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Program Comparison

Amex Membership Rewards vs Delta SkyMiles

A detailed comparison of Amex Membership Rewards and Delta SkyMiles to help you decide which loyalty program is the best fit for your travel needs.

Amex Membership Rewards

American Express

Delta SkyMiles

Delta Air Lines

None
Alliance
SkyTeam
points
Currency
miles
1-5x points per $1 depending on card and category. Earned through Platinum, Gold, and Green cards
Earn Rate
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
1.8¢ per point
Avg Value
1.1¢ per mile
None
Elite Tiers
Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, Diamond Medallion
Points do not expire while at least one MR-earning card is open
Expiration
Miles never expire as long as the account is active and in good standing
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 Privileges
Transfer Partners
Amex Membership Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy
Travelers wanting the widest range of airline and hotel transfer partners
Best For
Travelers in Delta hub cities (ATL, MSP, DTW, SEA, SLC, JFK, LAX, BOS)

Choose Amex Membership Rewards if you...

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.

Choose Delta SkyMiles if you...

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Amex Membership Rewards or Delta SkyMiles?

It depends on your travel patterns. 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). Consider your home airport, preferred destinations, and how often you travel when choosing.

Do Amex Membership Rewards or Delta SkyMiles miles expire?

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.

Can I transfer points between Amex Membership Rewards and Delta SkyMiles?

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.

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