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Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve

Delta SkyMiles Gold

Delta SkyMiles Gold

$150/yr
6.0/10
VS
Delta SkyMiles Reserve

Delta SkyMiles Reserve

$650/yr
5.5/10
Quick Answer

Delta SkyMiles Gold charges $150/yr with 1X base rewards. Delta SkyMiles Reserve charges $650/yr with 1X base rewards. Delta SkyMiles Gold offers better overall value for most spenders when comparing fees, rewards, and benefits side by side.

Apply for Delta SkyMiles Gold →
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Apply for Delta SkyMiles Reserve →
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Category
Delta SkyMiles Gold
Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Annual Fee
$150 ✓
$650
Base Earning Rate
1.0X
1.0X
Signup Bonus
None
None
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0
Card Network
N/A
N/A
Reward Type
Points
Points

Winner by Category

Annual Fees

Delta SkyMiles Gold
Lower annual fee ($150 vs $650)

Rewards Earning

Delta SkyMiles Gold
4 earning categories

Benefits & Protection

Delta SkyMiles Gold
0 benefits vs 0

Statement Credits

Delta SkyMiles Reserve
$360 in annual credits

Flexibility

Tie
Both cards have similar redemption flexibility
OUR PICK

Delta SkyMiles Gold wins for most people

The $500 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.

Apply for Delta SkyMiles Gold
PREMIUM PICK

Delta SkyMiles Reserve wins for heavy spenders

If you can offset the higher fee with credits and perks, this card delivers more value.

Apply for Delta SkyMiles Reserve

Rewards Earning: Detailed Comparison

Delta SkyMiles Gold

Delta purchases2.0X
US supermarkets2.0X
Dining worldwide2.0X
Everything else1.0X

Delta SkyMiles Reserve

Delta purchases3.0X
Everything else1.0X
15% off award travel1.5X
Read Delta SkyMiles Gold Review →Read Delta SkyMiles Reserve Review →