Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Card Review: Ideal for Occasional Delta Flyers – The Points Guy

Overview of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express CardOffers valuable elite-like perks at a reasonable cost for occasional Delta travelers. These perks, such as one free checked bag and priority boarding for you and up to eight companions on your reservation when flying Delta, can make this card worth acquiring and maintaining, particularly for those infrequent flyers aiming to save on Delta trips. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The rating of the card reflects the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not affected by the card issuer.

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Delta provides various card choices, butDelta SkyMiles Gold Card from American Expressis likely the best choice for the occasional Delta flyer.

It offers numerous benefits for a modest annual fee — $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, followed by $150 per year thereafter (refer to rates and fees for more information).

In February 2024, Delta updated its credit card offerings, which included higher annual fees, new perks, improved existing benefits, and limited lounge access. If you were considering this card before, it’s important to note these changes.

A credit score of 670 or above is required to be approved for the card.

Here’s all the essential information about the card and the reasons it could be a valuable choice.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card

Introductory offer for Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card

The Delta Gold American Express card provides an opportunity to earn 65,000 bonus miles if you make $3,000 in purchases with your new card within the first six months.

According to TPG’s calculations, Delta SkyMiles are valued at 1.15 cents per mile, which makes this welcome offer approximately worth $748.

THE POINTS GUY

Because of Amex’s policy of granting welcome bonuses only once per lifetime, you will be ineligible for this offer if you currently hold this card or have held any previous version of it. Additionally, Amex may take into account various other factors, such as the quantity of American Express cards you’ve opened or closed, to determine your eligibility for the welcome offer.

Fortunately, Amex will inform you if you do not qualify for the welcome offer and will give you the option to withdraw your application before conducting a hard inquiry on your credit. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to any messages that appear after you submit your application.

Tip: Here’s a suggestion to ensure your Amex welcome bonus remains intact.

The advantages of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card.

Delta Gold AmexCardmembers receive their first checked bag free when they check in with Delta for flights that are marketed and operated by Delta. They also enjoy priority boarding. These benefits extend to the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation.

In addition to baggage and boarding benefits, Delta Gold Amex cardholders receive several other perks: a $200 Delta flight credit upon spending $10,000 in a calendar year, up to $100 in annual credit with Delta Stays (Delta’s hotel booking portal), 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights, 20% back as a statement credit on inflight purchases, secondary collision damage waiver*, baggage insurance*, extended warranty*, purchase protection*, a complimentary ShopRunner membership, and no foreign transaction fees (refer to rates and fees for details).

Eligibility and benefit levels differ depending on the card. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. For more information, go to americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Policies are issued by AMEX Assurance Company. Certain benefits require enrollment.

Related: Strategies to fully utilize the new statement credits offered by the Delta Amex cards

Accumulating miles with the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card

With the Delta Gold American Express card, you’ll earn Delta SkyMiles for purchases made with your card as detailed below:

• Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on purchases made with Delta.
• Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, within the U.S.
• 2 miles for every dollar spent at U.S. grocery stores
• 1 mile for every dollar spent on other qualifying purchases

According to TPG’s valuation, which places Delta miles at 1.15 cents each, you’ll achieve an effective return of 2.3% on purchases made at Delta, restaurants, and supermarkets, while other purchases will see a return equivalent to about 1.15% in value. This return is decent but not particularly impressive.

Using miles on the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card.

The most straightforward way to use Delta SkyMiles is by booking award flights with Delta and its associated partners. However, since Delta employs a dynamic award pricing system, the number of miles needed can vary significantly. As a result, it’s challenging to target a fixed number of miles for a specific booking. Nonetheless, there are still valuable opportunities within the Delta SkyMiles program.

One of the most effective methods to utilize Delta SkyMiles is by booking a SkyMiles deal. Delta often conducts mileage flash sales offering considerable discounts on economy and Delta One award flights.

You can additionally use Delta SkyMiles to travel on Delta affiliate airlines, such as SkyTeam alliance members like Air France and Korean Air, as well as non-alliance partners like Virgin Atlantic and WestJet. It’s important to mention that Virgin Atlantic is scheduled to join SkyTeam in the upcoming year.

TPG senior content operations editor Madison Blancaflor appreciates the exclusive perks of the card while flying with Delta, including discounts on Delta award flight redemptions and savings on onboard purchases.

In addition, SkyMiles can be redeemed for various items beyond flights, such as premium beverages at Delta Sky Clubs. However, these alternative redemptions typically offer a lower value compared to using SkyMiles for flights.

Related: All the essential information for maximizing Delta SkyMiles award tickets

What cards are rivals to the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex?

If your primary incentives are receiving your first checked bag for free and enjoying priority boarding when flying with Delta, all for a modest annual fee, then theDelta Gold AmexThis is likely your best choice. Nonetheless, a different card might be more suitable if you have a different objective.

For more choices, explore our comprehensive list of top travel credit cards and leading American Express cards.

Relevant: What credit score is required to qualify for Delta SkyMiles cards?

Bottom line

While it may not offer the highest income potential, theDelta SkyMiles Gold Card from American ExpressIt can still be valuable for travelers due to its welcome bonus and Delta-related advantages. Specifically, if you would otherwise pay a first checked bag fee to Delta at least five times annually, this card will be beneficial for you.

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Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold Card from American Express

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Find out more: Top Delta credit cards.

To view the rates and fees associated with the Delta Gold American Express card, please click here.
For information on the rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, please click this link.
To view the rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here.