Amex Platinum vs. Delta Reserve (Which Should YOU Get?!)

[@MarkReese]

‼ *NOTE at **3:26**:* Amex charges an Excise Tax Offset Fee when transferring Membership Rewards points to U.S. airlines, including Delta. It's $0.0006 per point up to a max of $99. So in the example from the video: - 10,000 Amex points = 8,800 Delta SkMiles (if you pay w/ miles), or... - 10,000 Amex points = 10,000 Delta SkyMiles + $6.00 charge (if you pay via credit card) Thanks to viewer iGimmie for reminding me of this. 💳👉 VIEW CREDIT CARD OFFERS! markscreditcards.com/offers 🛍 RAKUTEN - Earn Cash Back! markscreditcards.com/rakuten 📊 GET FREE STOCKS FROM WEBULL markscreditcards.com/webull ⬆ (More links in Description below video!)

[@pseven21]

Really tempted by the Delta card, since you don’t have to worry about using 9 different credits like the platinum just to justify the cost of the card. Just using the companion pass might be enough to provide outsized value, while still having centurion/skyclub access.

[@MarkReese]

Yep it's definitely refreshing!

[@Great-Scott]

Very informative, so thanks for that. I have the AMEX Platinum and Delta Platinum. The former gives enough value that it's worth it to me with a big part of that access to lounges, plus I use as much as I can with the other rewards, etc. The latter helps with keeping my Delta status with the $25K spending waiver and the free companion ticket pays for the card, especially the last time I used it, I was upgraded cross-county from main cabin to Delta One. This works for me now.

[@MarkReese]

Good combo!

[@SonnyChanhvongsak]

I'm in the camp that if you live in a delta hub AND are into amex cards it's best to run both. Since the delta cards (plat and reserve) typically pay for themselves in free check in and companion tickets and use the normal plat for all the usual benefits. You usually aren't booking main cabin for less than 250 or first class for less than 550 so there's the annual fee and more in value for the delta cards. And you don't have to really put any spend on the delta cards to get the benefits as the majority of the benefits are applied to your sky miles account rather than through your credit card

[@MarkReese]

For some people, having both can definitely make sense 💯

[@ericevans8]

I have both. and the Delta Plat. Makes sense and I utilize all the perks and credits.

[@fogrunr5075]

You really are providing a great service for credit card travel enthusiasts, especially with such detailed cards. Thank you!

[@MarkReese]

Thanks Fog runr!

[@fogrunr5075]

@@MarkReese You're very welcome!

[@bryanchung]

Just got the delta business reserve card. Although I live in CLT (NOT a Delta hub), I have a lot of use for it. The biggest is the first class companion certificate. That can pay the annual fee and then some. Makes flying first class with a +1 a little bit cheaper. Also CLT does have a Centurion Lounge, which is nice. Although the Platinum card looks fantastic, I honestly do not use most of the credits naturally (minus the Disney+ credit). Both cards are great choice based on personal preferences.

[@MarkReese]

Great that you found value in the Business Delta Reserve! ✈️

[@MatthewPurvisMotivationMatt]

Do you fly more Delta than American even living in charlotte? Im split. Some delta some American just depends on where Im going. Trying to decide mainly for lounge access.

[@bryanchung]

@@MatthewPurvisMotivationMattStill mostly Delta even in Charlotte. Personally, I’ve been burned by AA many times (mostly a lot of delays). Delays are long to the point where layover gets me there just on time or even earlier than AA. That’s just my experience and people might have great ones at AA (mileage may vary). Now CLT is going to open the Sky Club here near end of 2024. That’s even better!

[@MatthewPurvisMotivationMatt]

@@bryanchung that’s awesome to know. I went with the delta reserve as RDU is my home airport!

[@bryanchung]

@@MatthewPurvisMotivationMatt Oh nice. You’ll have more options with Delta as RDU is a focus city for them. More non-stop options. I went to State there. Wolfpack!

[@WhoDeanyUnchained]

I like these comparisons. I've been having a hard time with the Hilton Aspire vs Amex Platinum

[@MarkReese]

Glad you find them helpful!

[@williamlinden732]

I have both cards. I don't travel all that much by air, my kiddo does bowling tournaments all over Montana and Wyoming, but both cards still serve me well. The FC companion ticket always outweighs the AF on the Reserve and the credits and lounge access of the Platinum usually make that AF worth it. If the Reserve were to dump the FC companion ticket, I would be out on that card the same day.

[@MarkReese]

Good that you found value in it for your needs!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

This is another one of those comparisons where I think it completely depends on if you want the comprehensive benefits across a broad spectrum (w/ the Plat) or are loyal to Delta in particular and want to continue that loyalty in a bigger way. It seems we align on that notion! I always appreciate your comprehensive reviews, so thank you for another great one Mark!

[@MarkReese]

That's right!

[@mghostsoft1]

Very informative and helpful video. I’d like to add two points: 1. I’d value Delta miles as 1.5 cents, especially considering the 15% discount on miles redemption (making miles ~18% more valuable). I can consistently find flights with at least 1.5 CPP when booking with miles (it’s not always the case, but for most people they can use miles faster than earning them anyway, so it’s safe to assume 1.5 CPP in this case). 2. There’s a 6 cents per 100 points fee when transferring points from Amex to Delta (capped at $100 per transaction), so if transferring to Delta, Amax MR points worth slightly less than Delta SkyMiles.

[@MarkReese]

Great points above! I forgot to mention the Excise Tax Offset Fee.

[@itsagreatday9765]

I have both cards and got them for the bonus (100k for Amex Platinum, 125k for Delta Reserve) making them a no brainer for the first year. I fly Delta pretty often so the Status boost and MQD waiver is huge. I don't think you pointed this out in the video but if you put 25k of spend on the card, you get a MQD waiver all the way up to Delta Platinum status. That's huge because hitting MQMs can be easy with rollover but MQDs are much harder to hit unless you travel a boatload. I love the Delta Skyclub access and will never give that up. I've decided for year #2 I'll be canceling the Amex Platinum and keeping the Delta Reserve. I already have an Amex Everyday card to keep my MR points intact and do plan to add the Amex Gold when can get a nice elevated bonus (currently in popup jail). Thanks for the great content!

[@MarkReese]

The MQD Waiver was mentioned at 9:00 in the video. I left out the requirement details as an individual review video is better suited for that ✌️ Great that you found value in having both cards! 💯

[@chriscrowe87]

Think you under stated the flight companion voucher with the delta reserve (lower 48 unless you live in Alaska or Hawaii than it applies to them). It’s a free 1st class ticket for your companion if you purchased a 1st class, business, economy plus etc. Equal to which ever you purchased. Spend 1k on first class and get another free. That’s 1,000 dollar value. the delta platinum companion voucher is only for main cabin. (You can pay out of pocket to upgrade after)

[@MarkReese]

It's a fantastic benefit!

[@chrisbrown8748]

What a great video👍🏽👍🏽. This is the type of content that separates you from everyone else.

[@MarkReese]

Thanks Chris! 🏆

[@narkenorton]

You saved me from making a dumb decision today. Thank you!!!

[@MarkReese]

You bet!

[@Americanomondays]

I have both the personal Platinum, and a business Delta Reserve. They do overlap in some areas, but I realized a while back that neither of my Ink Business Unlimited or my Blue Business Plus had any travel protections, and most of the travel I do is for my production work as a Commercial photographer. I had considered getting the business platinum, but the benefits of the first bag checked - plus priority boarding are so important when I’m traveling with gear and need to make sure that I board early and never have my gear get gate checked. That said, we book all of our personal fights with the platinum for the 5X points, and all of it’s travel protections - so it’s a good combo to have for both personal and business needs. NOTE - I will still be using my Ink Business Unlimited for all rental cars for business, which I have to do a good amount of when shooting out of state - due to its primary rental coverage. That’s one thing I wish these cards would offer at their premium rates.

[@MarkReese]

Makes good sense! I agree that premium travel cards should offer primary car rental insurance.

[@nichtsistkostenlos6565]

I use a lot of the credits for the Platinum card naturally and easily overcome the annual fee without any real effort, and my home airport is a United hub, with very little Delta traffic, so the choice is very easy for me. Still watching the video though, because I always find these comparisons interesting.

[@MarkReese]

Nice to have the credits work with your lifestyle 💯

[@KingGreen78]

For the same reason i canceled my airline credit cards, I had the delta and united mileage back when i was a pup in the credit card game

[@MarkReese]

💯✈️

[@jimmyjames6492]

Great comparison video! Thanks for the the detailed info!

[@MarkReese]

You're welcome!

[@SomeDudeSomewhereOverThere]

I was JUST looking at whether I should upgrade my Delta Platinum to the Reserve even though I have the Amex Platinum. Thanks for the perfect coincidence

[@MarkReese]

Great timing!

[@chrisv4920]

Is this an upgraded background? 😅….. Great content as always!

[@MarkReese]

No just temporary while traveling. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@cxptain3vil193]

This is actually a very good video because I live in a city where ONLY delta flies out of the nearest airport so it makes sense why I should decide on which card I will benefit from

[@MarkReese]

Glad it helped!

[@rayrayfx]

I am thinking about replacing my platinum card and keeping my gold, along with replacing and focusing on the reserve card. Could you please revisit this video and make an updated version due to the updated benefits to the reserve

[@MarkReese]

I'll consider it!

[@bobv5806]

Good timing! The current 85,000 mile offer from the Delta Reserve is tempting. It’s my Platinum card’s anniversary and they aren’t offering a retention bonus. Agree with Mark's scorecard at the end.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@bobv5806]

@@MarkReese Decided to just keep the Platinum, even without a bonus, due to the flexibility. If I were at a Delta hub the math may have been different. Great comparison, thanks!

[@MarkReese]

@@bobv5806 - Flexibility has a lot of value!

[@khanscombe619]

Good review. I us3 American Airlines mainly but good to have options

[@MarkReese]

💯✈️

[@Dwilsonmusic145]

My opinion is that the platinum is the better option because of the flexibility of the points you earn.

[@MarkReese]

Valid point!

[@conquerordie230]

For me, it’s the Platinum. I like having the flexibility that Membership Reward points gives me.

[@MarkReese]

🏆

[@BobBacheler]

Terrific detailed analysis!

[@MarkReese]

Thanks!

[@JabbaDaNut156]

Great content! Thanks Mark

[@MarkReese]

You bet!

[@jmbwashi]

I keep going back and forth with these two cards. I think I might keep my Delta Platinum and get the AMEX Platinum down the road.

[@MarkReese]

Sounds good!

[@zacharyraper2920]

Very interesting! I have been thinking of adding the delta reserve card to my lineup, and would use the SUB for a positioning flight. Used to have the platinum and couldn’t justify the AF. hearing all of this I’m starting to wonder if there is a case for both…

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@Gianfrancomf]

Great video Mark. I was recently debating if I should get the Delta Reserve to build status in Delta but mainly want it for the seat upgrades. I have the Amex Platinum though.

[@MarkReese]

💯✈️

[@ohmyrufiohhh1303]

Amex platinum all the way. No direct flights for me ever for delta since I live in Houston. I’d have to layover at one of their hubs which is a big inconvenience.

[@MarkReese]

I hear ya on that. The Delta Reserve is a great card, but I've never had it because Delta itself has just about 0 utility for me 😄

[@TheAMEXBoss]

Great comparison Mark! Seems to me unless you're a die hard Delta flyer, the Platinum card will be much more valuable to most people!

[@MarkReese]

Indeed! 👊

[@Anthonyjones-pq4ff]

Mark what about the Delta Gold my Delta hub is ORD thkn about it for the bags .I fly about four times a year

[@MarkReese]

@@Anthonyjones-pq4ff - Some will benefit from it, others will not. Only you can determine if it meets your wants / needs ✌ Here's a link to a review video I did about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goWaZmSsqJ2VmLM

[@mrdkr]

If you pay with Delta points and pay taxes and fees with Amex Platinum you are still eligible to access Delta Sky Lounges. This will also trigger the $200 credit.

[@MarkReese]

Awesome thanks for sharing this data point, MRDKR!

[@vsanchez1993]

If you use this method do you still get all Delta Reserve travel protections even tho Reserve card was not used?

[@mrdkr]

@@vsanchez1993 I have a Delta Gold card and even if I pay fees with Platinum, I still have my first checked bag fee waived. I’m not sure if you need to pay in full for flight to have all protections.

[@joec4720]

Do you have to book your flight with the reserve card to get an upgrade?

[@MarkReese]

From what I read in the terms, I don't see anything saying you need to use the Delta Reserve card.

[@10MinuteWalkDaily]

superb info!

[@bt3299]

Thumbs up, Amex Platinum Tops this challenge... for the record Having the Amex Delta Platinum is a lower annual fee option and is what I use

[@MarkReese]

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card = great card too 💯

[@ronniedeyro1979]

I have the Delta Reserve and I feel like it fits my needs better .

[@MarkReese]

Awesome! ✈

[@Tim_Gravy]

@markreese am i missing something i only see 1000 for purchase protection per occurrence now vs the 10k everyone lists on their videos. Was this recently changed?

[@MarkReese]

It's $10,000. Here's a link to the Purchase Protection terms for all the Amex cards that offer it: www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/features-benefits/policies/purchase-protection-terms.html

[@Tim_Gravy]

@@MarkReese Ahh, ty, also is the Cruise Credit new? And the way i saw it for 1000 is under the website when ur applying and u click benefits. Maybe i clicked the wrong card. Ty for reply

[@MarkReese]

@@Tim_Gravy - I don't know the dates when the cruise benefit was added. It's been there for some years though.

[@Jp0102]

It might sound crazy, but I prefer Bank of America elite card, the perks and insurance are better, plus unlimited lounge access with 2 free guesses. Even if you are not a preferred reward, or if you are at least gold, it makes sense to me. Platinum I don't use those credits. And I don't like to stick with one airline, I always like to have options. And the world we are living, and like to stick with one brand. And I forgot it gives you 20% discount on every flight you book. And that can go a long way. People are sleeping with that card.

[@MarkReese]

Glad to hear you find value in the BOA Premium Rewards Elite Card! Also, that 20% discount is for _award flights only_ ✈️

[@Jp0102]

@Mark Reese // Credit & Finance BTW, great video like always 👌, a couple of years following you, and always good content

[@MarkReese]

@@Jp0102 - I appreciate the support! Glad you find value in the channel 🎬

[@jakmere]

Update on the amex sign on bonus: it's now at 125,000 points after $6000 spend in 6 months. Already have the Delta Reserve - not sure I want to pay another $695 to have the platinum. But that's a pretty good deal for the right person.

[@MarkReese]

The welcome offer varies throughout the year. The standard offer is currently 80K, although targeted offers may be floating around for 100K, 125K, and 150K.

[@johnchitty2804]

Hey mark did you hear about the supposed amex and delta lounge access restrictions. I hope its not true but Ive got a bad feeling. The overcrowding is an issue 😢😢

[@MarkReese]

Yep I read about it a day or two ago. Delta Sky Clubs need to find a solution to the overcrowding issue.

[@johnchitty2804]

@@MarkReese agreed. I wish we could just have more lounges. The idea of restricted access while holding a premium card is nuts.

[@MarkReese]

@@johnchitty2804 - But without the premium card...there's no access at all 😬 Another problem...when premium cards have close to 0 exclusivity and everyone / anyone gets them due to very strong marketing efforts by the banks & airlines.

[@johnchitty2804]

@@MarkReese yikes. Great point. Glad im not the guy making these decisions. Id be so stressed out. Wonder how the masses will take this news.

[@DjSuperDuke]

This was good, I just got the Delta Sky and was about to call Amex beccuase I wanted 5X points instead.

[@MarkReese]

Thanks 👊 Just be aware that the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card's benefit changed recently. Until I make an updated video, check out Amex's website for the latest info. The rewards categories have not changed though.

[@charleswheat3251]

Does baggage insurance only work on paid flights or can you use Miles

[@MarkReese]

Depends on the card & policy. Which card are you wondering about?

[@charleswheat3251]

@@MarkReese I have the Delta business platinum

[@MarkReese]

@@charleswheat3251 - Seems to me that only Amex Membership Rewards point redemptions are valid. Not totally sure. See the 2nd page of the guide at this link: www.americanexpress.com/content/dam/amex/us/credit-cards/features-benefits/BIP-Benefit-Guide_311-328_EDT_10.20_REV_08.22.pdf

[@charleswheat3251]

@@MarkReese ok thanks for the help!

[@thetrainhopper8992]

After they announced what they’re doing with the program, I’m regretting getting a Delta card. Platinum isn’t worth the money and there are other cards where you can get similar benefits.

[@MarkReese]

Delta admitted they went too far. Some changes are expected to be forthcoming.

[@thetrainhopper8992]

@@MarkReese too far too fast, which means it’s all going to happen eventually, assuming Ed Bastian doesn’t get sacked.

[@QueenConsious]

Amex just sent me offer to upgrade my green card to platinum why they didn’t give me the gold card instead I have no reason to get the platinum that’s what they do when I’m getting ready to cancel my green card and then they was going to give me 100,000 in reward points on the platinum which is more than the 80,000 they should have did that with the Gold I canceling my green card on May 16

[@MarkReese]

I don't have a way of knowing how / why Amex targets people for certain cards and not others 😄

[@QueenConsious]

@@MrBankRelations thanks for letting me they sent me another offer for 125,000 bonus points I just got my other cards and my Hilton honor cards to swipe for travel so it’s really no reason for me to get the platinum right now I am thinking about getting the capital one Venture X next year since I already have the SavorOne and quicksilver with them I got 3 hard inquiries coming off my report this year I can’t wait for that to happen so I’ll only have 1 inquires left which is AWESOME 👏 I’ll probably just wait until a credit company comes out with a new card that have different benefits that I don’t have with my other cards already

[@kazi1]

I'd personally just get the Amex platinum

[@MarkReese]

👍

[@albertcastro409]

These cards are good if you travel a lot. I only travel only one time out of the year

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@apexgaming9659]

Quick question, is the delta reserve a charge card or a credit card?

[@MarkReese]

Delta Reserve = credit card.

[@iGimmie]

I thought there was a Amex points to Delta points tax

[@MarkReese]

Good point, I should've mentioned that. It's the Excise Tax Offset Fee = $0.0006 per point up to a maximum of $99. So in the example from the video... 10,000 Amex points = 8,800 Delta SkMiles (if you pay w/ miles) Or... 10,000 Amex points = 10,000 Delta SkyMiles + $6.00 charge (if you pay via credit card)

[@Creditcardnerd]

Love you mark!

[@MarkReese]

👊

[@pungentzeus]

dude if i have a 125k offer from amex for platinum or the 50k from delta, which should i snatch knowing i want a travel card?

[@MarkReese]

1. Can you use enough of the credits on the Amex Platinum Card to make sense of the $695 fee? 2. How often do you fly Delta? How much do you value perks / status on Delta? 3. Which Delta card do you see 50K on? If it's the Delta Reserve, check incognito / private browser windows. You may be able to find a 100K offer + 10K MQMs.

[@pungentzeus]

@@MarkReese Hey hey - I fly round trip with Delta around 3-5 times a year RT but plan on travelling significantly more. I generally spend around 25-30k on CC's (paid off in full monthly) - have about 3-4 trips to book RT going into the latter half of the year and really want to pick a card. I am going nuts trying to make a decision. I came back to this video to see your reply, sorry for the delay. I am seeing 85k on DR now, too.

[@pungentzeus]

I also guess I should be asking about getting another card - I currently have 4.5% back on category of choice with my BoA card and an Amex Blue Cash - I have an AWFUL CO Quicksilver that I only have because it's my oldest account...guess I'm trying to figure out my next best CC, ideally something with travel perks.

[@pungentzeus]

@@MarkReese also I wouldn't use the equinox/clear (already have global entry) credits for Platty

[@MarkReese]

@@pungentzeus - Is the goal more to earn points for "free" travel? Or is the goal more to get perks / benefits on paid flights?

[@joeyleerobbins]

I think most people who are in the points and miles side would go with Platinum. Delta has continually devalued their points and are super stingy with award availability to partners.

[@MarkReese]

Some of those devaluations have been brutal.

[@joeyleerobbins]

@@MarkReese Yes sir they have. Thank you for the comment I so enjoy your content! Here recently I have tried my best to locate some Delta One award availability to Europe and have had zero luck finding anything through next year...very disappointing...

[@chacri08]

Delta Amex is not worth it….

[@leprechaun4gold221]

Neither is bold, for $995 a Leprechaun goes the Luxury Gold!

[@MarkReese]

Haha such an insane price tag 😆

[@nowellclay1283]

I Have not finished the video, But I have the delta gold card and I don't like it. I did it for the 70k signup bonus and wasn't ready to get the Amex gold card. Will get the Amex gold card in the fall and before I pay the annual fee I will downgrade to the blue delta card. I do plan on converting some Amex points to delta in the fall. Second, i do plan on getting into real estate, Agent, landlord, and flipping I do plan on getting the Purple business delta card.

[@MarkReese]

Sounds good! Have fun with the real estate venture! 🏡

[@nowellclay1283]

@@MarkReese Thank you . I have been opening credit cards every 6 months to a year and putting my tuition and so when I graduate college I've got a nice collection of miles.

[@bukullaniciadi]

Delta amex is not worth it

[@berryzedzero]

Not saying I'm back in the game, but amex points are infinitely more useful...

[@MarkReese]

🏆

[@pseven21]

But you really shouldn’t use the amex platinum for everyday purchases because of terrible multipliers

[@berryzedzero]

@@pseven21 that's the game talking. It's fine to use the plat for everything.

[@pseven21]

@@berryzedzerosure but for those in the game, please do not get a $695 annual fee credit card to put your dining or grocery purchases onto when there are free no annual fee cards give 300% more points for the same thing.

[@qahtanalqaysi5116]

In my case I like having both I my wallet as Atlanta, GA resident 😊

[@MarkReese]

Totally understand why! ✈️📍

[@kazi1]

Hi

[@MarkReese]

Hi!

[@SOXGATORS]

👍🏻

[@MarkReese]

💯

[@J0HN_3_16]

Delta continues to devalue Skymiles to the point they are essentially worthless. The Amex Platinum is overpriced but at least Amex points have value.

[@MarkReese]

While there's still value to be had with Delta SkyMiles, I agree that the devaluations have been wild over the years. It's a bummer.

[@bobv5806]

The new TakeOff15 discount gives some of that value back for cardholders.