American Express Platinum vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
American Express Platinum wins 4-1. Heavy travelers wanting Centurion Lounge access + status credits. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve is still the right call if delta loyalists who will use the lounge and status perks..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Platinum | Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $895 | $650 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 3% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months | · N/A |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = None stated | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | 720 | · N/A |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.1/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Platinum
- 5x points on flights booked direct or via amextravel
- Centurion Lounge + Priority Pass + Delta SkyClub access
- $200 annual airline fee credit + $200 Uber Cash
- $200 hotel credit + $189 CLEAR credit
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold + Hilton Honors Gold status
- No foreign transaction fees
Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- 3x miles on Delta purchases
- 1x miles on everything else
- No foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›American Express Platinum vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve: which is better?
American Express Platinum wins on more dimensions (4 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Platinum for its best categories, Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Platinum: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve doesn't list a welcome bonus.