Delta Reserve vs. AmEx Platinum: Platinum Is the Top-Flight Choice for Most Air Travelers

Frequent flyers who want to travel in comfort and style — and who aren’t dissuaded by high annual fees — will likely find their needs satisfied by a premium travel card. And two of the best on the market right now are the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Both options come with hefty annual fees, but cardholders can make up the cost by taking advantage of the cards' generous perks. It may be easier to do so with The Platinum Card® from American Express, though, and its $1,500 in annual credits.

Redemption choices are also more varied and valuable with The Platinum Card® from American Express, which allows Membership Points to be transferred to 20 travel loyalty partners. Meanwhile, miles earned with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card are only good for Delta flights. Plus, you'll gain access to more airport lounges with The Platinum Card® from American Express than with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

Here's how to decide which card is right for you.

At a glance

Why The Platinum Card® from American Express is better for most people

Credits

Most of the annual credits that come with The Platinum Card® from American Express are meant to accommodate the frequent traveler. For instance, cardholders receive $200 a year for hotel bookings, $200 a year for airline fees like checked-bag fees, and a fee credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. Cardholders may or may not get much use out of some of the other perks, such as an annual $300 toward an Equinox gym membership. Overall, though, the menu of credits is broad enough to satisfy many people.

» MORE: Making the most of American Express Platinum’s credits

Redemption options

Purchases made with The Platinum Card® from American Express earn highly versatile Membership Rewards points. These points can be transferred to 17 airline and 3 hotel partners. Better still, they are worth more than the 1:1 transfer rate with a few airlines and hotels.

The American Express website has calculators that allow you to see how much your Membership Rewards points are worth when transferred to each of the loyalty partners.

» MORE: AmEx Membership Rewards: How to earn and use them

Lounge access

If you’re paying the three-figure annual fee for The Platinum Card® from American Express, it’s reasonable to expect a luxurious travel experience. You’ll likely find it in one of the more than 1,400 airport lounges that you’ll have access to when you carry the card.

Why you might want the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

You’re a Delta loyalist

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card will be most rewarding for those who prefer to fly with Delta. Perhaps the biggest draw is the annual companion certificate that’s good for a round-trip domestic flight. To redeem the companion ticket, you and your guest must travel in the same fare class — so if you choose to travel in first class, you get one first-class ticket free.

Your plus-one can also accompany you into the Delta Sky Clubs. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders get two one-time guest passes every year.

» MORE: The complete guide to Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program

Which card should you get?

For Delta lovers, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the clear choice over The Platinum Card® from American Express. The Delta companion pass is a rare commodity offered with only two other cards: the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

However, travelers who aren’t wedded to Delta and who enjoy the best amenities should opt for The Platinum Card® from American Express. It beats the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in terms of lounge access by, well, a mile. And the annual credits such as a $240 digital entertainment credit toward popular streaming services make The Platinum Card® from American Express even more appealing.