Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card vs. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees) is arguably the biggest competitor to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve. Even though it has a higher annual fee, it comes with airport lounge access far more widespread while including up to 10 Delta Sky Club passes per year so you can scratch your Sky Club itch. Notably, it earns 5X on flights, which outshines what the Delta Reserve Business card earns. The rewards earned on the Amex Business Platinum card are Membership Rewards and can be transferred to multiple travel loyalty partners, including Delta.
What it lacks in other Delta-specific perks (no checked baggage perk, Delta Stays credit, path to elite status or companion pass) it potentially makes up for with other valuable benefits not tied to the airline including an up to $600 annual hotel credit for eligible prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, an up to $200 airline fee credit for incidentals charged by your qualifying selected airline , elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors and Leading Hotels of the World, and more. The right card for you between the two will come down to which card’s perks more closely match your needs.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card is a far less expensive option. The key benefits of owning this card are the free checked bag perks for you and up to eight travel companions and the 15% off award travel discount. If you fly Delta just once a year round-trip with a work colleague, you’ll save $140 in checked baggage fees on that trip.
If you don’t need the Delta Sky Club access and don’t fly the airline enough to be working towards elite status, this card is a more economical choice.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
The Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ can make you feel like a travel elite, although none of the card’s perks are Delta-centric. Still, the card offers plenty of potential for those seeking to uplevel their travel via credit card ownership. Cardholders get a flexible $300 annual travel credit that can be used for just about anything travel-related including checked baggage fees and seat upgrades. The card provides access to Priority Pass lounges and the exclusive Sapphire lounges, grants IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and offers a strong suite of travel protections that are among the most comprehensive you’ll find on any card.
The card also has higher earning rates and comes with multiple potential credits likely to appeal to business owners, further cementing its appeal to those seeking a premium card. However, there are no benefits specific to Delta. If your goal is to be rewarded for your Delta loyalty, then the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card is going to be a better choice.