Tuesday, March 12, 2024

American Express Delta Skymiles Gold Card

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How To Use Delta Miles

Delta SkyMiles GOLD Card Review!

Based on Insider’s points and miles valuations, Delta SkyMiles are worth 1.1 cents each, on average, so if you’re getting that rate or better when you compare the cost of your award flight to that of a paid ticket, you’re getting a good deal.

Find out more about how Insider calculated the value of points, miles, and credit card rewards here»

You can redeem Delta miles for flights on Delta and its SkyTeam alliance and non-alliance partners, including Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic. Delta no longer publishes an award chart, so the number of points required for an award ticket varies depending on demand, paid ticket price, and season.

The airline sometimes runs flash sales with award tickets priced as low as 2,000 miles one-way for domestic flights and as little as 9,000 miles for international routes. Delta SkyMiles deals usually pop up unannounced, so it’s worth checking frequently to see if the route or destination you want is on sale.

One perk offered to all Amex Delta cardholders is the ability to use miles to offset the cost of a paid ticket. The Delta Pay With Miles program allows members to redeem at a rate of 1 cent per mile in 5,000-mile increments, so 5,000 miles is worth $50 off the cost of a paid ticket. This is handy if you don’t have enough miles for an award or want to stretch your miles by combining them with cash.

If you don’t want to redeem SkyMiles for flights, there are other options, but you’ll typically get a poor value in comparison:

How The Delta Gold Card Compares To Other Travel Rewards Cards

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has plenty of perks for individuals looking for an entry point into co-branded airline credit cards and offers ample opportunity to recoup the value of the $99 annual fee. However, the value of these benefits is not the same to every consumer. If you are a loyal Delta flyer that values free checked bags and earning rewards while dining or at the grocery store, this is a great card for you. If youre a frequent traveler that doesnt mind splurging on a higher annual fee to gain access to more premium benefits, it may be best to look elsewhere.

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Best Card For Occasional Travelers: The Gold Delta Skymiles Card

Not only is the Delta SkyMiles Gold card less expensive, but its also easier to recoup the modest $99 annual fee. For example, if you fly Delta just twice a year round-trip, youll save at least $120 in baggage fees. American Express also has a $0 intro for the Delta cards annual fee in the first year, so you can try out the card risk-free without the fee eating into your significant intro bonus. With the Platinum card, by contrast, you have to invest $695 right away.

Naturally, the Platinum card isnt a great choice if you dont plan on traveling often. Most of the perks it offers such as fee credits, airport lounge access, hotel benefits and more are tailored for frequent travelers. So is the cards travel-centric rewards program. As a result, if you dont plan on traveling more than a few times a year, its unlikely youll accrue enough value from the card to make up for its high fee.

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Pros & Cons Explained

While the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card offers many benefits, it also has drawbacks. Before going through the American Express Delta SkyMiles Gold Card application, make sure you understand these pros and cons first.

Pros

  • This credit card is great for international use because there are no foreign transaction fees.
  • $100 Delta flight creditIf you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year using this credit card, you can get $100 off your next Delta flight.
  • Basic Delta perksCardholders can get their first checked bag for free and enjoy priority boarding on every Delta flight.
  • Up to 20% savingsMaking in-flight purchases using the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card allows the cardholder to save up to 20% in the form of a statement credit.

Cons

  • High interest ratesThe APR for purchases of this credit card is high at 19.99% 28.99%. Similarly, the APR for cash advances is also high, at 29.49%. The high interest rates can be a drawback if you do not pay your monthly bills in full.
  • High penalty APRThis credit card also has a penalty APR for accounts with one or more late payments and those whose payments were returned. The interest rate is 29.99%.
  • Annual fee The $0 annual fee is only applicable in the first year. After that, you will be paying $99 annually.
  • No luxury benefitsThe travel perks for this credit card are limited to the basics. Other miles rewards cards have better premium benefits.

Winner: Delta Skymiles Gold

The Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express Review

When it comes to annual fees, the Delta SkyMiles Gold is the clear winner as it has a far lower fee than the Amex Gold card. The Delta card has an annual fee of $99 while the Amex Gold costs $250 annually. Taken at face value that might seem enough reason to go with the Delta SkyMiles, but in exchange for its high annual fee the Amex Gold comes with a number of annual credits.

Both cards offer no foreign transaction fees, but both carry a standard late or returned payment fee and cash advance fee.

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Why We Chose It

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full review of the Platinum Card from American Express.

  • 2X Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • 1X Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • 2X Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • 1X Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • 2X Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • 1X Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • 2X Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • 1X Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets .
  • 3X Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

Understanding The Fine Print

Aside from the features, bonuses and offers, it is important to understand the fees, interest rates and reward earning rates. This way, you can determine whether it is a good addition to your wallet and will be helpful in managing your finances.

  • 12 Miles per $1
  • Airline Benefits
  • Rewards Rate on Online Shopping1x
  • Rewards Rate on TV, Phone, Internet Services1x
  • Rewards Rate on Air Travel2x
  • $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR
  • Show more

The different features, fees and offers can be found on the card issuers website. If you already have a credit card, you can check your latest billing statement, mobile app or online account. You can also find specific information about different credit cards using the maintained by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

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Other Delta Skymiles Gold American Express Card Benefits

  • Free First Checked Bag: One free checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight additional travelers booked on the same Delta reservation. This perk saves you $30 per bag per direction.
  • Priority Boarding: The primary cardholder and up to eight additional travelers on the same reservation can board with the Main Cabin 1 group .
  • $100 Flight Credit: Cardholders have an opportunity to earn a $100 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 on the card in a calendar year.
  • 20% Statement Credit on In-Flight Purchases: If you pay for something, such as a meal, a premium beverage or entertainment, during your Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, youll receive 20% back on your statement.

Delta Skymiles Gold American Express Card: Basics

Delta SkyMiles Gold Credit Card | American Express Gold

Card type:Airline.

Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $99.

Bonus offer: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Terms Apply.

Rewards:

  • Earn 2X miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets.

  • Earn 1X mile on all other eligible purchases.

Benefits:

  • First checked bag is free for you and up to 8 other passengers traveling on the same reservation.

  • Priority boarding.

  • 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases.

  • $100 Delta flight credit, good for future travel, after you spend $10,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year.

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Delta Skymiles Gold Card Review

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For those who travel often with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express delivers benefits that can easily justify its annual fee. Cardholders earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets, along with 1 mile per dollar on everything else. It has a generous and easy-to-earn one-time offer, and cardholders receive a host of perks on Delta, including a free checked bag on each flight and main-cabin priority boarding.

Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

$0 for the first year, then $99
Rewards Earning Rate Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Foreign transaction fee

The Delta Skymiles Gold Card is not one of our top-rated airline credit cards. You can review our list of the best airline credit cards for what we think are better options.

Delta Skymiles Gold Vs American Express Green Card

One of the main drawbacks of the SkyMiles Gold is how low-value its rewards can be, considering the dynamic pricing redemption model and how your miles are stuck with Delta. If youre willing to front a slightly higher annual fee but want a more flexible travel card, then the American Express® Green Card could be a worthy alternative. Not only does it earn 3X points in a generalized travel category , 3X points at restaurants and 1X points on all other purchases, but Amexs points are some of the most valuable on the market and can be transferred to Delta for potentially more value than the SkyMiles Golds airfare rewards.

The Amex Green does come with a higher $150 annual fee, but its additional features more than make up for it. It carries similar travel and purchase protections except the Amex Green offers trip delay insurance and it also offers two up to $189 annual credits for both a Clear airport security membership and Lounge Access through LoungeBuddy . Its also worth noting that if youre a big spender, the Green Card is one of Amexs cards with a flexible spending limit. That means it grants the spending power of a charge card but allows you to carry over approved purchases of over $100 via Pay Over Time .

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Which Is Right For You

The biggest factor to consider in finding the right credit card for you is how much time and money you save after your cards features cover the annual fee. Whether you can justify the cost of the American Express Platinum card comes down to your hotel and air travel frequency, how much flexibility you need among travel carriers and if you prefer higher-end travel can take full advantage of its luxury perks.

If youre someone who doesnt want to take on a whopping recurring fee and you want more airline-oriented benefits for less-frequent travel, the Delta SkyMiles Gold card will better reward your loyalty by paying for itself several times over.

Although the Delta card offers more traditional benefits youd expect from an airline card, take a look at our side-by-side comparison to see which cards features are up your alley.

Bankrates Take Is The Delta Gold Card Worth It

Delta SkyMiles Gold AMEX

Despite the $99 annual fee after the first year, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card proves to be a worthwhile starter card with Delta. Its premium benefits and rewards on everyday purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets provide great reward opportunities to value-minded travelers that arent chasing elite status perks and rewards. Its free first checked bag and annual travel credit essentially cover the annual fee, which is enough to put it over the base Delta Blue SkyMiles card.

But unless youre a loyal Delta traveler, it might be wiser to choose a non-branded card if youre focused on flexible rewards for day-to-day expenses. The Delta SkyMiles Gold offers solid rewards and benefits, but the rewards value and features are a bit weak compared to other premium travel cards that dont rely on a specific airline. If you are a frequent Delta flyer, then it may be worth considering a higher-caliber branded card since they come with more airline-exclusive perks and Status Boost in order to nab elite status faster.

All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold card, please click here.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

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Gold Delta Skymiles Card Vs American Express Platinum Card Perks

Gold Delta SkyMiles

  • First checked bag free
  • $100 Delta flight credit
  • Priority boarding
  • Discounted Delta Sky Club access
  • 20% discount on in-flight purchases
  • Basic travel and shopping protections, including car rental loss and damage insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
  • American Express Pay It Plan It payment plan options
  • Complimentary airport lounge access
  • Up to $200 airline fee credit
  • Up to $189 CLEAR® membership credit
  • Up to $200 in Uber credits each year
  • Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue purchase credits each year
  • Up to $200 hotel credit
  • Luxury hotel perks, including early check-in, late checkout, free room upgrades and complimentary breakfast
  • Top-tier travel and shopping protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay insurance and return protection
  • Starwood Preferred Guest Gold status
  • Hilton Honors Gold status
  • Platinum concierge service

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The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.

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Who Is This Card Good For

You dont have to be a Delta loyalist to benefit from this card. With a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99, you can easily take advantage of benefits that will outweigh the cost of the card. Perks such as your first checked bag free, and 20% back on inflight purchases are great ways to save money.

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Delta Skymiles Gold Vs Chase Sapphire Preferred

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Though the 60,000 points you receive for spending $4,000 in the first three months with CardName are a nice perk, the spending threshold is more than what the CardName requires. Even with the high spending requirement, 60,000 points is a still a great bonus and it’s worth as much as $750 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

CardName cardholders earn 5X total points on all travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal 3X points on dining, including eligible delivery services and takeout 3X points on online grocery purchases 3X points on select streaming services 2X points on travel purchases and 1X point on all other purchases. Better yet, points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, so there’s potential to stretch your rewards really far.

Furthermore, CardName points can be redeemed through a number of different airlines, providing its users with more scheduling flexibility than CardName cardholders enjoy. The difference here really comes down to the difference between a more general travel rewards card and a branded option. If you want to keep things flexible the CardName might be a great fit for you, but if your loyalty is with Delta, a SkyMiles® card may be the better fit.

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