Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $150
• APR: 21.49%-30.49% variable
• Rewards: 3X Delta, 2X restaurants/supermarkets, 1X everything else
• Bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in purchases in 6 months
• Best For: Regular Delta flyers who want the first checked bag free and solid everyday earning rates
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is the workhorse of the Delta co-branded lineup, offering the most popular flight-day perks at a moderate $150 annual fee. The headlining benefit is the free first checked bag on Delta flights, which saves $35 each way and can recoup the annual fee in just three round trips per year for you and companions on the same reservation.

The card earns 3X miles on Delta purchases, 2X at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1X on everything else. The 75,000-mile welcome bonus after $3,000 in spending over six months is worth approximately $975 in Delta flights, making the first-year value proposition particularly strong. Priority boarding ensures you board in Main Cabin 1 and have access to overhead bin space.

Beyond the checked bag and priority boarding, the card includes a 20% savings on in-flight purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and access to Amex Offers. It is the ideal Delta card for someone who flies Delta 3 to 8 times per year and wants the essential flight-day benefits without paying $350 or more for premium perks like companion certificates or Sky Club access.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 21.49%-30.49% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: N/A
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: Your APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. American Express does not charge a penalty APR on this product.

Benefits Overview

SkyMiles Earning

• 3X miles on Delta purchases
• 2X miles at restaurants worldwide
• 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets
• 1X miles on all other eligible purchases

Flight-Day Benefits

• First checked bag free on Delta flights for you and companions on the same reservation
• Priority boarding in Main Cabin 1
• 20% back as a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases

Travel Protections

• No foreign transaction fees
• Trip delay insurance
• Baggage insurance plan
• Car rental loss and damage insurance

Rewards & Points

• 3X miles on Delta purchases
• 2X miles at restaurants worldwide
• 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets
• 1X miles on all other eligible purchases

The free first checked bag benefit extends to companions on the same reservation, saving $35 per person per direction. Over the course of a year, a family of four taking two round trips on Delta could save $560 in baggage fees alone, far exceeding the $150 annual fee.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you make $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first 6 months of card membership. At average Delta redemption values, this bonus is worth approximately $975 toward domestic and short-haul international flights, potentially covering one or two round-trip tickets.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $150
• Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Regular Delta flyers who fly 3 to 8 times per year and check bags
• Family travelers who benefit from the free checked bag for companions on the same reservation
• Dining and grocery spenders who want 2X miles on restaurants and supermarkets
• Priority boarding fans who want guaranteed overhead bin space on Delta flights

Not Good For

• Infrequent flyers who fly Delta fewer than 3 times per year and cannot recoup the fee
• Carry-on-only travelers who never check bags and do not need the primary perk
• Sky Club seekers who want lounge access available only on the Reserve card

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free first checked bag on Delta saves $35 each way for you and companions
• 75,000-mile welcome bonus is strong and the 6-month timeframe is generous
• 3X on Delta purchases accelerates earning on flights
• 2X at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets covers key everyday categories
• Priority boarding guarantees overhead bin space
• 20% back on eligible Delta in-flight purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• Trip delay and baggage insurance add travel protection
• $150 annual fee is easily offset by checked bag savings

Cons

• $150 annual fee requires regular Delta flying to justify
• 1X base rate on non-bonus spending is below average
• No companion certificate included
• No Delta Sky Club access
• No Medallion Qualification Miles earned through card spending
• Welcome bonus requires $3,000 in spending to earn
• Supermarket bonus limited to U.S. locations
• No introductory APR offer

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Total estimated first-year value: $1,632 including welcome bonus at $975, checked bag savings of $350 (estimated 5 round trips for two), and points earned, minus the $150 annual fee. Based on SkyMiles at 1.3 cents each.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You fly Delta 3 or more times per year and check bags regularly
• You travel with family or companions who also benefit from free checked bags
• You want a strong welcome bonus with a generous 6-month earning window
• You dine out and buy groceries regularly and want 2X on those categories
• You value priority boarding for guaranteed overhead bin space
• You want the core Delta flight-day perks without paying for premium extras

You Should Skip It If...

• You fly Delta fewer than 3 times per year and cannot justify the $150 fee
• You never check bags and only fly with carry-on luggage
• You want Delta Sky Club lounge access, which requires the Reserve card
• You want a companion certificate, available on the Platinum or Reserve cards
• You prefer flexible travel points that work beyond the Delta ecosystem

Apply Now

Apply for Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.