Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex) vs Delta Reserve
Delta Reserve edges Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex) on year-1 math ($145 more value at 1.8¢/pt).
Quick verdict
Delta Reserve edges Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex) on year-1 math ($145 more value at 1.8¢/pt)
Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex): $790 recurring credits + $1,620 welcome bonus − $350 AF = $2,060 net. Delta Reserve: $1,055 recurring credits + $1,800 welcome bonus − $650 AF = $2,205 net. These are year-1 numbers (welcome bonus included) at a 1.8¢/pt rewards valuation. The /tools/annual-fee-breakeven calculator runs the year-2-onward math without the bonus.
Side-by-side specs
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex) | Delta Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $350 | $650 |
| Welcome bonus | 90,000 pts after $4,000 in 6mo | 100,000 pts after $5,000 in 6mo |
| Welcome bonus value @ 1.8¢ | $1,620 | $1,800 |
| Free-night cert | — | — |
| Recurring credits / year | $790 | $1,055 |
| Year-1 net @ 1.8¢ | $2,060 | $2,205 |
Year-1 net assumes the welcome bonus values at 1.8¢/pt. For year-2-onward math, use the Annual Fee Break-even Calculator.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex)
4 recurring credits
- Resy Credit$10 · Monthly
- Rideshare Credit$10 · Monthly
- Domestic Companion Certificate (anniversary)$400 · Annual
- Delta Flight Credit ($150 after $10k spend)$150 · Annual
Delta Reserve
3 recurring credits
- Resy Credit$20 · Monthly
- Rideshare Credit$10 · Monthly
- Delta Sky Club access$695 · Annual
Pick Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex) if
the AF is meaningfully lower ($350 vs $650).
Pick Delta Reserve if
the recurring credits stack is richer ($1,055 vs $790); the welcome bonus pays more at 1.8¢/pt ($1,800 vs $1,620).