The United Explorer edges out the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card for most cardholders — it wins on 2 of 4 comparison categories and offers 80,000 pts signup bonus. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card is the better choice if you prioritize a different rewards ecosystem.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card vs United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and transfer partners.
Comparison Method
CardCurator compares measurable differences first: annual fee, current welcome offer, top-end earning, and recurring credits. If the cards are close, the right answer depends on spending pattern and perk usage rather than headline prestige.
- Delta Purchases 3x
- Transit/Rideshares 1.5x
- U.S. Shipping Providers 1.5x
- United Purchases 3x
- Restaurant Purchases 2x
- Hotel Stays 2x
- Statement Credit $10
- Statement Credit $20
- United Travel Credit $100
- United Hotels Credit $50
- United Hotels Credit $50
- +4 more
- Delta Sky Club Access
- First Checked Bag Free
- Priority Boarding
- +2 more
- 2 United Club one-time passes per year
- Unlimited Delta Sky Club AccessAfter $75,000 spend
Quick summary
A short version of the comparison with the main differences at a glance.
The United Explorer edges out the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card for most cardholders — it wins on 2 of 4 comparison categories and offers 80,000 pts signup bonus. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card is the better choice if you prioritize a different rewards ecosystem. On raw upside, United Explorer tops out at 3x versus 3x for Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card. Current signup bonus values are roughly $1500 for Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card and $800 for United Explorer. Updated May 30, 2026. Source: https://cardcurator.ai/compare/delta-skymiles-reserve-business-card-vs-united-explorer
- United Explorer wins 2 of 4 comparison categories in CardCurator's quick verdict model.
- Top earn rate: United Explorer reaches 3x; Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card reaches 3x.
- Annual fee: United Explorer is $150/yr; Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card is $650/yr.
- Current public bonus values are approximately $1500 and $800.
Common Questions: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card vs United Explorer
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card or United Explorer better for dining?
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card has no dining bonus; United Explorer earns 2x on dining.
Which has the higher signup bonus in 2026?
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card currently offers 125,000 pts signup bonus (spend $15,000 in 6 months). United Explorer offers 80,000 pts signup bonus (spend $3,000 in 3 months). Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card has the larger bonus.
Which card is better for international travel?
Both cards charge no foreign transaction fees, making either a solid choice for international travel.
Can I hold both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card and the United Explorer?
In most cases yes — holding both is allowed and can be a smart strategy for maximizing rewards across different spending categories. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card is from American Express and United Explorer is from Chase, so they're governed by separate bank policies.