Delta offers a range of co-branded credit cards in partnership with American Express, and the Gold Delta cards serve as the mid-tier option in the lineup. With an annual fee and solid benefits, this card is designed for occasional Delta flyers—but does it make sense to keep it long-term?
Let’s take a look at what the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers and whether it’s a good fit for you. If you decide to sign up for this card or any of the Delta American Express personal or business credit cards, we’d appreciate it if you used our link. This referral link may show a different Delta American Express card, but you can view and apply for any available Delta cards from there. We receive a referral bonus if you’re approved, which helps support Your Mileage May Vary.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Annual Fee
$150 per year (sometimes waived for the first year, depending on the offer)
Welcome Bonus
Current public offers typically range from 60,000 to 90,000 SkyMiles after meeting minimum spending requirements. American Express limits welcome bonuses to once per lifetime and has additional restrictions based on your card history.
You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or previous versions of these Cards. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors.
Earning Rates
- 2X miles on Delta purchases
- 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide
- 1X miles on all other purchases
Key Benefits
- Free first checked bag: For the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation
- Priority boarding: Zone 5 boarding on Delta flights
- TakeOff 15: 15% off Delta award flights when paying with SkyMiles
- No foreign transaction fees
$200 Delta Flight Credit
Spend $10,000 in a calendar year and receive a $200 Delta flight credit. This perk is most valuable if you already plan to put significant spending on the card.
$100 Delta Stays Credit
Receive a $100 credit when booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays.
Pay With Miles
This feature allows you to redeem miles toward paid Delta tickets at a fixed value of 1 cent per mile, in increments of 5,000 miles for $50.
20% In-Flight Savings
Receive a 20% statement credit on eligible in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and headsets when using the card.
Who This Card Is For
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is best suited for travelers who fly Delta occasionally but still want a smoother airport experience without paying for a premium card.
If you check bags even once or twice a year, the math can work quickly in your favor. A single round-trip flight with a checked bag can save up to $120 per person, which goes a long way toward offsetting the annual fee—especially if you’re traveling with a companion.
This card also makes sense for anyone who wants to take advantage of Delta’s TakeOff 15 benefit. Getting 15% off award flights is one of the easiest ways to stretch SkyMiles further, particularly now that award pricing can vary so widely.
It’s also a good fit if you value simplicity. You’re not chasing elite status, you’re not trying to maximize every category bonus—you just want a card that makes flying Delta a bit more comfortable with priority boarding, no foreign transaction fees, and a few useful perks.
In short, this is a “set it and forget it” card for occasional Delta flyers who want real-world savings without overcomplicating their wallet.
Final Thoughts
The Delta SkyMiles Gold AMEX delivers solid value with benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts on award tickets. If you check even one bag on a round-trip flight, the savings can easily offset the annual fee.
That said, this isn’t a card I suggest using for everyday spending. If you’re looking to maximize points, earning flexible currencies like Membership Rewards is often a better strategy. You can always transfer points to Delta when needed—though American Express does charge a small fee for transfers to U.S. airlines.
Still, for occasional Delta flyers, this card can make the travel experience smoother while providing enough value to justify keeping it year after year.
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