Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express
$150/yr
American Express
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express
4.2
(1,234 reviews)travel
Reviewed by CardCompare Editorial Board
|CFP-reviewed|Updated April 2026Delta's mid-tier SkyMiles card balances solid earning rates with practical travel benefits. The free first checked bag on Delta flights saves $60 per round trip, covering a significant portion of the $150 annual fee. After year one's fee waiver, a single round-trip Delta flight per year justifies keeping the card.
Annual Fee
$150 (waived first year)
Purchase APR
20.99% – 29.99%
Rewards
1x base rate
Sign-Up Bonus
$700 value
Credit Score
Good (670-749)
Foreign Txn Fee
None
Who Should Get This Card
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express is best suited for established credit users who frequent delta air lines flyers. The $150 annual fee pays for itself if you spend $15,000+/year on this card.
This card is great if you…
- Free first checked bag
- Priority boarding
- 70K mile welcome bonus
- Frequent Delta Air Lines flyers
Consider another card if you…
- $150 annual fee after year 1
- Miles are less flexible than transferable points
- 1x base rate
Rewards Breakdown
2x Delta flights, dining & groceries, 1x everything else
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines purchases | 2x |
| Dining | 2x |
| U.S. Supermarkets | 2x |
| Everything else | 1x |
Rewards Distribution
2x
top rate
Delta Air Lines purchases2x29%
Dining2x29%
U.S. Supermarkets2x29%
Everything else1x14%
Sign-Up Bonus
70,000 miles after spending $3,000 in 6 months
Fees & APR
| Annual Fee | $150 (waived first year) |
| Purchase APR | 20.99% – 29.99% |
| Balance Transfer Fee | None |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Late Fee | Up to $40 |
Pros & Cons
Free first checked bag
Priority boarding
70K mile welcome bonus
2x on dining & groceries
Fee waived first year
$150 annual fee after year 1
Miles are less flexible than transferable points
1x base rate
The Bottom Line
The Good: The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express stands out for its free first checked bag. The welcome bonus worth $700 adds significant first-year value. No foreign transaction fees make it a strong pick for international spending.
The Not So Good: $150 annual fee after year 1. The $150 annual fee means you need to use the card actively to justify the cost.
Our Verdict: The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express scores 7/10 — a solid option for frequent delta air lines flyers. Make sure you'll earn at least $150 in value annually to justify the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express?▾
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express has a $150 annual fee, waived for the first year. Consider whether the rewards and perks you'll use offset this cost.
What is the sign-up bonus for the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express?▾
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express currently offers a sign-up bonus worth approximately $700. 70,000 miles after spending $3,000 in 6 months Terms apply — always verify the current offer directly with the issuer.
How do the rewards work on the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express?▾
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express earns 1x points on all purchases, and up to 2x points in select bonus categories. Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more.
What credit score do I need for the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express?▾
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express is recommended for applicants with good (670-749) credit. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on your full credit profile.
Does the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express charge a foreign transaction fee?▾
No — the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express has no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for international purchases and travel abroad.
What is the APR on the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express?▾
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express has a variable purchase APR of 20.99% – 29.99%. If you carry a balance, interest charges can quickly outweigh any rewards earned.
Who is the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express best for?▾
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express is best for Frequent Delta Air Lines flyers. A key advantage: free first checked bag.
Annual Fee Break-Even
$1,000/mo
$100/mo$5,000/mo
Annual rewards earned: $144Annual fee: $150
Spend at least $1,042/mo for the rewards to cover the $150 annual fee.
Based on 1x base rewards rate @ 1.2¢ per point. Bonus category spending may reduce your break-even point.
Customer Reviews
4.2
1,234 reviews
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