Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business card is a good option if you're looking for a quick infusion of Delta miles without adding to your 5/24 count. The first-year value is strong thanks to the waived annual fee and 60,000 (current special 90,000)-mile welcome offer. However, we generally prefer the Delta Business Platinum or Reserve cards for long-term value because of their companion certificates and additional benefits. The right choice depends on how often you fly Delta and whether you value premium travel perks or traveling with a companion.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business card is American Express's entry-level Delta business card. It offers a 60,000 (current special 90,000)-mile sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 (currently $6,000) in the first six months. The card's value is strongest in the first year, when the annual fee is waived and the welcome offer provides an easy way to build some Delta miles.
Key benefits include:
- $150 in annual Delta Stays credits, which can largely offset the annual fee
- $120 in annual rideshare credits, issued as up to $10 each month. Rideshare credits are not available until 12 months after account opening.
- 15% savings on Delta award travel bookings
- 20% savings on inflight purchases
- Zone 5 priority boarding
- First checked bag free on Delta flights for the primary cardholder and up to 8 additional companions on the same reservation.
- Eligible Basic Card Members also get a second checked bag free on qualifying domestic Delta itineraries, but companions do not receive the second bag free unless they also have an eligible Delta Amex.
You can also earn a $200 flight credit after spending $10,000 on the card. However, since the welcome offer only requires $4,000 (currently $6,000) in spending, we generally prefer putting additional spending toward a new card bonus rather than chasing this benefit.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:
- You fly Delta more than once per year and would get better value from the Reserve or Platinum card.
- You want this card but prefer to wait for a higher sign-up bonus; this card has offered 90,000 points in the past.
What to Know About Delta SkyMiles
Delta is a good point system for both domestic and international flights.
- Delta offers many cards, making initial collection relatively easy. But the Amex 1/7 Rule limits that ability over time.
- Delta is part of the Amex partner reward system and is a decent transfer value.
- We save Delta points for specific flights, perhaps direct domestic or best value international.
- We use easier-to-collect point systems such as Southwest and American ahead of Delta.
How The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Credit Card Fits In The Delta SkyMiles Ecosystem
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business card is Delta's entry-level business card and is best viewed as a first-year play for earning Delta miles without impacting your 5/24 status. Most travelers who fly Delta regularly will likely find more long-term value in one of Delta's higher-tier business cards.
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business: Our preferred Delta business card for most travelers. It comes with a 70,000-mile welcome offer. The annual companion certificate and multiple statement credits can easily justify the $350 annual fee for those who fly Delta regularly, especially with a companion.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business: The premium option for frequent Delta flyers with the highest welcome offer of 80,000 miles. It offers Delta Sky Club access, a First Class companion certificate, and additional premium travel benefits, though it comes with a significantly higher $650 annual fee.
The Gold card makes the most sense if you're looking for a quick welcome bonus, want to avoid an annual fee in the first year, or fly Delta only occasionally. Travelers who fly Delta even semi-regularly, especially with companions, will typically get more value from the Platinum or Reserve cards.
Unlike Delta's personal cards, Delta business cards do not affect your 5/24 status and are not subject to the Delta Family Rule, allowing you to earn welcome offers on the business cards in any order and regardless of which Delta personal cards you've held.
My Experience, No Filter
This one was tough for me because I don’t recommend it. If you’re going to sign up for a business card, you should always start with the Chase Ink or Chase Sapphire Business cards. But having said that, I actually loved having this card.
I grabbed it because I needed a business card. I had maxed out my 5/24 rule with Chase, and I wanted to keep a low profile by looking into other business card options until I could start applying for Chase cards again. I was also honing in on my spending, and the six months to meet the minimum spend appealed to me, along with the annual fee waived for the first year.
I did collect my miles and store them, since they do not expire, and I canceled the card before I could use the first checked bag benefit or priority boarding. For me, it made sense at the time. Delta miles are great to collect and save for a rainy day, and this is a good card to do that with.
Card Information
Differentiating Perks
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Historical Card Offers
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Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Application Rules
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days
This business card will not show on your personal credit report, so it won't count against your 5/24 status
You might not be allowed to get a second card for a separate business (EIN)
Amex will decline your application if you already have 5 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a sixth
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card)
After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
