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Travel credit cards: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Quick Verdict

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is best for frequent Delta flyers who can take advantage of the Delta Sky Club access and other Delta-specific perks. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a more versatile option for those who want flexible travel rewards and a lower annual fee.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeDelta SkyMiles Reserve American Express CardChase Sapphire Preferred Card
Annual Fee$650$95
Welcome Bonus OfferEarn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Some targeted offers may be as high as 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Offers may vary depending on where you apply.
Earning Rate on Flights3x miles on eligible Delta purchases5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel
Earning Rate on DiningNot specified as a bonus category3x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
Earning Rate on Travel3x miles on Delta Vacations purchases5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 2x points on other travel purchases
Earning Rate on Other Purchases1x mile on other eligible purchases1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Delta Sky Club Access15 visits per Medallion Year when flying Delta. Unlimited Delta Sky Club access can be unlocked after spending $75,000 in purchases on the card during a calendar year.Not explicitly mentioned as a card benefit
Priority Pass AccessAccess to Amex Centurion Lounges when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.Not explicitly mentioned as a card benefit
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry CreditStatement credit every 4 years for Global Entry (up to $120) or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck (up to $85)Not explicitly mentioned as a card benefit
Foreign Transaction FeesNoneNone
Travel Insurance BenefitsIncludes trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, and car rental loss and damage insurance. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance can reimburse non-refundable expenses up to $10,000 per trip and up to $20,000 per card per 12 consecutive month period.Includes travel accident insurance, roadside assistance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and auto rental collision damage waiver
Point Transfer PartnersDelta is a travel transfer partner with American Express.Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to 14 airline and hotel partners

Overall Comparison

Delta SkyMiles Reserve: $650 annual fee, 3x miles on Delta purchases. Chase Sapphire Preferred: $95 annual fee, 5x points on travel through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining.

Pros and Cons

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Pros:
  • Delta Sky Club access
  • Priority boarding
  • Companion certificate
  • $200 Delta Stays credit for prepaid hotels or vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays
  • 15% off when using miles to book award travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app
  • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Baggage insurance
  • Trip delay insurance
  • Car rental loss and damage insurance
  • Global Assist Hotline
Cons:
  • High annual fee
  • Earning rate on non-Delta purchases is low compared to other travel cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Pros:
  • Versatile travel rewards
  • Reasonable price point
  • Valuable welcome bonus
  • Points can be redeemed for travel booked through the Chase Travel portal
  • Transferring and redeeming points with partners is relatively easy
  • Up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel
  • Comprehensive travel insurance benefits
Cons:
  • Delta Sky Club access is not a standard benefit of this card
  • Priority Pass access is not a standard benefit of this card

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