The isn’t the most rewarding Delta Air Lines credit card, but I think it’s the sweet spot for occasional Delta travelers. The card’s free checked bag benefit, priority boarding and award flight discount can easily offset the annual fee ($0 introductory for the first year, then $150 annually; see rates and fees) if you fly Delta just a few times per year.
If you’re chasing lounge access or elite status, there are better Delta cards to consider. But for travelers who simply want to make Delta flights more affordable, the Delta Gold Amex remains one of the airline’s strongest low-annual-fee cards.
Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ *Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: The basics
For those looking for an entry-level airline credit card, the offers a solid mix of Delta-specific travel perks and ongoing value for a moderate annual fee.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 annually
- Best for: Occasional Delta flyers seeking airline perks without paying for a premium travel card
- Rewards structure: Ability to earn bonus miles on Delta purchases, dining and U.S. supermarkets, plus miles on all other eligible purchases
- Key benefits: First checked bag free on flights worldwide and second checked bag free on U.S. domestic flights, Zone 5 priority boarding, 15% off Delta-operated award flights through TakeOff 15, annual Delta Stays and ride-hailing credits, and a path to earn a Delta flight credit
- Rewards currency: Delta SkyMiles, best redeemed for Delta flights and partner award travel
Unlike cards that earn transferable rewards, the Delta Gold Amex earns Delta SkyMiles directly. That means it’s best for travelers who fly Delta at least a few times per year and can take advantage of the card’s airline-specific perks.
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex pros and cons
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Related: Which Delta credit card is right for you? Expert advice from frequent Delta flyers
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex benefits
First checked bag free (and second bag on domestic Delta flights)
This is easily the ‘s most valuable benefit.
Cardmembers receive their first checked bag free on Delta-operated flights. The benefit also extends to up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation, creating substantial savings for families and groups.
Even better, cardmembers receive a second checked bag free on U.S. domestic Delta-operated flights, adding even more value.
Delta charges $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second checked bag on most domestic U.S. flights, including those to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a result, checking one bag on just two round-trip flights — or two bags on three flights — can more than offset the card’s $150 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year).
One feature I particularly appreciate is that you don’t have to pay for your flight with the card to receive this benefit. Just make sure the reservation includes the cardholder’s SkyMiles number.
TPG managing editor Madison Blancaflor says the free checked bag benefit is one reason she continues to carry the card.
“As someone who doesn’t chase elite status with any airline, the elitelike benefits I get with the Delta Gold Amex make it well worth the annual fee,” she said. “Having my first checked bag free and 15% off award redemptions has saved me so much money and miles over the years.”
Priority boarding
The card includes Zone 5 priority boarding on Delta flights.
While this may sound minor, it can make a meaningful difference when overhead bin space is limited, especially on busy routes.
Save 15% on Delta award flights
One of the most underrated perks of the Delta card is the TakeOff 15 benefit.
When redeeming SkyMiles for Delta-operated flights through delta.com or the Fly Delta app, cardmembers receive a 15% discount on the number of miles required.
If you redeem Delta miles regularly, this perk alone can save thousands of miles throughout the year.
TPG senior content strategist Gabrielle Bernardini keeps the card despite not flying Delta often.
“Though I don’t fly Delta often,” she said, “this card remains in my wallet due to several perks: a free checked bag, priority boarding and 15% off award flight bookings.”
Delta flight credit
After spending $10,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, you’ll earn a Delta flight credit worth up to $200.
I view this as a nice bonus rather than a reason to get the card. While this benefit can add value for cardholders who naturally spend $10,000 or more on the card each year, I wouldn’t recommend pursuing the spending requirement solely to earn the credit. For many travelers, other rewards cards offer a higher return on everyday spending.
Delta Stays statement credit
Cardmembers can receive up to $100 back annually on prepaid Delta Stays hotel or vacation rental bookings when paying with the card.
For travelers who occasionally book hotels through Delta’s travel portal, this credit can help offset a large portion of the annual fee.
Ride-hailing statement credit
After your first card renewal, cardmembers can earn up to $10 in statement credits each month on eligible U.S. ride-hailing purchases with select providers when paying with the card. That’s up to $120 in value each year. Enrollment is required.
While I wouldn’t value this benefit at the full $120 annually unless you regularly use ride-hailing services, it can provide meaningful savings for frequent airport trips and everyday transportation.
Savings on inflight purchases
Cardmembers receive 20% back as a statement credit on eligible Delta inflight purchases, including food, beverages and headsets. (Wi-Fi purchases are excluded.)
While not a reason to apply for the card on its own, it’s a nice perk for travelers who regularly make onboard purchases.
Travel and purchase protections
The card also includes:
- Secondary rental car coverage*
- Baggage insurance**
- Extended warranty protection**
- Purchase protection**
I typically wouldn’t recommend choosing a card solely for its protections, but they’re valuable to have when travel disruptions or damages to purchases occur.
*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
How to earn and use your rewards
Earning Delta SkyMiles
With the , you’ll earn:
- 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases (made directly with Delta)
- 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
- 2 miles per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets
- 1 mile per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
The bonus categories make the card fairly easy to use for everyday spending, though there are stronger rewards cards available if maximizing earning rates is your primary goal.
Related: 5 things you need to know about Delta SkyMiles
Redeeming Delta SkyMiles
The best way to redeem Delta SkyMiles is typically for flights on Delta and its airline partners.
Because Delta uses dynamic award pricing, award rates vary significantly depending on travel dates and demand. That can make it difficult to target a specific redemption, but there are still excellent options available.
I particularly like Delta’s SkyMiles Deals, which periodically offer discounted award flights both domestically and internationally.
Delta SkyMiles can also be redeemed on Delta’s SkyTeam partners, including Air France, Korean Air and Virgin Atlantic.
These redemptions can sometimes provide better value than Delta-operated flights.
Related: How to redeem your Delta SkyMiles for maximum value
Potential drawbacks of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
The biggest drawback is that the ‘s value depends heavily on flying Delta.
If you aren’t checking bags, redeeming SkyMiles or flying Delta once or twice per year, it can be difficult to justify paying the annual fee after the introductory period ends.
The card also lacks premium travel benefits such as airport lounge access, elite status acceleration and companion certificates.
Finally, while the earning rates are decent, they’re not compelling enough to make this your primary everyday spending card.
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
Travelers who fly Delta frequently should also consider the .
The Platinum version includes many of the same core airline benefits but adds tools that can help you work toward Medallion status and offers a companion certificate each year after renewal.
For occasional Delta travelers, I still think the version delivers the better value proposition.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex worth it?
For many Delta travelers, yes.
I think the becomes easy to justify if you check a bag a few times per year, regularly redeem SkyMiles or can use the Delta Stays credit. For occasional Delta flyers, the combination of airline perks and a relatively modest annual fee is hard to beat.
Related: How to get Delta Sky Club lounge access with credit cards, elite status and more
When to apply for the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
As a new member, you can apply and find out if your welcome offer is as high as 80,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $250 statement credit, after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount.) Offer ends Nov. 4.
According to TPG’s August 2026 valuations, Delta SkyMiles are worth 1.2 cents each, making this offer worth up to $1,210, including the statement credit.
This is the most valuable welcome offer we’ve seen on the card, making now the best time to apply.
Due to American Express’ one-bonus-per-lifetime rule, you generally won’t be eligible for the welcome offer if you currently have this card or have previously had it.
Additionally, Amex may consider other factors when determining welcome offer eligibility, including the number of American Express cards you’ve opened and closed and whether you’ve held other Delta SkyMiles American Express cards.
Related: Current Delta American Express credit card welcome offers
Other cards to consider if you don’t want the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
If getting your first checked bag free on flights worldwide, your second checked bag free on U.S. domestic flights and priority boarding when flying Delta for a low annual fee are your main motivators, the is probably your best option. However, another card may be better if you have different goals:
- If you want flexible rewards: The earns American Express Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to Delta (and other loyalty programs). While it doesn’t have perks specific to Delta and features a $325 annual fee (see rates and fees), it earns bonus points on flights, dining and groceries. To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold Card.
- If you want a Delta card with no annual fee: The earns Delta SkyMiles on everyday spending and includes perks like Pay with Miles and 20% back (as a statement credit) on eligible Delta inflight food-and-beverage purchases. It doesn’t offer benefits like a free checked bag or priority boarding, but it’s a solid option for occasional Delta travelers who want to earn SkyMiles without paying an annual fee (see rates and fees). To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta Blue Amex.
- If you want Delta Sky Club access: With the , you can get access to Delta’s network of lounges (subject to limitations) and a companion certificate. For frequent Delta flyers, this card is likely the best fit. To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta Reserve Amex.
For additional options, check out our full lists of the best travel credit cards and the best American Express cards.
Related: What credit score do you need to get Delta SkyMiles American Express cards?
Bottom line
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is a great option because it keeps things simple.
I wouldn’t recommend it to travelers chasing luxury perks or elite status. But if your goal is to save money on Delta flights through free checked bags, priority boarding and discounted award tickets, this card delivers more value than its annual fee suggests.
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Blue Amex, click here.
