Is the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Worth Your Wallet Space?

The Quick Version

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers solid benefits for frequent Delta flyers, such as earning 2X miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and supermarkets, while also providing some travel perks like a free checked bag. However, the $150 annual fee and a high variable APR of 21.49% to 30.49% might give some potential cardholders pause. If you regularly fly Delta and can maximize these perks, this card could be a great addition to your wallet.

What's Inside

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers a range of features and benefits that can be particularly appealing to Delta loyalists. You'll earn 2X miles on purchases made directly with Delta, at restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets, while all other purchases will earn 1X miles. The card comes with a welcome offer of 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first six months. This card carries a $150 annual fee, and the APR ranges from 21.49% to 30.49% variable, depending on your creditworthiness. It requires a credit score of at least 670, making it accessible to those with good to excellent credit.

What's Actually Good

Let's dive into the perks that might make you smile. If you're a Delta flyer, the free first checked bag can save you up to $60 on a round-trip flight. Pair that with priority boarding, and you're looking at a smoother, less stressful travel experience. Earn double miles on Delta purchases, dining, and grocery shopping—areas where many of us spend a chunk of our budgets. These rewards can really stack up over time, especially if you're a frequent traveler or love dining out.

• ✅ Free first checked bag on Delta flights
• ✅ Priority boarding on Delta flights
• ✅ 2X miles on Delta, restaurants, and supermarkets

The Catch

Now for the part nobody loves: the downsides. The card's $150 annual fee isn't negligible, particularly if you're not utilizing the travel perks or spending enough to offset it with rewards. The APR is another potential drawback, with rates that can soar as high as 30.49% variable. If you don’t pay off your balance in full each month, those interest charges could quickly overshadow any miles earned. It's also worth noting that this card doesn't offer travel protection benefits like trip cancellation insurance, which some other travel cards include.

• ❌ High annual fee of $150
• ❌ High variable APR up to 30.49%
• ❌ Lacks travel protection benefits

Who It's For

This card is tailor-made for those who frequently fly Delta and can take advantage of the airline-specific perks. If you're someone who spends a lot at restaurants and supermarkets, you'll appreciate the 2X miles earning potential. However, if you rarely fly Delta or prefer a card with broader travel perks, you might want to consider alternatives like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which offers more flexible travel rewards and benefits.

The Bottom Line

If Delta is your airline of choice and you can utilize the card's perks to their fullest, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card could be a valuable travel companion. Just be sure to weigh the annual fee against the benefits you’ll actually use. For more insights on choosing the right credit card this March, check out our guide on Finding the Perfect Credit Card: Best Picks for March.