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Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

Both are airline travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority from Chase at $149/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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority — 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 CardSouthwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Annual fee$650$149
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles50,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,200$700
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categoryairlineairline
Best earning category (Delta)3x1x
Transfer partnersskymilesNone
Headline benefits
  • 15 Sky Club visits/year
  • First-class companion cert
  • $20/mo resy credit
  • MQD Headstart
  • 7,500 anniversary points
  • $75 annual travel credit
  • 4 upgraded boardings/year
  • Low $1,000 minimum spend
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
$149/yr · 50,000 points

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: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority

If Southwest is your airline, this is the card to have. The anniversary points and $75 travel credit nearly cover the annual fee, and the low $1,000 minimum spend makes the bonus easy to earn.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card has the bigger bonus — 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,200, versus 50,000 points (~$700) on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority at $149/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority 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. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: $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.