MileIntelKey Takeaways
- Amex Membership Rewards isn't part of an airline alliance; Delta SkyMiles is part of SkyTeam. If you fly internationally, your alliance determines your partner airline options.
- Amex Membership Rewards delivers higher average redemption value (1.8¢ vs. 1.1¢ per point), but raw value isn't everything — earning velocity and award availability matter too.
- Both share 1 transfer partner — you can earn flexibly and transfer to whichever program offers better value for a given trip.
- Choose Amex Membership Rewards if you're among travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners. Choose Delta SkyMiles if you're among travelers in Delta hub cities (ATL, MSP, DTW, SEA, SLC, JFK, LAX, BOS).
Quick comparison
| Category | Amex Membership RewardsAmerican Express | Delta SkyMilesDelta Air Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance | None | SkyTeam |
| Currency | points | miles |
| Earn Rate | 1-5x points per $1 depending on card and category. Earned through Platinum, Gold, and Green cards | 5 base miles per $1 on Main Cabin+ fares. Elite bonuses: Silver +2, Gold +3, Platinum +4, Diamond +6 miles per $1. Basic Economy does not earn miles |
| Avg Value | 1.8¢ per pointWinner | 1.1¢ per mile |
| Elite Tiers | None | Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, Diamond MedallionWinner |
| ExpirationTie | Points do not expire while at least one MR-earning card is open | Miles never expire as long as the account is active and in good standing |
| Transfer Partners | Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, British Airways Avios, Air France FlyingBlue, Singapore KrisFlyer, Cathay Asia Miles, Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Avianca LifeMiles, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia Plus, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, Choice PrivilegesWinner | Amex Membership Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy |
| Best For | Travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners | Travelers in Delta hub cities (ATL, MSP, DTW, SEA, SLC, JFK, LAX, BOS) |
Elite Qualification Comparison
Amex Membership Rewards
Like Chase, Amex MR doesn't have elite tiers — the 'qualification' is having the right card combination for earning and transfer access.
Any MR-earning card gives transfer access: Platinum, Gold, Green, or Business editions. Unlike Chase, there's no minimum card tier required.
Delta SkyMiles
Delta's MQD-only model is the simplest in the industry. Every dollar spent on Delta flights, Delta Vacations, and eligible purchases counts toward your MQD threshold. No segments, no points, no dual paths.
The Amex MQD Headstart is the key accelerator: Delta Platinum Amex gives $2,500 MQD Headstart, Delta Reserve gives $5,000 MQD Headstart (and the two types stack — holding both means $7,500 before your first flight). Additional MQD Boost comes from card spending throughout the year.
Upgrade Instruments
Amex Membership Rewards
Delta SkyMiles
- Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUCs)
- Upgrade to First/Delta One on domestic and short-haul international flights (under 2,500 miles). Can be applied at booking for confirmed upgrade or waitlisted. Platinum gets 4, Diamond gets 8 as a Choice Benefit option.
- Global Upgrade Certificates (GUCs)
- Upgrade to Delta One on any Delta-operated flight worldwide, including long-haul international. The most valuable upgrade instrument in the Delta ecosystem. Diamond gets 3 as a Choice Benefit option.
- Complimentary Upgrades
- Free upgrades to Comfort+ and First Class on domestic flights, cleared based on Medallion status, fare class, and check-in time. Diamond members clear most domestic flights; Silver clears sporadically on off-peak routes.
- Mileage Upgrades
- Pay miles + a co-pay to upgrade on select domestic flights. Available to all SkyMiles members, not just elites. Costs vary by route.
Best Redemption Sweet Spots
Amex Membership Rewards
- Transfer to ANAANA First Class (The Suite) · 110,000-165,000 miles round trip
- ANA's award chart for flights originating in Japan offers incredible value. Transfer MR to ANA and book round-trip US-Japan First Class for 165K miles — a product worth $20,000+.
- Transfer to Virgin AtlanticANA/Delta Business/First · Varies by route
- Virgin Atlantic partners with ANA and Delta. Transfer MR to Virgin for access to both carrier's premium cabins, sometimes at lower rates than booking directly.
- Transfer to DeltaDelta Flash Sales · Varies
- Watch for Delta SkyMiles flash sales and transfer MR to Delta to book. Delta One to Europe has been spotted at 39,000 miles one-way during sales.
Delta SkyMiles
- US domestic short-haulDelta First Class · 10,000-15,000 miles one-way
- Delta domestic first on short routes (under 2 hours) can price at Flash Sale levels during off-peak. The hard product is standard recliner but the service is excellent.
- US to Europe (e.g., JFK-AMS, ATL-CDG)Delta One · 50,000-85,000 miles one-way
- Delta One suites on the A350 and A330-900neo are competitive with any business class. Award availability is better than United Polaris on high-demand routes.
- US to Latin AmericaDelta One / First · 30,000-50,000 miles one-way
- Delta's Caribbean and Latin American network is strong from ATL and JFK. Miles often price lower than competitors on these routes.
Credit Card Strategy
Amex Membership Rewards
Amex Gold ($325/year) is the everyday workhorse: 4x dining + US supermarkets, $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash. Net cost ~$85 after credits.
Amex Platinum ($695/year) for premium travel: Centurion Lounges, $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, Marriott/Hilton Gold, $155 Walmart+ credit. Net cost varies by how many credits you use.
Delta SkyMiles
Delta Reserve Amex ($650/year) is the cornerstone: $5,000 MQD Headstart, Sky Club access on Delta flights, and Centurion Lounge access. The MQD Headstart alone can save you $5,000 in flights toward status.
Stack with Delta Platinum Amex ($350/year) for an additional $2,500 MQD Headstart = $7,500 total before flying. Add MQD Boost from card spending throughout the year.
Choose Amex Membership Rewards if you...
- Avg Value
- 1.8¢
- Elite Tiers
- 0
Travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners. American Express's transferable points currency with 21 transfer partners (18 airlines, 3 hotels), the widest selection of any credit card program.
Skip if:Travelers who fly United primarily — Amex doesn't transfer to United (use Chase instead)
Choose Delta SkyMiles if you...
- Avg Value
- 1.1¢
- Elite Tiers
- 4
Travelers in Delta hub cities (ATL, MSP, DTW, SEA, SLC, JFK, LAX, BOS). Delta Air Lines' loyalty program with MQD-only elite qualification. Miles never expire and the domestic network is one of the strongest in the US.
Skip if:International travelers who want Star Alliance or OneWorld partner awards — Delta's SkyTeam network is narrower
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your travel patterns and home airport. Amex Membership Rewards is best for travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners. Delta SkyMiles is best for travelers in Delta hub cities (ATL, MSP, DTW, SEA, SLC, JFK, LAX, BOS). The right program is the one that matches your most-flown routes and travel style.
Amex Membership Rewards: Points do not expire while at least one MR-earning card is open. Delta SkyMiles: Miles never expire as long as the account is active and in good standing.
While you can't transfer directly between Amex Membership Rewards and Delta SkyMiles, they share transfer partners through credit card programs, which can serve as a bridge between the two ecosystems.
Delta SkyMiles has traditional elite tiers, while Amex Membership Rewards operates differently.
Yes — if you have balances in both programs, MileIntel can track them side by side and recommend which program's miles to use for each specific trip. The right program can change based on your route, cabin, and what upgrade instruments you have available.
MileIntel is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any airline or loyalty program mentioned on this page. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
