when they serve different types of travelers. When asking which is better United Club or Delta SkyMiles Blue, the answer really depends on your travel habits and what you value in a card.

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• The United Club℠ Card: Best for frequent United Airlines flyers, this premium card offers a suite of benefits designed to make travel more comfortable, including lounge access and priority services.
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Ideal for occasional Delta flyers and budget-conscious travelers, this card provides a way to earn miles on flights and dining without paying an annual fee.

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Redemption

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United Club℠ Card: Miles earned with this card are redeemed through United's MileagePlus program. You can use your miles for flights with United and its partners, seat upgrades, and other travel-related rewards.

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Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: This card earns miles that can be redeemed through the Delta SkyMiles program for flights on Delta and its partner airlines. You also have the flexibility to use miles to reduce the cost of your ticket with Pay with Miles. Terms Apply.

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Travel Perks

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• Lounge Access: The United Club℠ Card includes a full United Club membership, providing access to its lounges and those of participating partners. In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card does not offer any lounge access.
• Priority Services & Baggage: With the United Club℠ Card, you get Premier Access® services, which include priority check-in, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling, plus your first and second checked bags are free for you and a companion. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue card does not include these benefits.
• Fees & In-Flight Savings: The United Club℠ Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a better choice for international travel. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card does have a foreign transaction fee but offers a 20% savings on eligible in-flight Delta purchases in the form of a statement credit. Terms Apply.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the decision easier, you can use a tool like Kudos. The platform allows you to compare nearly 3,000 credit cards and provides data-driven, personalized results rather than generic recommendations.

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• Test drive credit cards: Simulate the potential earnings of any card using your actual spending data—without an application or hard credit pull.
• Personalized recommendations: Get card recommendations based on your spending history and a detailed analysis of your approval odds.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer for a card you got through Kudos within three months, they will match it.
• Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card rewards when you shop at your favorite stores.
• Automated checkout: The Kudos browser extension can automatically select and fill in the best card from your wallet at checkout to maximize your rewards.
• Sign-up bonus: New members can get a $20 sign-up bonus by using the code 'GET20' after making an eligible purchase of $30 or more.

Who Should Choose the United Club?

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The United Club℠ Card is a strong contender for loyal United Airlines flyers who can maximize the complimentary United Club membership and free checked bags. Business and international travelers will also find significant value in the card's Premier Access® services and access to participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide. Ultimately, this premium card is best suited for those who frequently fly with the airline, value airport comfort, and want to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) toward elite status.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is an ideal choice for occasional Delta flyers who want to earn miles without the commitment of an annual fee. It particularly suits budget-conscious travelers and dining enthusiasts who can take advantage of 2x miles at restaurants worldwide and no foreign transaction fees, as detailed in our 2025 card review. As an excellent entry-level card for those new to the SkyMiles program, it offers a way to participate without a significant commitment; terms apply.

Alternatives to Consider

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So, you've weighed the pros and cons in the great United Club card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express® Card debate and found both wanting? Not a problem; there are several other excellent travel cards that might be a better match for your specific needs.

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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.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Most premium travel cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Plan for the welcome offer - Ensure you can meet the minimum spending requirement through your normal purchasing habits.
• Review the card’s ecosystem - Make sure the card’s benefits and airline partners align with your travel habits.

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Application Strategy

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• Know the issuer's rules - Issuers like Chase and American Express have unique application restrictions.
• Look for elevated welcome offers - Applying during a special promotion can significantly boost your initial rewards.
• Start with a no-fee card if unsure - An entry-level card can be a great way to test out a loyalty program.

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 United Club a credit card?

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The United Club is a membership program that provides access to United's airport lounges. While not a credit card itself, a complimentary membership is a key benefit of premium credit cards like the United Club℠ Infinite Card.

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Does the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card include lounge access?

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No, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card does not come with any airport lounge access. It is a no-annual-fee card designed for earning Delta SkyMiles on everyday purchases.

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What is the main difference in cost?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card has no annual fee. In contrast, a United Club membership requires a significant annual payment, as does the premium credit card that includes it as a benefit.

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