US Bank Altitude Reserve vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US Bank Altitude Reserve wins 6-0. Mobile-pay maximizers, 3x on Apple/Google/Samsung Pay transactions. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve is still the right call if delta loyalists who will use the lounge and status perks..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | US Bank Altitude Reserve | Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $400 | · $650 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 3% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 1.5% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel) | · N/A |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = None stated | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | 720 | · N/A |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.1/5 |
Benefits compared
US Bank Altitude Reserve
- 5x on prepaid hotels and car rentals via US Bank Travel
- 3x on travel + mobile-wallet purchases
- 1.5x redemption rate when used for travel
- $325 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select (4 free visits/year)
- Up to $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- 3x miles on Delta purchases
- 1x miles on everything else
- No foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›US Bank Altitude Reserve vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve: which is better?
US Bank Altitude Reserve wins on more dimensions (6 vs 0). 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 US Bank Altitude 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?
US Bank Altitude Reserve: 50,000 points after $4,500 in first 3 months (worth $750 toward travel). Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve doesn't list a welcome bonus.