by Daniel | Last Updated June 24th, 2024
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Are you a frequent flyer looking to maximize your travel perks and rewards?
Well in this article, I’m going to be diving into the elite world of airline reward credit cards from three of the biggest names in the skies: Delta, United, and American Airlines.
I’ll be exploring the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, the United Club Infinite Card, and the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.
These top-tier cards promise to enhance your travel experience with a host of benefits, from exclusive lounge access to bonus miles and luxury perks.
But which card is the best choice for you?
As all three of these cards have high annual fees you don’t want to make the mistake of choosing the wrong card.
So in this article I’m going to break down the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of each card, helping you decide which one deserves a place in your wallet.
Whether you’re a business traveler, a vacation enthusiast, or someone who simply loves the perks of premium travel, this review is here to help you make the right choice.
So sit back, relax and let’s get started,
Who Are These Cards Good For?
Now these elite airline reward credit cards do actually cater to different types of travelers.
So let’s take a closer look at each card to see which one might suit you the most.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
- Annual Fee: $650
- Sign Up Bonus: 95,000 miles
- Miles Value: 1.2 cents per mile
So starting first with the most expensive card in this review is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex card.
Now although having a high annual fee might be a bit of a turn off, if you manage to make use of the benefits that come with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card, you will easily make up for the annual fee and be left with a ton of value.
Frequent Delta Flyers
If you frequently fly with Delta Airlines, this card is a no-brainer. It offers extensive perks with Delta, including complimentary upgrades and access to the Delta Sky Club and Centurion lounge.
Luxury Seekers
It is specifically Ideal for those who value premium travel experiences, as this card provides you with benefits such as a companion certificate for a roundtrip first class flight within the US, Caribbean, or Central American.
Mileage Maximizers
Then travelers looking to earn and maximize Delta SkyMiles will be able to do so through their everyday spending and travel-related purchases.
United Club Infinite Card
- Annual Fee: $525
- Sign Up Bonus: 90,000 miles
- Miles Value: 1.2 cents per mile
So the second card on the list is the United Club Infinite Card, and it just so happens the be the most affordable card in review.
Now that doest mean it is any less of card, it still offers a ton of value.
United Airlines Loyalists
It is perfect for frequent United Airlines passengers, offering seamless access to United Club lounges and numerous United-specific perks.
Frequent Travelers
This card provides benefits such as priority boarding, 2 free checked bags, and expanded award availability, making it a great option for those who travel frequently.
Premium Travelers
And if you enjoy premium travel, this card includes benefits such as complimentary upgrades and Premier Access travel services.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
- Annual Fee: $595
- Sign Up Bonus:100,000 miles
- Miles Value: 1.5 cents per mile
So the last card on this list is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.
And this card sits right in the middle when it comes to cost of the annual fee.
American Airlines Regulars
This card is best suited for those who fly with American Airlines on a regular basis as it offers an Admirals Club membership and other AA-specific perks.
Travel Enthusiasts
If you love to travel and want to earn AAdvantage miles quickly, this card is excellent due to its generous earning structure and elite status benefits
Family Travelers
With benefits such as free checked bags for up to eight travel companions, this card is a great choice for families who travel frequently on American Airlines.
Annual Fee And Sign-up Bonus
Now one of the first things that a lot people look at when getting new credit card is how valuable the sign-up bonus is and how much the annual fee is.
And obviously this is an important factor to consider when choosing a credit card, as you want to try and get a much value as you possibly can.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
So starting first with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex card the annual fee is $650, which makes it the most expensive card on this list.
Now currently it is possible to earn 95,000 bonus miles if you manage to spend $6,000 within the first 6 months of opening the account.
And with Delta Miles being valued at around 1.2 cents per mile, this sign-up bonus is worth $1,140, which is a decent amount.
Now it’s worth noting that this card offers you a benefit called ‘TakeOff15’, and with this you will receive a 15% discount on Delta operated flights that book using your own miles.
This can really help to provide you with a substantial amount of value.
United Club Infinite Card
So the next card on the list is the United Club Infinite Card which has an annual fee of $525.This makes it the most affordable card in this review.
Now currently its is possible to earn 90,000 bonus miles if you can manage to spend $5,000 on the card within the first 3 months of card-ownership.
So you only have half the time available to meet the spend requirement compared to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card.
And with United miles being valued at around 1.2 cent per miles, this sign-up bonus is worth $1,080.
Now if you add an authorized user to your account within the first 3 months of opening the account you will actually receive an additional 5,000 bonus miles.
And somewhat similar to the Delta Reserve cards ‘Take15Off’ benefit, the United Club Infinite Card provides you with a 10% discount on award flights in United economy that are within the US and Canada.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
So the last card on the list is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.
Now this card has an annual fee of $595 which is not cheap, but it is $55 less than what the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card is asking.
And currently it is possible to earn 100,000 bonus miles if you can manage to spend a rather large $10,000 in the first 3 month of opening the account.
Thats twice as much as what the United Club Infinite Card requires to receive its sign-up bonus.
Now with America Airlines Advantage miles being valued at around 1.5 cents per miles, this sign-up bonus is worth about $1,500, which is quite a bit more than the other 2 cards.
So all cards offer a sign-up bonus that is worth at least $1,000, one thing you should take note of is the amount you need to spend to receive the bonus and how long you have to meet the spend requirement.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve card has the most relaxed option, as it offers you 6 months to meet the $6,000 spend requirement.
Wheres the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard has the strictest option as it only allow you 3 months to meet the $10,000 spend requirement.
Which Card Has The Best Miles Earning Potential?
So now we know how much each card costs on an annual basis and what they are offering as a sign-up bonus, we now need to look at the miles earning ability of each card.
This in my opinion is a really important indicator of how much additional value the card can offer you.
The more miles you can earn from different categories can really to help provide you with a ton of extra value.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
So starting first with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card there are only two options for earning Miles, which is a bit of a disappointment.
Essentially it is possible to earn 3x miles for any purchases that are made directly with Delta.
Then everything else will earn you just 1 miles per dollar spent.
So if you spend a ton of money directly through Delta, this is great, as you ill earn quite a lot of miles.
But for everything else you use the card to pay for, you will only earn 1 mile per dollar, which is not great.
United Club Infinite Card
Now with the United Club Infinite Card you have quite a lot more options for earning mies.
Starting right at the top, if you are United MilesPlus member (which is free) it is possible to earn an impressive 9x miles on United flight.
All other purchases that are made with United will then earn 4x miles, this includes hotels that are booked through United hotels.
It is then possible to earn 2x miles on pretty much all other travel outside of United.
Along with this, it is also possible to earn 2x miles on dining and food delivery services.
All other purchases that are made on the card will earn you 1 miles per dollar spent.
So as you can see, the United Club Infinite card has a much better miles earning structure than the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.
If you do spend quite a large amount on your credit card each year, this can really add a lot of value.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Now with the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard you also have a decent variety of ways to earn miles when using the card.
Starting right at the top, it is possible to earn 10x miles on both hotels bookings that are made through aa.com/hotels and for car rentals that are booked through aa.com/cars
It is then possible to earn a decent 4x miles for eligible American Airlines purchases, and if you manage to spend $150,000 on the card within a calendar year, this will be put up to 5x miles per dollar spent
Then all other purses that are made on the card will earn you 1 mile per dollar spent.
So somewhat similar to the United Club Infinite Card, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard can provide you with a ton of value by earning miles.
Which Card Has The Best Benefits And Perks?
So now that I’ve covered the annual fee, sign-up bonus and miles earning potential of each card, let’s take a look at the benefits that actually come with each card.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
And starting first with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card the most valuable benefit on offer is the Annual Companion Certificate, and this basically provides you with either a First class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin domestic ,Caribbean, or Central American round trip fare.
This can potentially be worth literally thousands of dollars depending on when and where you fly.
But it’s important to know that it is only available to you once you have held the card for 1 year and then payed for the following year of card ownership.
Now another valuable benefit that is provided with this card is access to both the Delta Sky Club and the Centurion Lounge.
But there are a few things to know, with the Delta Sky Club (at least from next year – 2025) you will only be provided with 15 visits each year.
Also, if you are flying on Basic Economy, you will not be allowed access to the lounge.
If you want to visit a Delta lounge more than 15 times, you will need to spend $75,000 on the card within the year, this will then allow for unlimited visits for the remainder of the year.
Then with the Centurion Lounge you will have access as a card member, and you will also have the ability to bring along 2 guests, but it will cost you $50 per guest.
It is worth noting that to gain access to either of these lounges, you must be flying on a same day Delta flight.
Now there is still a ton of benefits that come with Delta SkyMies Reserve card, the first being a $200 Delta Stays credit.
This basically provides you with a $200 credit when you book either a hotel or vacation rental through Delta Stays at delta.com.
Then there is a $240 Resy credit which is provided in $20 allotments each month.
This can be used for Us based Resy Restaurants.
To use it, all you need to do is create a Resy account and then make a reservation via either Resy.com or on the Resy app.
You will also receive a $120 Rideshare credit that is provide to you in $10 allotments.
This can be used through the following businesses:
Uber, Lyft, Curb, Revel, and Alto.
There is a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
Then there is the $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year.
And you will be able to earn able to earn $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar per $10 spent on the Reserve card.
You will get access to Hertz President’s Circle Status.
Then when flying on Delta you will receive 20% back on in flight purchases.
Along with this you will be eligible for the Complimentary Upgrade List, and Priority Boarding.
you will receive your first checked bag free of charge.
Then when using your own Delta miles to book a flight, you will receive a 15% discount ia the ‘TakeOff 15’ benefit.
Along with this, there is the ability to receive $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem through Pay with Miles.
United Club Infinite Card
So next up is the United Club Infinite Card, and the most valuable benefit on offer with this card is a United Club membership, and this is valued at $650.
Basically this will provide you with complimentary access for you and two guests that are flying on the same flight to over 45 United Club locations worldwide and Star Alliance affiliated lounges worldwide.
You will also have access to six different United Polaris lounges, although you will need to be flying business class to access these lounges.
So unlike the Delta SkyMiles Reserve cards lounge access that is some what limited, the united Club Infinate card allows for unlimited lounge access for you and 2 guests.
Now along with this there are a few more valuable benefits that are included with this card which are:
Premier Access travel service, this basically provides you with enhanced check in and security screening.
This should make your travel a bit easier.
You will also save 25% back on United inflight and Club premium drink purchases.
Then your first and second checked bags free of charge for you and one companion traveling with you on the same reservation.
There is Premier upgrades on award tickets.
It is also possible to receive a 10% discount on United Economy Saver Award flights that are from within the continental U.S. and Canada.
And to receive the 10% discount, the booking must be made by the primary Cardholder using their own United miles.
You can earn Premier qualifying points or (PQP’s) at a rate of 25 PQPs for every $500 that you spend.
And this is capped at 10,000 PQPs in a calendar year.
Similar to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card there is a $100 credit that can be used for either Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS.
There is IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status.
And with this you will receive $75 in statement credits each year that can be used at IHG hotels.
You are also be eligible for room upgrades late checkouts times when they are available.
Then finally you will receive access to Avis President’s Club, this essentially allows you to enjoy a few extra perks from Avis.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
So the last card is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, and the most valuable benefit on offer with this card is a Complimentary Admirals Club membership that is worth $850.
This basically gives you access to 50 Admirals Club lounges and more than 60 partner lounges worldwide.
And you can bring along 2 guest free of charge.
There is a $120 credit that can be used through Gubhub, and this is provided in $10 allotments each month.
There is a $120 Lyft credit that is also provided to you in $10 monthly allotments, but you must first make 3 eligible rides each month before you receive the $10 credit.
Then for every $1 you spend at Avis or Budget car rentals, you will receive a $1 credit up to a total of $120 each year.
When flying on a domestic American Airlines flight you will get your first checked bag free of charge for you and up to 8 travel companions that are flying on the same reservation.
There is then a 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchase that are Mande on American Airline flights when using the card.
You will receive a $100 credit that can be used for either TSA PreCheck or Global entry.
And finally its s possible to earn 20,000 additional Loyalty points.
So once you reach 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status year on your account you will receive a bonus 10,000 points.
The when you reach 90,000 Loyalty Points you will get an additional 10,000 points.
Just note that it must be in the same status qualification year.
Final Thoughts
So that covers pretty much everything you need to know about these 3 cards, and to be honest they all offer a decent amount of value.
Now obviously it’s worth considering which benefits you will actually use and take advantage, as If you get one of these cards and don’t use the benefits effectively, you will most probably be wasting your money.
Along with this, if you have a preferred airline, it will be pretty simple to which card you want.
So looking at each section let’s do a quick recap of how the cards compare.
Annual Fee
In terms of the annual fee the United Club Infinite Card is the cheapest with an annual fee of $525.
Then the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard comes in second with an annual of $595
And the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card comes in last with an annual fee of $650.
- United Club Infinite Card
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve card
Sign-up Bonus
When it comes to the value of the sign-up bonus, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard comes out on top with a value of $1,500.
Coming in second is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card with a sign-up value of $1,140.
And coming in last is the United Club Infinite Card with a sign-up value of $1,080.
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve card
- United Club Infinite Card
Earning Miles
Now if you want to earn a ton of miles the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard has the highest miles earnings potential of all three card.
However, the United Club Infinite Card has a slightly wide range of options to chose from for earning miles.
Unfortunately, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card is pretty underwhelming when it comes to its ability to provide you with the ability to earn miles.
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
- United Club Infinite Card
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve card
Benefits and Perks
So last but not least is benefits and perks, and at the top of the list is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.
This card provides quite a lot more value than both the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard and the United Club Infinite Card.
Specifically because of the Companion Certificate, this can be worth literally thousands of dollars each year.
Coming in second is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, specifically thanks to the additional credits with Grubhub, Lyft and select car rental companies.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve card
- Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
- United Club Infinite Card
So when it comes to choosing the best travel credit card it really depends on what you are looking for in card and which benefits you will actually use.
If I were to choose one of these cards, I would personally go for the Delta SkyMies Reserve card as I like to fly with Delta.
I also like using the Delta SkyClub and Centurion Lounge, as I find they are pretty good compared to other lounges.
And the fact that you can get a Companion Certificate that allows for a First class round trip is a fantastic benefit to have access to.
Now if you want to learn more about either of these credit cards you can click here to learn about the Delta SkyMiles credit cards or click here to learn about the United MilagePlus credit cards.