Amex Platinum Card vs. Delta Reserve Card [Detailed Comparison]

If you’re a frequent Delta Air Lines flyer, considering a Delta co-branded credit card is a logical choice. You’ll receive a variety of benefits that make your travel on Delta Air Lines more comfortable, savings with benefits such as free checked baggage for you and your travel companions, and a faster path to elite status.

If you fly a variety of airlines, Delta included, considering another premium travel rewards card might also be a logical choice. You’ll receive some of the same benefits as a Delta-branded card plus additional benefits that apply no matter which airline you’ll be flying.

Using these travel scenarios as a basis, we’ve selected one of the most popular travel rewards cards ever and compared it to the top premium Delta co-branded rewards card. We’ll compare earnings, redemption options, benefits, and ultimately, the value each card provides for the frequent traveler.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express and the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card both stand tall and are widely respected as premium travel rewards cards — let’s get started with our comparison!

Amex Platinum Card vs. Delta Reserve Card — Overview

Before we dive into the details of each card, we’ve put together an overview of each product so you can easily review the attributes of both featured cards side-by-side.

In a nutshell, here’s how the cards compare overall:

Welcome Offer

The Value of a Welcome Offer

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card offers Membership Rewards points as a welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements in the first few months after account opening. These points can be redeemed for 1 cent each towards travel when booking with Amex Travel.

You may receive greater value for your Membership Rewards points when transferring them to the Amex transfer partners.

Delta Reserve Card

Welcome offers for the Delta Reserve card vary, but you’ll historically see tens of thousands of miles offered after meeting minimum spending requirements. Delta flyers striving for elite status with Delta will also enjoy the opportunity to receive Medallion Qualification Miles with their welcome offer, which counts towards elite status when signing up for the card.

Membership Rewards Points vs. Delta SkyMiles

Comparing Earning Potential

The Amex Platinum card earns valuable Membership Rewards points, while the Delta Reserve card earns Delta SkyMiles. Membership Rewards points may be more valuable but Delta SkyMiles are easy to earn if you’re spending on the Delta Reserve card and flying with Delta.

Let’s look at the earning power of each card.

Bottom Line: If you spend a lot on flights (with any airline) and prepaid hotels, you could earn significantly more rewards with the Amex Platinum card versus the Delta Reserve card. 

Comparing Redemption Options

Membership Rewards points are flexible rewards earned with the Amex Platinum card while the Delta Reserve card earns Delta SkyMiles which have narrower redemption options.

While both rewards currencies are generally worth about 1 cent each when redeemed for flights, you can elevate their value by either transferring the points to Amex travel partners (Amex Platinum card) or using your miles to book good value partner airline award tickets (Delta Reserve card).

To learn more about the best ways to redeem Membership Rewards points or redeem Delta SkyMiles for maximum value, check out our complete guides.

Hot Tip: You can use Membership Rewards points earned on the Amex Platinum card to book Delta airline tickets via Amex Travel and earn Delta SkyMiles on your flight. You can also transfer Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles at a ratio of 1:1.

Airport Lounge Access

The Amex Platinum card rates highest in the lounge access category with its complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. The Delta Reserve card focuses on access for loyal Delta flyers.

Comparing Authorized User Lounge Access

Adding authorized users to the Amex Platinum card or the Delta Reserve card gives them the same lounge access benefits as the primary cardmember.

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card is known for its superb worldwide airport lounge access benefit that is second to no other travel rewards card. This benefit alone is worth more than the card’s annual fee. 

Hotel and Rental Car Program Benefits

Hotel Program Benefits — Amex Platinum Card

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

Upon enrollment, Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status comes with the opportunity for upgraded rooms, free Wi-Fi, welcome bonus points, 25% more earnings at Marriott, and late checkout.

Hilton Honors Gold Elite Status

Upon enrollment, Hilton Honors Gold elite status offers some great benefits, starting with complimentary breakfast, a Hilton fan favorite. You’ll also receive upgraded rooms when available, free Wi-Fi, and earn 18x points at Hilton properties thanks to Hilton status.

$200 Prepaid Hotel Credit

Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (2-night minimum stay required) through Amex Travel when you pay with your card.

American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts

When you stay at Fine Hotels & Resorts properties, you’ll receive these benefits:

• Room upgrades, when available
• Complimentary breakfast for 2 each day
• Noon check-in and late checkout
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Local amenity valued at $100

The Hotel Collection

On stays of 2 nights or more at The Hotel Collection properties, you’ll receive a $100 credit towards on-site property amenities, including dining, spa, and resort activities. You’ll also be earning 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid bookings.

Hotel Program Benefits — Delta Reserve Card

The Delta Reserve card does not offer any hotel-specific benefits.

Rental Car Program Benefits — Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum card comes with these rental car program benefits:

• Avis Preferred Club — Receive a 25% discount on base rates and a 1-category upgrade based on availability
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards — Complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status and a 1-category upgrade when you rent an intermediate-size vehicle or greater
• National Emerald Club Executive — Access to upgraded preferred cars, seamless returns, a 1-category upgrade if you rent a full-size vehicle or greater, plus qualify for accelerated earnings towards free rentals

Rental Car Program Benefits — Delta Reserve Card

The Delta Reserve card does not offer any rental car program benefits.

Bottom Line: When we compare hotel and rental car program benefits, the Amex Platinum is the clear winner. With hotel and rental car program elite status, special amenities, perks, discounts, and property credits, the card delivers plenty of value in these categories. 

Comparing Delta Benefits

For the Delta frequent flyer, there are plenty of benefits realized by having a Delta-branded card. However, let’s compare Delta-specific benefits that are offered on each card and see how they measure up.

Bottom Line: Delta travelers may receive benefits with the Amex Platinum card that other travel rewards cards do not offer, such as Delta Sky Club and worldwide lounge access. While the Delta Reserve card offers Delta-specific benefits, Delta Medallion elite flyers who already receive these benefits may find greater overall value with the Amex Platinum card. 

Statement Credits and Additional Benefits

Statement Credits

Statement credits can deliver direct economic value if you can use these benefits. Here are the statement credits available with each card when you make an eligible purchase.

Travel Benefits and Protections

Since both the Amex Platinum card and Delta Reserve card are premium level cards issued by American Express, they have the same travel and shopping benefits/protections, except where noted.

• No Foreign Transaction Fees — Neither card charges foreign transaction fees.
• Trip Cancellation Insurance and Trip Interruption Insurance — Both cards offer the same benefits of $10,000 per occurrence up to a maximum of $20,000 per 12-month period for each coverage.
• Premium Global Assist Hotline — Enjoy 24/7 assistance for planning your trip and during your travels. Cardmembers have access to customs information, emergency transportation assistance, weather, currency conversion, lost luggage assistance, and more.
• Rental Car Loss/Damage Insurance — Receive complimentary secondary rental car insurance that covers damage, theft, and loss of use. You’ll also have access to purchase low-cost Premium Car Rental Protection.
• Baggage Insurance — You could receive a benefit if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged. The Amex Platinum card offers up to $3,000 for carry-on and $2,000 for checked baggage. The Delta Reserve card limits of coverage are $1,250 for carry-on and $500 for checked baggage. Limits on both cards are per covered person, per trip.

Shopping Benefits and Protections

• American Express Auto Purchasing Program — Save on your new car purchase and be able to charge at least $2,000 or more on your eligible card. You’ll also receive up to $2,000 in post-purchase benefits.
• Purchase Protection — Purchase an eligible item with your card and if it is damaged or stolen, you could receive up to $10,000 per incident/$50,000 per year. You’ll have coverage for 90 days from the date of purchase.
• Return Protection — If a merchant won’t accept the return of an eligible item you purchased with your card (within 90 days), you could receive up to $300 per item, $1,000 per year.
• Cell Phone Protection — Cardmembers now receive up to $1,600 in cell phone protection (2 claims per year with up to $800 for each claim) against theft and damage, including cosmetic damage (like a cracked phone screen). Each claim has a $50 deductible and your monthly phone bill must be paid with your card to receive coverage.

This is not an all-encompassing list of benefits and protections. Access each card’s membership benefits for full descriptions and for the terms and conditions of each coverage.

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card offers a higher amount of statement credits compared to the Delta Reserve card. If you use these benefits, you could partially offset the cost of the annual fee on the card. Travel and shopping benefits and protections are similar on both cards. 

Annual Fees and Adding Additional Users

Annual fees on the Amex Platinum card and Delta Reserve card have increased. You can expect to pay a high annual fee when you are approved for either of these cards.

The Amex Platinum card charges $195 per authorized user (see rates and fees). The Delta Reserve card charges $175 for each additional authorized user (see rates and fees).

Hot Tip: Read about how the Amex Platinum card stacks up to the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, another popular Delta card.

Final Thoughts

The Delta Reserve card is geared towards the Delta loyalist who travels primarily on Delta Air Lines. The card comes with enough benefits to make a positive difference in your travels with Delta and also help you qualify for elite status.

However, for Delta Medallion elites who are also frequent international travelers flying on a variety of airlines, the better value may be realized with the Amex Platinum card with its higher earnings on flights and its collection of luxury travel perks.

The Amex Platinum card isn’t airline-centric like the Delta Reserve card but still offers Delta flyers plenty of benefits.

Which of these cards makes sense for you will depend on how much you’ll use the benefits offered on each card, your level of spending on flights, your redemption preferences, and your frequency of international travel.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. 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. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance coverage benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the trip delay insurance benefits of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all covered persons per covered trip. 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. For the extended warranty benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, when an American Express^® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. 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. For the purchase protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your card membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect covered purchases made on your eligible card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Coverage limits apply. 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. For the return protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express^® card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, you can rely on the Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. For the Cell Phone Protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, coverage for a stolen or damaged eligible cellular wireless telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per eligible card account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per eligible card account per 12 month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, click here.