In a Nutshell
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card both allow you to earn rewards for purchases and for miles flown. To decide which card is the best fit for you, you’ll have to determine which rewards you value the most.Most major airlines offer mileage cards, but Delta SkyMiles® credit cards are a bit different from their counterparts.
Although the majority of the cards’ perks are familiar, such as priority boarding and first checked bag free, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card stand out from the crowd.
When comparing these cards, you’ll notice that many of the perks are the same, which can make it challenging to choose between the two. To make the best choice, you’ll want to pay special attention to how the annual fees weigh against the awards you’re likely to earn.
At a glance: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | |
|---|---|---|
|
Welcome offer
| Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months. |
| Annual fee | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. | $350 |
| Variable APR for purchases | 20.24% - 29.24% | 20.24% - 29.24% |
| Miles earned |
2 per $1 spent on Delta purchases, at restaurants, including delivery and takeout in the U.S., and U.S. supermarkets 1 per $1 spent on all other purchases |
3 per $1 spent on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels 2 per $1 spent on purchases at restaurants, including delivery and takeout, and U.S. supermarkets 1 per $1 spent on all other purchases |
Best for annual fee
Be sure not to overlook the fees involved. The $350 annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card could be used elsewhere to buy you a low-cost, round-trip flight once a year.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers a more attractive alternative. Although you’ll pay a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. annual fee, the benefits probably outweigh the cost.
Heads up: What to consider when applying for a Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card
Make sure you shop around for the best deal. American Express, which co-brands the SkyMiles credit cards with Delta, changes its welcome offers frequently, so if you apply at the right time you could be rewarded with a lot more miles.
You’ll also want to do a little prep work before you apply. If you’re interested in obtaining elite status, make sure your current spending and flying habits roughly match what will be required to receive your desired SkyMiles benefits.
Bottom line: Which card is right for you?
When it comes to the Delta SkyMiles credit cards, many of the perks are identical. The choice between the two comes down to which rewards matter most.
For those looking for Delta SkyMiles perks, bear in mind that these are not the only two credit cards you can use to accrue Delta SkyMiles. Delta also offers the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for those willing to pay a more substantial annual fee in exchange for access to additional perks. SkyMiles business cards are available as well.
You can also earn Membership Rewards points with other American Express cards and transfer those rewards points to Delta SkyMiles for a small fee.