Delta SkyMiles Reserve vs American Express® Gold Card
Delta SkyMiles Reserve
$650/yr
5.5/10
VS
American Express® Gold Card
$325/yr
7.5/10
Quick Answer
Delta SkyMiles Reserve charges $650/yr with 1X base rewards. American Express® Gold Card charges $325/yr with 1X base rewards. American Express® Gold Card offers better overall value for most spenders when comparing fees, rewards, and benefits side by side.
Apply for Delta SkyMiles Reserve →
PointsPick may earn a commission. Disclosure
Apply for American Express® Gold Card →
PointsPick may earn a commission. Disclosure
Winner by Category
Annual Fees
American Express® Gold Card
Lower annual fee ($650 vs $325)
Rewards Earning
American Express® Gold Card
4 earning categories
Benefits & Protection
American Express® Gold Card
6 benefits vs 0
Statement Credits
Delta SkyMiles Reserve
$360 in annual credits
Flexibility
American Express® Gold Card
Transferable points to airline/hotel partners
OUR PICK
American Express® Gold Card wins for most people
The $325 fee difference is hard to justify unless you maximize premium benefits.
Apply for American Express® Gold CardPREMIUM 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 ReserveRewards Earning: Detailed Comparison
Delta SkyMiles Reserve
| Delta purchases | 3.0X |
| Everything else | 1.0X |
| 15% off award travel | 1.5X |
American Express® Gold Card
| Dining | 4.0X |
| U.S. Supermarkets | 4.0X (up to $25,000) |
| Flights | 3.0X |
| Everything Else | 1.0X |
Card Benefits: Detailed Comparison
Delta SkyMiles Reserve (0 benefits)
See full review for benefits details.
American Express® Gold Card (6 benefits)
- Trip Delay Insurance (up to $500)
- Baggage Insurance Plan
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
- Purchase Protection (up to $1,000)
- Extended Warranty
- Return Protection (up to $300)