Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
United Quest vs Delta SkyMiles Blue: Which Is Better In 2025?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- The United Quest℠ Card is built for frequent United flyers who want to earn more miles on their travel and enjoy valuable perks.
- The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a great no-annual-fee choice for earning miles on dining and occasional Delta flights.
United Quest Breakdown
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2892", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Mid-Tier Choice Card" } ]]
Why We Like It
This card packs a punch for its annual fee, and here’s a closer look at why we think it’s a strong contender for United loyalists.
- It offers a solid rewards structure, earning 3x miles on United purchases and 2x miles on other travel, dining, and select streaming services.
- Despite its annual fee, the card includes valuable perks like an annual United purchase credit and comprehensive travel protections.
- The free checked bag benefit for you and a companion can offset the card's annual fee in just one round-trip flight (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Offers valuable annual credits that can be applied toward United purchases and award flights.
- Includes a free checked bag allowance for the primary cardmember and a companion on United-operated flights, plus priority boarding.
- Provides a path to earning MileagePlus Premier status through card spending and comes with a full suite of travel insurance protections.
Cons
- Benefits are heavily skewed toward United, offering less flexibility than a general travel rewards card.
- The annual fee can be difficult to justify for travelers who only fly with United occasionally.
- Maximizing the card’s full suite of benefits requires a significant spending threshold.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Breakdown
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "263", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "Entry-Level Card" } ]]
Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at why we’re fans of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card.
- It's a great entry point into the Delta SkyMiles program as it has a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (See Rates & Fees).
- You can earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide, plus 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.
- With a $0 annual fee, you start getting value from your very first purchase, meaning there's no spending required to break even (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- No annual fee, making this an accessible entry-level card for the SkyMiles program.
- Earn bonus miles at restaurants worldwide in addition to on Delta purchases.
- Miles do not expire, so you can accumulate rewards over time without pressure.
Cons
- Lacks common travel perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and airport lounge access.
- Limited bonus categories and redemption options are tied to the Delta SkyMiles program, offering less flexibility than other travel cards.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express vs United Quest
Categories
Deciding which is better, United Quest or Delta SkyMiles Blue, comes down to your specific travel habits and what you prioritize in a credit card.
- United Quest℠ Card - This card is built for frequent United Airlines travelers who want to enhance their trips with premier benefits, including travel protections and a faster path to elite status.
- Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card - As an entry-level option, this card is best for occasional Delta flyers or budget-conscious travelers who want to earn miles on flights and dining without paying an annual fee.
Redemption
United Quest℠ Card: Miles can be redeemed for flights on United and its network of airline partners, as well as for upgrades and other travel-related purchases. This provides flexible options for frequent flyers looking to maximize their travel rewards.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Cardholders can use their SkyMiles to book Delta flights or pay for upgrades, offering a simple redemption path for those who primarily fly with Delta. The focus is on turning everyday spending into future travel on the airline.
Travel Perks
- Foreign Transactions: The United Quest℠ Card is a strong choice for international travel as it does not have foreign transaction fees. In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card does charge a fee on purchases made outside the U.S.
- Statement Credits & In-Flight Perks: With the United Quest℠ Card, you receive an annual statement credit for United purchases and get award flight credits each anniversary. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offers a percentage back as a statement credit on eligible in-flight Delta purchases. Terms Apply.
- Airline Alliance: Your choice may depend on which airline network best serves your travel needs. The United Quest℠ Card operates within the United and Star Alliance network, while the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is part of the Delta and SkyTeam alliance.
- Lounge Access: Neither the United Quest℠ Card nor the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card includes complimentary airport lounge access as a standard perk.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To make the right choice, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards by analyzing your actual spending habits.
- Test drive credit cards before you apply to see personalized earnings projections based on your real transaction history.
- Receive detailed approval odds based on your credit report to apply with more confidence.
- Track your progress toward earning welcome offers and sign-up bonuses for free.
- Use the autofill feature at checkout to ensure you’re always using the best card for maximum rewards.
- Earn extra rewards with Kudos Boost when shopping at your favorite stores.
Who Should Choose the United Quest?
The United Quest℠ Card is tailor-made for frequent United Airlines flyers who take to the skies with the carrier several times per year. These travelers can maximize value through perks like the annual United purchase credit, free checked bags, and priority boarding. It's also a strong choice for MileagePlus members looking to earn Premier status faster or anyone who values comprehensive travel protections on their trips.
Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express?
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 who can take advantage of the 2x miles on dining and appreciate the lack of foreign transaction fees on international trips. As this card review explains, it serves as a great entry point into the SkyMiles program for those who prioritize earning rewards on everyday spending over premium travel perks.
Alternatives to Consider
If our deep dive into the United Quest vs. Delta SkyMiles Blue comparison didn't reveal a clear winner for your wallet, let's explore a few other options. Several other travel cards might be a better fit for your specific needs.
[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]
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
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score: You will likely need good to excellent credit, a common requirement for cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card.
- Plan your spending: Make sure you can comfortably meet any minimum spending requirement for the welcome offer with your regular purchases.
- Know the ecosystem: Understand a card’s unique benefits, like earning elite status points with the United Quest℠ Card, to see if it fits your goals.
Application Strategy
- Match the card to your travel style: Consider if an entry-level card like the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card or a perks-focused one like the United Quest℠ Card is a better fit.
- Time your application: Applying before a large planned purchase can help you meet the spending requirement for a welcome offer naturally.
- Be aware of issuer rules: Different banks have unique application guidelines, so it's wise to understand them before you apply.
Our Methodology
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.
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
Is there a significant difference in the annual fees for the United Quest and Delta SkyMiles Blue cards?
Yes, there is a notable difference. The United Quest card typically comes with a substantial annual fee, while the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card is known for having no annual fee, making it a more budget-friendly option.
What kind of travel perks can I expect from each card?
The United Quest card offers premium travel benefits like annual United purchase credits and free checked bags. In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card's perks are more modest, focusing on benefits like a discount on in-flight purchases.
Which card is better for earning miles on non-travel purchases?
Both cards offer ways to earn miles on everyday spending, but their bonus categories differ significantly. You'll need to compare their specific reward rates for categories like dining or groceries to see which aligns better with your personal spending habits.
Unlock your extra benefits when you become a Kudos member
Turn your online shopping into even more rewards
Join over 400,000 members simplifying their finances
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
.webp)
