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Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card vs AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $650/yr; the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard from Barclays at $95/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 AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard — 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 CardAAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard
Annual fee$650$95
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles65,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$1,200$910
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressBarclays
Card categoryairlinebusiness
Best earning category (Delta)3x1x
Transfer partnersskymilesaadvantage
Headline benefits
  • 15 Sky Club visits/year
  • First-class companion cert
  • $20/mo resy credit
  • MQD Headstart
  • Free bag for 5 travelers
  • $30k spend = companion cert
  • Easy 65k sign-up
  • 2x on AA
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard
$95/yr · 65,000 miles

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: AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard

Cleanest AA business card under $100 fee. Free bags for 5 travelers + the $30k companion cert + an easy 65k bonus. Solid for any AA-leaning small business.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card or AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus — 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,200, versus 65,000 miles (~$910) on the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard?
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 AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card and AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Barclays) the application rules don't conflict. 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 AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard 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. AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard: $1,000 in 3 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.