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Amex Delta Reserve vs. Amex Delta Platinum

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JenW83
Established Member

Amex Delta Reserve vs. Amex Delta Platinum

With the new changes coming to the Delta Skymiles program, do you think upgrading to the Reserve card is worth it over the Platinum card now?

 

I've preferred keeping the Platinum due to it allowing more ways to earn points per dollar spent on the card, but with the new MQD tiers, and access to the Delta lounges, I'm thinking Reserve is the way to go.

 

Looking for thoughts/insight from those who have Delta Platinum cards. Are you considering, or have you upgraded to the Reserve card?

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5 REPLIES 5
NoMoreE46
Community Leader
Senior Contributor

Re: Amex Delta Reserve vs. Amex Delta Platinum


@JenW83 wrote:

With the new changes coming to the Delta Skymiles program, do you think upgrading to the Reserve card is worth it over the Platinum card now?

 

I've preferred keeping the Platinum due to it allowing more ways to earn points per dollar spent on the card, but with the new MQD tiers, and access to the Delta lounges, I'm thinking Reserve is the way to go.

 

Looking for thoughts/insight from those who have Delta Platinum cards. Are you considering, or have you upgraded to the Reserve card?



I think @K-in-Boston  might have some insight on this.

 

 

Message 2 of 6
NAVYCHOP
Regular Contributor

Re: Amex Delta Reserve vs. Amex Delta Platinum

I have had the Delta Reserve card and use the two for one first class ticket every year which I figure pays the annual fee.  Maybe some would figure I'm a fool keeping the card because I don't use the card for lounge access because I have a lifetime Sky Club membership and I don't need the MQD as a multi-million miler but the card also gives a tie breaker upgrade priority.

Message 3 of 6
DSTforlife
Regular Contributor

Re: Amex Delta Reserve vs. Amex Delta Platinum

I currently have the delta platinum and will be upgrading to the Reserve.  My reasoning is that i'll be traveling more next year, and Delta is my preferred airline.  I also have the Amex Gold charge card which I use as my daily driver and typically transfer the MR points to Delta Skymiles.  I always use the annual companion ticket, so this alone makes the AF worth it to me.

 

I have finally reached medallion status (although there's nothing much to Silver Medallion), and i figure the Reserve is the better card to pair with the status. So, the Reserve will be used strictly for airfare and other air travel expenses, and the Gold charge is used everywhere else to help pad my skymiles.

Message 4 of 6
K-in-Boston
Epic Contributor

Re: Amex Delta Reserve vs. Amex Delta Platinum

Reserve over Platinum really just boils down to a handful of factors.  Do you typically buy two domestic (lower 48 if a resident of lower 48) first class tickets in a covered fare class at least once a year?  If yes, the card likely more than pays for itself.  If not, you would need to take into consideration how many lounge visits you would use, whether the tiebreaker might be useful for upgrades, and how much you plan to actually spend on the card.   With double the MQD earnings for the 2025 Medallion year compared to Platinum, with considerable spend that could really help elevate your Medallion status if that's worth it for you.

Message 5 of 6
RockyTop_TN
New Contributor

Re: Amex Delta Reserve vs. Amex Delta Platinum

I've had the Delta Reserve for almost 2 years now.  I always book first class and the companion pass more than covers the annual fee.  With the recent hangers to the SkyMiles program I'm not particularly happy about only having 15 SkyClub visits but better than 10.

 

I do like the change fro 20:1 to 10:1 for MQD earnings.  I know there are better overall travel cards for cash bak but I fly Delta 99% of the tie so it's a good pick for me. Plus, I have a good limit for the card, so I do my heavy lifting with it.


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