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Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card vs Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card from American Express at $125/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card — its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express CardMarriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Annual fee$650$125
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles3 free nights
Bonus value (est.)$1,200$1,500
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo$6,000 in 6 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Card categoryairlinehotel
Best earning category (Delta)3x1x
Transfer partnersskymilesmarriott-bonvoy
Headline benefits
  • 15 Sky Club visits/year
  • First-class companion cert
  • $20/mo resy credit
  • MQD Headstart
  • Annual 35k Free Night Award
  • 15 elite nights/year
  • 6x at Marriott
  • Silver status
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
$125/yr · 3 free nights

Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Premium Delta business. Sky Club + first-class companion cert combined typically cover the fee for couples on a single trip. Stack with personal Delta Reserve only if you really want unlimited Sky Club.

Editorial take: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The Marriott business card pulls its weight on the annual Free Night cert alone — a 35k cat-property is routinely $250-400/night cash. Add 15 elite night credits and the dining stipend and the $125 fee is easy.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card or Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus — 3 free nights, worth roughly $1,500, versus 100,000 miles (~$1,200) on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
Premium cards like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card ($650/yr) earn their fee through credits — travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $650+ of those credits, the math works. The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card at $125/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card and Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card?
Yes, though both are issued by American Express so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both — they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: $6,000 in 6 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time — confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.