Is the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card worth it?

Before you choose an airline credit card, it is important to determine which airline you fly with most frequently and the specific benefits you are seeking. Additionally, you should consider how much you are willing to pay in annual fees, as they can vary widely for popular airline credit cards from major carriers, ranging from $0 to $650.

If you are a regular Delta Air Lines traveler, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card may be a top contender for you. With a $150 annual fee that is waived for the first year, cardholders can qualify for a bonus of 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 on purchases within six months of opening an account. Cardholders also earn:

• 2X miles on restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 2X miles on groceries at U.S. supermarkets
• 2X miles on Delta purchases
• 1X miles on other eligible purchases

If you are unsure if this card is the right fit for you, continue reading to determine when the Delta SkyMiles Gold is and is not worth applying for:

When is the Delta SkyMiles Gold worth it?

The value of the Delta SkyMiles Gold card depends on the benefits you desire and the annual cost you are willing to bear. Before committing to the Delta SkyMiles Gold or exploring other Delta credit cards such as the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, conduct thorough research. Here are some reasons why this card can be advantageous for frequent flyers:

If you are a loyal Delta customer seeking to earn and redeem Delta SkyMiles

The Delta SkyMiles program allows you to redeem your miles for flights on Delta or their partner airlines to over 1,000 destinations worldwide. Although the program does not have a fixed award chart, it offers a user-friendly platform on Delta.com to compare flight options and mileage requirements for your desired award.

While award redemption costs vary by date and destination, you can often find round-trip domestic flights for under 20,000 miles and certain round-trip international flights to European and Asian destinations starting at approximately 60,000 miles in economy class.

This card also grants access to Delta’s “Pay with Miles” feature, enabling you to utilize miles for any flight at a rate of one cent per mile. Additionally, cardholders have access to Delta’s TakeOff 15 program, providing eligible Delta credit card members with a 15% discount on award bookings compared to standard loyalty members.

If you desire a card with a range of frequent flyer perks

Individuals who opt for the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card can enjoy benefits that enhance the affordability and convenience of travel. Card members receive Zone 5 priority boarding when flying with Delta, facilitating early seat selection and overhead bin space reservation. Additionally, cardholders receive a 20% rebate on in-flight purchases with Delta, including food, beverages, and audio headsets.

One of the most valuable benefits for cardholders is the complimentary checked bag perk for Delta flights, which extends to up to eight guests on the cardholder’s itinerary. Given that checked bags on Delta flights typically cost $35, this benefit can save an average family of four $280 per round-trip flight.

Other perks and travel protection benefits include:

• Access to a Global Assist hotline
• Car rental loss and damage insurance
• A $100 credit towards eligible Delta Stays bookings

Cardholders can also qualify for a $200 Delta flight credit after spending at least $10,000 on purchases in a calendar year.

If you prefer a Delta credit card with a lower annual fee

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card waives its $150 annual fee for the first year, effectively making it $0. This provides a full 12 months to earn the welcome offer and experience the card’s benefits before making a long-term commitment. If you decide not to renew the card after the initial year, you can explore alternative travel rewards credit cards.

When is the Delta SkyMiles Gold not worth it?

While the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card can provide value in various scenarios, there are instances where another credit card may offer greater benefits. An alternative card might be more suitable in any of the following circumstances:

If you prefer additional Delta perks

Other Delta cards offer enhanced perks, albeit with higher annual fees. For instance, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card carries a $650 annual fee but includes Delta Sky Club access and assistance towards elite status requirements with Delta through its MQD Headstart and MQD Boost features. Additionally, cardholders can benefit from credits such as:

• Up to $120 in rideshare credits per year (up to $10 in statement credits per month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers)
• Up to $200 in credits per year towards Delta Stays bookings via Delta.com
• Up to $240 per year for Resy purchases (up to $20 in statement credits per month)

On the other hand, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card carries a $350 annual fee. While it may not offer the same level of perks as the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, it provides more benefits than the SkyMiles Gold. Similar to the Reserve, this card includes supplementary assistance towards Delta status through an MQD Headstart and MQD Boost bonus. Cardholders can also enjoy annual credits like a $150 Delta Stays credit, up to $120 in rideshare credits (up to $10 in statement credits per month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers) per year, and more.

If you do not want a card tied to a single airline

A significant drawback of Delta credit cards is that the miles earned are specific to Delta and its partner airlines. If you prefer the flexibility to utilize your rewards for flights on any airline, you may wish to consider a versatile travel rewards credit card instead of an airline-specific card.

If you are inclined towards flying with Delta but desire flexibility, you could explore cards that earn American Express Membership Rewards points since they can be directly transferred to Delta and other airlines. Additionally, Amex points can be used to book flights through AmexTravel.com, further enhancing their versatility and value.

Another flexible program is Chase Ultimate Rewards, although it does not partner with Delta. Nonetheless, you can transfer Chase points to 14 airline and hotel partners or leverage them for booking airfare and other travel through the Chase portal.

If you cannot justify the annual fee

An annual fee for a credit card is only worthwhile if the benefits derived from the card outweigh the cost of the fee. If you do not anticipate traveling frequently enough to maximize the card’s perks and credits, this may not be the most suitable card for you.

If you prefer to avoid an annual fee but still desire a Delta credit card, consider the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card with its $0 annual fee.

It is important to note that the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card lacks certain co-branded card benefits such as complimentary checked bags. Additionally, it offers a lower earning rate on purchases and does not provide the TakeOff 15 award booking discount available with other Delta credit cards.

The bottom line

Ultimately, whether the Gold Delta SkyMiles credit card is worth it depends on your specific preferences for perks. If you prioritize priority boarding and a complimentary checked bag over airport lounges, this card could be a suitable choice for you.

However, it is recommended to conduct a thorough comparison of co-branded airline credit cards and other travel credit cards, taking into account factors such as fees, rewards rates, benefits, and travel protections. By doing so, you can identify the ideal card that aligns with your travel needs.