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The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card are among the best credit card options for frequent Delta flyers. Both American Express business credit cards let you take advantage of generous welcome bonuses, travel-related perks and elite Delta status boosts.
However, there are significant differences between the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card to consider before choosing which is best for you. For instance, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card has a more expensive annual cost ($550) than the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card ($250) but offers spending categories with larger earnings.
Comparison Overview: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express CardDelta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
- Has Annual Fee
- Has Balance Transfer Offer
- Has APR Offer
- Cash Back Rewards
- Travel Rewards
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card At a Glance
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card is ideal for frequent business travelers who enjoy Delta travel perks and want to pursue elite status through Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). Delta uses MQMs to determine Medallion Status, a rewards system that offers special perks like upgrades to first class and waived fees. Cardholders can earn 10,000 MQMs after spending $25,000 in their first year. Additionally, the Platinum Business Card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and offers secondary rental car insurance.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
A great card for frequent business travelers who want to enjoy Delta travel perks and pursue elite traveler status
- 1–3 Miles per $1Rewards Rate
- 20.99%–29.99% VariableAPR
- $250Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card At a Glance
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is suitable for business owners with heavy travel schedules. It offers the same perks as the Platinum Business Card — priority boarding, discounts on in-flight purchases and a free checked bag — but carries added benefits, including annual round-trip companion passes and a quicker path to Delta’s Medallion status. However, the card comes with a steep $550 annual fee.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
A card that offers generous rewards for business travelers who fly Delta frequently.
- 1.5–3 Miles per $1Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $550Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
Comparison Summary
MoneyGeek’s Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card comparison can help you determine which one is best for you.
Card Detail | Comparison Summary |
---|---|
Annual Fee | The annual fee is probably the most significant difference between the two cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card is $550 per year, whereas the Platinum Business Card is $250. High spenders who want additional travel benefits may choose the Reserve version, but the Platinum is generally more manageable for many travelers. Winner: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card |
Welcome Offer | Both credit cards come with attractive welcome offers. Platinum Business card holders receive 100,000 bonus miles after spending at least $3,000 in purchases in the first three months. The Delta Reserve Business Card offers 110,000 miles after you spend $6,000 in the first three months of card membership. Winner: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card |
Earning Structures | Both cards offer bonus miles redeemable toward Delta flights, seat upgrades, gift cards, merchandise and access to the Delta Sky Club. Platinum Business Cardholders earn 3X miles per dollar spent on Delta flights and hotels, 1.5X miles on purchases over $5,000 (up to 50,000 miles per calendar year) and 1X miles on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases. Meanwhile, the Reserve Business Card lets you earn 3X miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and 1X miles for all other purchases. After spending $150,000 in one year, this number increases to 1.5X miles per dollar. Winner: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card |
Foreign Transaction Fees | One way to save on your international travel is to use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Whereas many credit cards can charge upwards of 3% of the total foreign purchase amount, neither the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card nor the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card charges foreign transaction fees. Winner: Tie |
Which Card Should You Get?
Whether the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is better for you depends on several factors. Before choosing a credit card, it’s crucial to consider your spending habits and desired rewards and bonuses.
Who Should Consider the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card?
Small business owners and professionals who often travel will find the American Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card more suitable. It’s a great choice if you want to save on international travel.
Frequent Delta flyers seeking a modest boost to get to Medallion Status can take advantage of this card’s lower threshold to earn additional MQMs.
Business travelers looking for hotel-specific benefits, such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, noon check-in and late checkout.
≫ More: Read Our Full Review
Who Should Consider the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card?
Business and leisure travelers with heavy travel schedules will get the most value from the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. If you can afford the hefty annual fee to earn impressive discounts and travel benefits, the Reserve Business Card is for you.
International travelers who plan to spend over $150,000 each year are best served by the Reserve Business Card.
Business owners willing to spend more money for elite travel benefits, like complimentary access to the Amex Centurion Lounge and first-class annual companion tickets, are better off with this card.
≫ More: Read Our Full Review
The Reserve Business card is targeted towards people who regularly fly with Delta, around once a month or more. The benefits and perks of the card are solid, but to justify the annual fee, cardholders should try to use these features regularly.
If you aren’t able to use the card’s features on a consistent basis, it may be best to downgrade to the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card.
Other Helpful Decision-Making FAQs
We recognize you might still be undecided when choosing the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card. MoneyGeek has answered some commonly asked questions that may help you decide.
Still Not Sure About These Cards? Consider These Options
Both the American Express Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Cards will suit frequent Delta flyers. If that’s not you, other business credit cards can still be effective for travel.
Learn more about credit cards in general
sources
- American Express. "Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card." Accessed January 5, 2022.
- American Express. "Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card." Accessed January 5, 2022.
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