Annual fee $0 first year, then $150. 2X Delta, U.S. supermarkets, and restaurants; 1X other.
See if it fits my walletThe 3 reviewed personal cards that share the most card types and features with the Delta SkyMiles Gold.
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Airline benefits require eligible Delta travel and reservation linkage
Check current offer This link goes to American Express’s site. Dean earns nothing if you apply.Annual fee: $0, against $0 first year, then $150 for the Delta SkyMiles Gold. Best fit: Occasional Delta flyer wanting no annual fee. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Airline co-brand, No annual fee.
Read Dean’s reviewAnnual fee: $350, against $0 first year, then $150 for the Delta SkyMiles Gold. Best fit: Delta loyalists pursuing status and using companion travel. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Airline co-brand, Status support.
Read Dean’s reviewAnnual fee: $0, against $0 first year, then $150 for the Delta SkyMiles Gold. Best fit: Occasional American Airlines flyers. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Airline co-brand, No annual fee.
Read Dean’s review| Card | Annual fee | Rewards and benefit summary | Best fit | Main drawback | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles GoldAmerican Express | $0 first year, then $150 | 2X Delta, U.S. supermarkets, and restaurants; 1X otherFirst checked bag free and qualifying domestic second bag; priority boarding; Delta Stays credit; TakeOff 15 | Regular Delta flyers checking bags | Airline benefits require eligible Delta travel and reservation linkage | American Express Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Delta SkyMiles BlueAmerican Express | $0 | 2X Delta and U.S. restaurants; 1X otherNo foreign transaction fee; in-flight purchase savings under terms | Occasional Delta flyer wanting no annual fee | Does not include the core free-checked-bag perk | American Express Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Delta SkyMiles PlatinumAmerican Express | $350 | 3X Delta and direct hotels; 2X restaurants and U.S. supermarkets; 1X otherAnnual companion certificate; MQD Headstart and Boost; rideshare and Delta Stays credits; bags and boarding | Delta loyalists pursuing status and using companion travel | Fee and coupon-like credits require real Delta use | American Express Checked 2026-07-22 |
| AAdvantage MileUpCiti | $0 | 2X American Airlines and grocery stores; 1X otherIn-flight purchase savings under terms | Occasional American Airlines flyers | No free checked bag or priority boarding | Citi Checked 2026-07-22 |
2X Delta, U.S. supermarkets, and restaurants; 1X other.
First checked bag free and qualifying domestic second bag; priority boarding; Delta Stays credit; TakeOff 15.
Dean treats these as the reasons to hold the Delta SkyMiles Gold. If you would not use them, the card is worth less to you than its marketing says.
Dean lists the Delta SkyMiles Gold for good, excellent credit. It is a personal card on the Amex network. Availability: public national.
A listed credit range is a starting point, not an approval promise. American Express decides approval, your credit limit, and your rate when you apply.
Airline benefits require eligible Delta travel and reservation linkage.
Annual fee: $0 first year, then $150. Dean checked the fee and terms against American Express on July 22, 2026. Terms can change after that date, so read the live offer before you apply.
Rewards and perks tie to one airline or alliance. Free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, companion benefits, award discounts.
Best for: People loyal to a specific airline. Watch for: Lower value when flying other airlines; devaluations are outside the issuer's control.
Rewards and benefits tie to one hotel program. Elite status, anniversary nights, elite-night credits, on-property earning.
Best for: Travelers who repeatedly stay with one hotel group. Watch for: Free-night rules, resort fees, and program changes can limit value.
Merchant-branded Visa, Mastercard, or Amex that also works elsewhere. High merchant rewards plus general network acceptance.
Best for: Loyal customers who still need an everyday payment card. Watch for: Outside-merchant rewards are often weak.
Same rate on most eligible purchases.
Conditions to check: Excluded cash-like transactions and redemption value. Best for simplicity and uncategorized spend.
Higher rewards or credits for issuer-portal bookings.
Conditions to check: Portal price, cancellation rules, elite credit, and direct-booking benefits. Compare the total trip terms, not only the multiplier.
Statement credit or instant discount for eligible travel.
Conditions to check: Calendar versus cardmember year, portal or merchant restrictions, exclusions. Value it at face value only if you would use it naturally.
Dean links directly to the issuer. Card terms and eligibility can change after the review date.