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Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Superb Travel Benefits and High Rewards
High rewards on Delta, U.S. supermarket and dining purchases make the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card a top choice for frequent flyers. Its travel perks and bonus rewards on dining add significant value despite the annual fee.
Updated: October 24, 2024
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The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a reliable option for frequent international travelers. It offers 2X miles for Delta purchases and the same rate for typical expenditure categories like dining and groceries in the U.S. Other notable perks to take advantage of include Zone 5 priority boarding, a free checked bag and a sizable sign-up bonus. However, it does not include the premium benefits that are often included in this price range.
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Frequent Delta flyers who want to maximize their rewards will benefit from the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card. It offers a generous sign-up bonus, 2x miles on Delta purchases, free checked bags, priority boarding and more—making it ideal for Delta travelers.
- PROS
- High rewards on U.S. groceries and dining
- Generous bonus miles offer
- High rewards on Delta flights
- Free first checked bag on Delta flights
- Priority boarding on Delta flights
CONS- High annual fee after the first year
- Limited value if not flying Delta
Introductory Offers
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Delta SkyMiles Miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months.
Rewards
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy a 15% discount on Award Travel booked with miles on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app.
- Check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 per round-trip per person.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
- Get a $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year.
- Receive up to $100 back per year as a statement credit for prepaid hotels or vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays.
- Save 20% on eligible Delta in-flight purchases in the form of a statement credit.
- Use Send & Split® to send money and split purchases with Venmo or PayPal users directly from the Amex App.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Benefit from a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 after that. see Rates and Fees
- Enjoy no foreign transaction fees on international purchases. see Rates and Fees
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Detailed Review
The Delta SkyMiles Gold is a solid choice for frequent Delta flyers. It offers an 50,000-mile welcome bonus after spending $2,000 in the first six months and notable perks like free checked bags and priority boarding on all Delta flights. Cardholders of this Amex travel card can earn 2X miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide, making it versatile for everyday expenses.
However, after the first year, the $150 annual fee is significant, especially for a card without premium perks like lounge access or TSA PreCheck credits. Those seeking broader rewards might find better value in no annual fee credit cards or cheaper options like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
While it can deliver value to Delta fans, those who fly less frequently or want more comprehensive rewards might find better options elsewhere. It’s worth comparing this card to other airline cards to see if it aligns with your spending and travel habits.
Delta SkyMiles® Points Earning and Redemption
The Amex Delta Gold Card offers a robust rewards program tailored for frequent Delta flyers. Aside from having good rewards on Delta purchases, it extends the same on U.S. supermarkets and dining:
- Earn 2x miles on Delta and U.S. supermarket purchases
- Earn 2x miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 1x mile on all other eligible purchases.
Redemption Options
Delta SkyMiles can be redeemed for award travel, seat upgrades and other benefits offered by Delta and its partners. The best redemption option is typically for award flights. You should aim to redeem your Delta SkyMiles for around 1.4 to 1.5 cents per mile. The best part is that miles don’t expire, allowing you to plan your redemptions without a deadline.
Are Delta SkyMiles Transferrable?
Yes, you can transfer Delta SkyMiles to another SkyMiles member, which is a fantastic way to share the love or pool miles for that reward. Just remember, this service has a fee — typically about $0.01 per mile plus an additional flat fee. If you're moving a lot of miles, those fees can stack up. The cheaper method is to book flights for the person you want to transfer your miles to. This comes with no fee.
Delta SkyMiles Gold Miles Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate the value of the miles you could earn with the Delta SkyMiles Gold card. Enter your spending in the categories below to see how many miles you can earn.
Important Disclaimers:
- This calculator is for planning and evaluation purposes and is not sponsored or endorsed by American Express.
- Some of your purchases may not be eligible for earning points.
- The value of points at redemption will vary.
How much do you spend on Delta flights per YEAR? (2X miles)
How much do you spend on groceries at U.S. supermarkets per MONTH? (2X miles)
How much do you spend on dining, including takeout and delivery, per MONTH? (2X miles)
How much do you spend on other eligible purchases per MONTH? (1X miles)
Benefits & Perks
Frequent Delta travelers can enjoy substantial benefits with the Amex Delta Gold Card. Earn a generous sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first six months, plus 2X miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide. Key perks like free checked bags, priority boarding and 20% in-flight savings enhance your travel experience.
Delta credits lets you earn $200 after spending $10,000 in a calendar year. Nifty for those who prefer navigating their destination on the wheel, added protection with car rental loss and damage insurance could make a difference. For baggage insurance, you’re covered up to $1,250 for checked bags and $500 for carry-ons per trip, making it a well-rounded travel companion.
Travel Perks
- Free First Checked Bag: Save up to $70 per roundtrip per person. This can add up to $280 in savings per trip for a family of four.
- Priority Boarding: Enjoy Zone 5 Priority Boarding for you and up to eight companions, giving you a better opportunity to secure ample overhead bin space and a more relaxed boarding experience.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: Earn a $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in purchases within a calendar year. This credit is perfect for offsetting costs on roundtrip flights, like those from Chicago to Los Angeles.
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back yearly as a statement credit after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
Insurance Benefits
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Provides secondary coverage for damage or theft of rental cars, offering peace of mind and financial protection.
- Baggage Insurance Plan: Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage. Checked baggage is covered up to $1,250 per person per trip, and carry-on baggage up to $500 per person per trip.
Miscellaneous Perks
- 20% Back on In-Flight Purchases: Enjoy 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases in the form of a statement credit.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save on currency conversion fees when making purchases abroad, an essential benefit for international travelers.
Drawbacks & Considerations
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card certainly has its advantages, but it’s important to consider a few factors. The $150 annual fee after the first year can feel hefty if you’re not a frequent Delta flyer. While the card shines with 2X miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets and dining, the 1X rate on other spending might leave you wanting more.
Additionally, the card doesn’t contribute toward earning Delta Medallion Status or offer premium perks like lounge access or TSA PreCheck credits. If you’re after a card with broader benefits, there might be better options tailored to your travel needs.
High annual fee
The Amex Delta Gold Card comes with some solid perks, but the $150 annual fee after the first year might be a bit much if you’re not racking up those Delta flights. If you’re looking for similar rewards without the price tag, check out the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. It gives you 2X miles on Delta purchases and restaurants, all with no annual fee, making it a savvy choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Limited bonus rewards categories
The Amex Delta Gold Card delivers 2X miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets and dining worldwide, but outside these categories, it’s just 1X mile on everything else. If you’re after more bang for your buck across different spending areas, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card could be a game-changer. With 2X points on travel, dining and more, it’s much easier to stack up those rewards no matter how you spend.
No access to elite status
The Amex Delta Gold Card is great for racking up miles, but if you’re dreaming of Delta Medallion Status, this card isn’t the card to help you get there. It doesn’t help you earn the MQMs or MQDs needed for those sweet elite perks, so loyal Delta flyers might want to look elsewhere if elite status is on their radar.
Lacks premium perks at this price point
For $150 a year, you might expect swanky perks like lounge access or TSA PreCheck credits, but the Amex Delta Gold Card doesn’t deliver on those fronts. If you’re after those luxury travel benefits, you might find better bang for your buck with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which offers a bit more at this price point.
How Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Compares to Other Cards
The Delta Platinum Amex Card offers premium perks, like 3X miles on Delta purchases and hotels, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and an annual companion certificate, but comes with a hefty $350 annual fee.
While these extras are attractive, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card strikes a better balance between rewards and cost. With a lower annual fee, 2X miles on Delta, grocery and dining purchases and essential travel perks like free checked baggage, the Gold card offers solid value without the premium price tag, making it a smarter choice for most travelers.
If you're thinking about other Delta SkyMiles® co-branded cards, here's how they stack up against the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card.
Features | Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card |
---|---|---|---|
Annual Fee | $0 first year, then $150; See rates and fees | $350; See rates and fees | No annual fee; see Rates and Fees |
Delta SkyMiles® Travel Credit | $200 after $10,000 spend | $150 Delta Stays Credit | N/A |
Sign-up Bonus | 50,000 Bonus Miles after $2,000 spent in the first six months | 60,000 Bonus Miles after $3,000 spending in the first six months | 10,000 Bonus Miles after $1,000 spent in the first six months |
Points on Delta Purchases | 2X miles | 3X miles | 2x miles |
Points on Other Spending | 2X at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide; 1X on others | 2X at U.S. supermarkets, restaurants worldwide; 1X on others | 2X at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. 1X on others |
Anniversary Bonus | $200 Delta Flight Credit after $10,000 spent | Companion Certificate at Renewal | N/A |
Boarding Perks | Zone 5 | Zone 5 | N/A |
Foreign Transaction Fees | None; See rates and fees | None; See rates and fees | None see Rates and Fees |
Cards You Can Pair With Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Maximize your rewards by pairing the Delta SkyMiles® Gold with a no-annual-fee option like the Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express from American Express. While the Gold card shines with 2X miles on Delta, U.S. supermarket and dining purchases, the Blue Cash Everyday® steps in with 3% cash back on U.S. gas stations, transit and streaming services.
This duo covers a wide range of spending categories, ensuring you earn valuable rewards on your travel and everyday expenses. Plus, with no additional annual fee to worry about, it’s a smart and cost-effective strategy for those looking to maximize value. This combination offers a well-rounded approach to earning rewards without the burden of extra costs.
Is the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Worth It?
The Amex Delta Gold Card can be a great fit for frequent Delta flyers who want to take advantage of its travel perks and rewards. However, if you’re looking for lounge access, a pathway to elite status or premium perks, this card might not fully meet your needs. The $150 annual fee after the first year and limited bonus categories may not be ideal for those who don’t frequently fly Delta or prefer more versatile rewards.
For travelers seeking a more comprehensive set of benefits, including lounge access and elite status, it’s worth exploring other great airline credit cards that cater to these needs. You can find more options on MoneyGeek's airline card guide.
Full Card Details
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Card Uses | Airline, General Travel |
Annual Fee | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 see rates and fees |
Introductory Offer | Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months |
Introductory APRs | None |
Rewards | 2x miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide; 1x mile on all other eligible purchases |
Regular APRs | 20.49% to 29.49% variable see rates and fees |
Penalty APR | 29.99% see rates and fees |
Balance Transfer Fees | None |
Late Fees | Up to $40 see rates and fees |
Foreign Transaction Fee | None see rates and fees |
Other Perks |
|
How We Evaluated Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
We evaluated the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card as part of our review of 96 credit cards. Our evaluation focused on several key features, weighted as follows:
- Expected Value to Travelers (40%): Measures the expected monetary value of rewards and perks, adjusted for annual fees, based on a person who travels two to three times per year. This reflects the card’s overall value proposition for frequent travelers.
- Airline Scope (20%): Rates the number of destinations the airline flies to, which is crucial for understanding the card's value for travelers who frequently visit various locations.
- Offer ROI (15%): Assesses the return on investment of the card's introductory offers and ongoing rewards, measuring how effectively these offers enhance the card’s overall value.
- Effective Rewards Rate (10%): Rates how rewarding the rewards are, using different rewards multipliers to calculate an effective rate.
- Foreign Transaction Fees (5%): Evaluates the card’s foreign transaction fees, if any, which is important for travelers who frequently make purchases abroad.
- Issuer Satisfaction (5%): Considers customer satisfaction with the card issuer, including factors like customer service, ease of account management, and overall user experience.
- Recommended Credit (5%): Assesses the recommended credit score range for applying for the card, helping users gauge if they are likely to be approved based on their credit profile.
FAQ
The main benefits include 2X miles on Delta purchases, a free first checked bag and no foreign transaction fees.
No, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card does not earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) or Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) towards Delta's elite Medallion Status. To earn these, you would need a higher-tier Delta card, like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or Reserve cards.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card stands out by offering 2X miles on U.S. supermarkets and dining, in addition to 2X miles on Delta purchases, making it a strong choice for everyday spending.
Yes, the penalty APR is 29.99%. Other Amex credit cards have a higher rate that may apply if you make late payments or your payment is returned, and it can remain in effect indefinitely if you continue to have payment issues. It's crucial to make payments on time to avoid triggering this penalty rate.
No, it does not offer a balance transfer option. Consider balance transfer cards that are specifically designed for consolidating debt, often with introductory 0% APR offers, which can help you save on interest and pay off your balance faster.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card please click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express, please click here.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- American Express. "Blue Cash Everyday® Card." Accessed October 24, 2024.
- American Express. "Delta Skymiles Gold Amex." Accessed October 24, 2024.
- American Express. "Gold Amex Terms, Rates and Fees." Accessed October 24, 2024.
- Capital One. "Savor Rewards from Capital One." Accessed October 24, 2024.
- Chase. "Chase Sapphire Preferred®." Accessed October 24, 2024.
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