Travel Credit Cards · Tool Face-Off

Delta SkyMiles Credit Card vs American Airlines AAdvantage Credit Card

Quick answer

Both cards lock you into airline ecosystems, but Delta's SkyMiles card edges out with more flexible redemption and fewer blackout dates. AAdvantage wins for frequent AA flyers chasing status.

Our pick

Delta SkyMiles Credit Card

Fly Delta more, stress less — miles that never expire

3.7★

American Airlines AAdvantage Credit Card

Rack up AAdvantage miles and fly the world's largest airline

3.5★

Issuer

American Express

Citi or Barclays

Annual Fee (base card)

$0 intro, then $150/yr (Gold)

$99/yr (waived year 1)

Sign-Up Bonus

40,000–70,000 miles (varies)

50,000–75,000 miles (varies)

Base Earning Rate

1 mile per $1

Airline Spend Bonus

3x miles on Delta purchases

2x miles on AA purchases

Miles Expiration

Never expire

Expire after 18 months of inactivity

Free Checked Bag

1st bag free for cardholder + up to 8 companions

1st bag free for cardholder + up to 4 companions

Lounge Access

Delta Sky Club at $50/visit (Reserve card: unlimited)

Admirals Club not included; day passes ~$79

Blackout Dates

None

None (MileSAAver awards have limited seats)

Alliance

SkyTeam (19 airlines)

Oneworld (13 airlines)

Transfer Partners

Limited (no hotel transfers)

More hotel & partner options via Oneworld

In-Flight Discount

20% back on in-flight purchases

25% back on in-flight purchases

Delta SkyMiles Credit Card

Ease of Use★★★★½

Earning Rate★★★½☆

Lounge Access★★★☆☆

Partner Network★★★½☆

Annual Fee Value★★★½☆

Perks & Benefits★★★★☆

Redemption Flexibility★★★★☆

American Airlines AAdvantage Credit Card

Ease of Use★★★★☆

Earning Rate★★★½☆

Lounge Access★★½☆☆

Partner Network★★★★☆

Annual Fee Value★★★★☆

Perks & Benefits★★★½☆

Redemption Flexibility★★★☆☆

Worth knowing

Delta SkyMiles never expire — great if you're a casual or infrequent flyer who hoards miles slowly.
AAdvantage miles expire after 18 months of account inactivity, so set a calendar reminder.
Delta's free checked bag perk covers up to 8 companions on the same reservation — a huge family travel win.
American Airlines is the world's largest airline by fleet size, giving AAdvantage holders enormous route coverage.
Both cards offer priority boarding, but neither base card includes full lounge access without upgrading to a premium tier.

Delta SkyMiles has been lovingly nicknamed 'SkyPesos' by travel hackers due to historically low award redemption values — yet people keep collecting them by the millions.

If you want

You fly Delta regularly and travel with family

Free bags for up to 8 companions and miles that never expire make it a no-brainer for Delta loyalists.

→ Pick Delta SkyMiles Credit Card

If you want

You want the lowest annual fee with a solid sign-up bonus

The AAdvantage card's $99 fee (waived year 1) and larger typical welcome offers give you more upfront value.

→ Pick American Airlines AAdvantage Credit Card

If you want

You fly internationally and want broad partner redemptions

Oneworld's global reach and AAdvantage partner awards (like on Cathay Pacific or British Airways) unlock premium cabin sweet spots.

→ Pick American Airlines AAdvantage Credit Card