Amex Platinum vs. Delta Reserve: Which Is Worth It?
Two travel cards. Very different benefits.
I showed you how the Amex Platinum pays for itself, but a lot of you have asked how it compares to the Delta Reserve.
Here is the honest breakdown. I have the Amex Platinum. I do not have the Delta Reserve. So I am giving you the facts and letting you decide which card better fits how you travel.
A few additional details to keep in mind:
Both cards limit Sky Club visits each Medallion Year. Once those visits are used, additional visits are $50 each. If you hold both cards, the visits stack for a total of 25 per Medallion Year.
Some people are loyal to Delta, and that is completely valid. Just make sure the card is working as hard as you are.
Delta Reserve holders, does yours pay for itself? Tell me in the comments.
#AmexPlatinum #PointsAndMiles #CreditCardTips #DeltaAirLines #DeltaReserve
Choosing between the Amex Platinum and Delta Reserve credit cards comes down to your unique travel habits and preferences. As someone who frequently flies for both business and leisure, I found weighing the benefits carefully helped me make the right decision. While the Delta Reserve card carries a lower annual fee ($650 vs $895 for Amex Platinum), it is best suited if Delta is your primary airline. Its companion certificate alone can add great value if you use it annually, and the elite Medallion status perks make it attractive to loyal Delta flyers. However, if your travel is more varied, the Amex Platinum’s wider lounge network—including the Centurion Lounges—and its membership rewards points that can transfer to multiple airlines offer unmatched flexibility. I personally appreciate the Amex Platinum’s lifestyle credits and broader airport lounge access worldwide, which enhance travel comfort regardless of airline choice. The Delta Reserve’s limitation of 15 Delta Sky Club visits per Medallion year compared to Amex’s 10 is a factor, but access to 1,550+ lounges through Amex is a huge advantage when not flying Delta. Additionally, the Amex Platinum points program allows leveraging numerous airline partners, which is beneficial if your destinations change or if you book with airlines outside Delta’s ecosystem. The Delta Reserve’s points are more restricted to the Delta network, which can limit redemption options. Ultimately, I recommend assessing your airline loyalties, travel frequency, and how much you value lounge access and points flexibility. Using both cards together might work for some, since their lounge visit allowances can stack to 25 per Medallion year. If possible, take advantage of sign-up bonuses and trial periods to test each card’s benefits. Engaging with fellow travelers’ real experiences in comments or forums can also provide practical insights. Choosing the card that aligns best with your travel preferences ensures your credit card rewards truly pay off and enhance your journeys.
