Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Review: A Strong Travel Rewards Card for U.S. Flyers

ByThiago SF

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express is a travel rewards credit card designed for U.S. consumers who frequently fly with Delta Air Lines.

Its main purpose is to help travelers earn miles on everyday spending while enjoying valuable airline perks.

Because it offers accelerated earning on travel and dining, it targets individuals who want a practical entry-level airline card without a high annual fee.

This card is ideal for people who want to earn Delta SkyMiles, receive priority boarding, enjoy a free checked bag, and reduce flight-related costs.

It is not a cashback card. Instead, it focuses on travel rewards, making it a good starter airline card for beginners and intermediate travelers.

Main Benefits and Rewards

Rewards Structure

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express offers competitive earning rates that benefit both frequent travelers and everyday consumers:

  • 2X miles on Delta purchases
  • 2X miles at restaurants in the U.S.
  • 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets
  • 1X mile on all other eligible purchases

These categories make it easy to earn miles quickly, even for cardholders who do not travel every month.

Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can typically access a large welcome bonus after meeting the minimum spending requirement within the first few months.

This bonus can significantly reduce the cost of an upcoming trip by providing enough miles for a domestic round-trip flight.

Additional Benefits

The card offers several Delta-related travel perks that enhance the flying experience:

  • First checked bag free on Delta flights
  • Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding
  • 20% statement credit on in-flight purchases
  • $100 Delta Flight Credit after meeting annual spending requirements

These benefits can save frequent flyers hundreds of dollars per year.

Additionally, cardholders receive car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance, and purchase protection, offering extra peace of mind when traveling.

Why It’s Competitive in the U.S. Market

The card stands out because it provides strong airline perks with a modest annual fee. Many competing airline cards require higher fees to access benefits like free checked bags.

For Delta loyalists, the value proposition is hard to beat.

Annual Fee and Overall Costs

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express charges an annual fee, which is waived for the first year. This allows new users to test the card’s benefits without an initial financial commitment.

When the Fee Is Worth It

The annual fee becomes worthwhile if:

  • You take at least one or two Delta round-trip flights per year
  • You check bags when traveling
  • You want to earn Delta miles through everyday categories like groceries and dining

A single free checked bag for you and eligible companions can exceed the cost of the annual fee.

Other Costs

Potential costs may include:

  • Late payment fees
  • Cash advance fees
  • Returned payment fees

These charges apply only in specific situations.

Rates and Fees

  • Regular Purchase APR: Variable APR based on creditworthiness
  • Penalty APR: May apply if payments are late
  • Balance Transfer Fee: Charges may apply depending on the transaction
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: None — making it a strong option for international travelers

Because the card has no foreign transaction fees, it is a convenient companion for trips abroad. Interest charges apply only when carrying a balance, so paying in full each month is the best strategy.

Approval Requirements

To qualify for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express, applicants typically need:

  • Good to excellent credit (usually 670+ FICO)
  • A stable income that supports monthly payments
  • A moderate credit history with consistent on-time payments

Approval is not considered extremely difficult, but applicants with limited credit may face more challenges.

Pros and Cons of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express

Pros

  • Free checked bag on Delta flights
  • Priority boarding benefits
  • Strong bonus categories
  • Welcome offer with high value
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Limited to Delta airline rewards
  • Annual fee after the first year
  • Miles can fluctuate in redemption value
  • No airport lounge access
  • Benefits are weaker for travelers who rarely fly Delta

Who Should Apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express?

This card is ideal for:

  • Travelers who fly Delta at least once or twice per year
  • People who want an affordable airline rewards card
  • Beginners who want simple, valuable travel perks
  • Frequent restaurant diners and U.S. supermarket shoppers
  • Travelers looking for no foreign transaction fees

Those who prefer cashback or prefer other airlines may find better alternatives elsewhere.

Competitor Comparison

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred®

  • Choose Delta Gold if you always fly Delta and want airline-specific perks.
  • Choose Sapphire Preferred if you prefer flexible points transferable to multiple airlines.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express vs. Capital One Venture Rewards

  • Choose Delta Gold for checked bag benefits and Delta loyalty.
  • Choose Venture Rewards for flexible travel credits and universal miles.

Final Thoughts on the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express is a strong option for U.S. consumers who frequently fly Delta and want to maximize airline benefits without paying a premium annual fee.

It offers a solid welcome bonus, practical perks, and broad earning categories that match everyday spending habits. For Delta travelers, this card provides excellent long-term value.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with banks, card issuers, or financial institutions. All fees, rates, and benefit details may change at any time.

Always check the official website of the card issuer for the most accurate and updated information before applying.

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