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If you have been enjoying the benefits of the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, you may be wondering if you would enjoy the benefits of the Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express even more. The major question is whether going from a rewards card with a $95 annual fee to one with a $450 annual fee is worth it.
Of course you can expect to reap far more in benefits from the more expensive Reserve Card, but will they suit you? In other words, are you the type of person, spender, and traveler who will really appreciate what the Reserve Card has to offer?
Gold Delta SkyMiles Amex Card vs. Delta Reserve Amex Card
Gold Delta SkyMiles Amex Card
on American Express’ secure website
Gold Delta SkyMiles American Express Card
- Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year; $95 after that
- APR: 16.99% – 25.99% variable APR
- Benefits: Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on Delta flights and vacation purchases and 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases
- Category: Travel Credit Card
At $95 a year, the Gold Delta Amex card is the lowest-cost option of the three SkyMiles-oriented Amex cards. If you are a Delta traveler, it can help you boost your SkyMiles while offering some other standard travel perks such as one free checked bag and priority boarding. Getting access to Delta Sky Clubs for you and two companions is not free at $29 per person, however it’s a discount from the full price of $50 per person.
The Gold Delta Amex card also awards SkyMiles for every purchase – 2 miles for every dollar spent on Delta flights and vacation purchases, and 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases. New cardholders earn a 30,000-mile bonus when they spend $1,000 in their first three months.
For the first year as a Gold Delta cardholder, your annual fee is waived. After that the regular $95 annual fee kicks in. Let’s see how this card stacks up against the Delta Reserve Card.
Delta Reserve Amex Card
on American Express’ secure website
Delta Reserve American Express Card
- Annual Fee: $450
- APR: 16.99% – 25.99% variable APR
- Benefits: Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on Delta flights and vacation purchases and 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases
- Category: Travel Credit Card
Once you get over the hefty price of a $450 annual fee for a rewards card, you might be disappointed to find that the two cards are somewhat similar in their rewards offering. As with the Gold Delta card, the Reserve card awards 2 miles for every dollar spent on Delta flights, and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases. There is no gain between cards there.
But if you are a frequent, status conscious Delta traveler, you probably won’t be disappointed. If Medallion qualification along with priority treatment at the gate and access to Delta Sky Clubs is your most important concern, the Reserve card is for you.
Perhaps the biggest perk, and one that could pay for the cost of the card, is the free access to Delta Sky Clubs. Up to two traveling companions can accompany you for a discounted rate of $29 each. Right below that would be the free round-trip first class or economy companion certificate you earn each time you renew your $450 annual fee. You are also given priority boarding with no waiting, which is a step up from Gold Delta priority boarding.
What Makes the Reserve Card Special?
What makes the Reserve Card special for status conscious fliers is the quicker route to top Medallion status which has its own rewards such as highly coveted first class upgrades. Cardholders are eligible for up to 30,000 Medallion Qualification Miles every year, but it does require some big spending to earn them. You generally need to spend $30,000 annually for the first MQM threshold and $60,000 annually to move up from there. But when you’re there and a very frequent flier on Delta, it can all be worth it.
Neither card is exceptional for its miles rewards. The Gold Delta SkyMiles card offers the rewards and perks you would expect from most travel rewards cards. However, if you are a frequent Delta flier who likes comfortable airport lounges and being treated like a VIP, the Delta Reserve Card will likely pay for itself a few times over.
>>Read more: How to upgrade an American Express credit card