Best in Class
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Delta SkyMiles Gold Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
The Delta SkyMiles Gold card has a $150 annual fee that’s waived the first year. This is the primary reason to choose it over Delta’s Platinum or Reserve cards, which generally offer higher overall value. If you plan to fly Delta only once in the next year, will be traveling alone, and want to avoid an annual fee, the Gold card can be a good option. However, if you fly Delta more than once a year or often travel with a companion, the companion certificate and other perks of the Platinum or Reserve cards typically make one of those choices more valuable.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
If you fly Delta only once a year, this card might be a decent option. However, if you travel with a companion or fly Delta more frequently, the Reserve or Platinum cards are likely to offer more value despite their higher annual fees.
- The Gold card offers a 50,000 (current special 70,000)-mile sign-up bonus after spending $2,000 in the first six months, making it an easy way to earn Delta miles for free flights.
- American Express allows only one sign-up bonus per card per lifetime, and the bonus for this card can go as high as 80,000 miles. If you’re not in a rush to collect Delta miles, you might wait for a higher offer.
- The advertised $200 flight credit requires $10,000 in annual spending, which may not appeal to everyone.
You receive $100 in Delta Stay credits annually, which helps offset the $150 annual fee (starting in the second year). Other perks include:
- 15% discount on award travel
- 20% off in-flight purchases
- Zone 5 priority boarding
- One free checked bag
- $50 off flights (per 5,000 miles redeemed) when you use Pay with Miles
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card may not be ideal if:
- You plan to fly Delta only this year and have no loyalty to the airline afterward. Once the first-year fee waiver ends, the card’s limited benefits may not justify the $150 annual fee.
- You regularly fly Delta and would gain more from the better perks offered by the Platinum or Reserve cards.
- You’d prefer to wait for an elevated sign-up bonus (it has gone up to 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 Credit Card Fits In The Delta SkyMiles Ecosystem
Delta offers a family of personal co-branded cards, each designed to match different travel patterns and preferences:
- Delta SkyMiles Gold Card ($150 annual fee, waived first year)
- Best for occasional Delta flyers (once per year)
- 50,000 (current special 70,000) mile sign-up bonus with $2,000 spend in first 6 months
- Basic benefits include free first checked bag and priority boarding
The Gold card occupies the middle position in Delta's card lineup, offering more benefits than the no-annual-fee Blue card but fewer perks than the premium options. Here's how it compares to Delta's other offerings:
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card serves as the flagship product with a $650 annual fee. This premium option targets loyal Delta customers who fly multiple times yearly. It features the highest sign-up bonus (70,000 miles) and premium benefits including:
- First-class companion certificate
- Complimentary Sky Club access
- Multiple statement credits to offset the annual fee
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card bridges the gap between Gold and Reserve with a $350 annual fee and 60,000 mile sign-up bonus. This card delivers excellent value for annual Delta flyers, particularly those traveling with companions, thanks to its:
- Annual companion certificate (main cabin)
- Enhanced earning rates on Delta purchases
- Additional travel benefits beyond those offered by the Gold card
- Delta SkyMiles Blue Card represents the entry-level option with no annual fee but offers minimal value with just a 10,000 mile bonus and few meaningful perks. We rarely recommend this card due to its limited benefits.
For most travelers, the Gold card represents a solid entry point into the Delta ecosystem, especially during the first year when the annual fee is waived. However, those who fly Delta more than once annually should carefully consider whether the Platinum or Reserve cards might deliver better long-term value despite their higher annual fees.
My Experience, No Filter
I actually like flying Delta overall, but I tend to lean toward Southwest for domestic trips because of the companion pass and free luggage. I got this card to give Delta a chance without too much commitment. It let me pick up a bunch of Delta points with no annual fee for the first year.
I used those points to fly to San Diego to visit my brother, checked my first bag free, and took full advantage of priority boarding. Because my return flight was so early, I also used the $100 Delta Stay Credit for a hotel with shuttle service, which made the morning much easier.
Instead of canceling the card when the $150 annual fee approached, I upgraded to the Platinum to get the companion pass without waiting a full year to earn it (you can read more in my Delta Platinum Personal write up).
I don’t think this card is for everyone, but if you want to test an Amex Delta card with minimal commitment, this is the best one to start with.
Card Information
Bonus Points
70,000
Minimum Spend
$3,000 / 3mo
Point Value
1.2 ¢
Annual Value
Annual Fee
$0
1st Year Value
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Differentiating Perks
Annual $100 Delta Hotel Portal Credit
15% Discount on Every Delta Flight
Free Checked Bag + 8 Guests
2X on Delta Purchases
2X on U.S. Restaurants
2X on U.S. Grocery Stores
Card Extras
Extra
Worth/Fit
Est. Value
Total Annual Value
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Card Benefits
No benefits are available for this card.
Historical Card Offers
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Estimated Next Offer
Start Date
Offer Length
Bonus
Minimum Spend
Spend Categories
2.4¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.4¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.4¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
1.2¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
Delta SkyMiles Gold Application Rules
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days
Amex will decline your application if you already have 5 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a sixth
When applying for Delta personal cards, start with the lowest tiered card in the family to be eligible for the signup bonus on each remaining card
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
Point Transfer Options
+4 Lower Value Transfers Show
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
Rank
5th
Honorable Mention
Ranking of Cards Offering Delta SkyMiles
Downgrade Options
Delta SkyMiles Blue
Delta SkyMiles