Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins 4-1. Annual travelers, the upgrade path from Sapphire Preferred. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve is still the right call if delta loyalists who will use the lounge and status perks..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $795 | $650 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 10% (travel) | · 3% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months | · N/A |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = None stated | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | 740 | · N/A |
| Editorial rating | 4.7/5 | · 4.1/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- 10x on hotels and rental cars booked via Chase Travel
- 5x on flights booked via Chase Travel
- 3x on all other dining + travel
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select + Chase Sapphire Lounge access
- 50% bonus when redeeming for travel via Chase portal
Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- 3x miles on Delta purchases
- 1x miles on everything else
- No foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve: which is better?
Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on more dimensions (4 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Chase Sapphire Reserve for its best categories, Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Chase Sapphire Reserve: 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve doesn't list a welcome bonus.