Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express vs United Explorer Card
Head-to-head comparison of every feature, fee, and perk
At a Glance
Annual Fee
$150 (waived first year)
vs
$95 (waived first year)
Base Rewards
1x
vs
1x
Sign-Up Bonus
$700
vs
$600
Editor Score
7/10
vs
8/10
Detailed Comparison
| Category wins | 3/6 | 3/6 |
| Fees & APR | ||
| Annual Fee | $150 (waived first year)✗ Highest | $95 (waived first year)★ Lowest |
| Purchase APR | 20.99% – 29.99% | 21.49% – 28.49% |
| Intro APR (Purchases) | ||
| Intro APR (Balance Transfer) | ||
| Foreign Txn Fee | None★ Lowest | None |
| Balance Transfer Fee | None | 5% |
| Rewards | ||
| Rewards Type | Miles | Miles |
| Base Rewards Rate | 1x★ Highest | 1x |
| Bonus Categories | 2x Delta Air Lines purchases · 2x Dining · 2x U.S. Supermarkets | 2x United Airlines purchases · 2x Dining · 2x Hotels |
| Sign-Up Bonus | $700 value★ Highest | $600 value✗ Lowest |
| Eligibility | ||
| Credit Score | Good (670-749) | Good (670-749) |
| Network | American Express | Visa |
| At a Glance | ||
| Best For | Frequent Delta Air Lines flyers | Frequent United Airlines flyers |
| Ratings | ||
| User Rating | 4.2 / 5✗ Lowest | 4.3 / 5★ Highest |
| Editor Score | 7 / 10✗ Lowest | 8 / 10★ Highest |
| Apply Now | Apply | Apply |
| Full Review | View details → | View details → |
| Pros & Cons | ||
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Our Verdict
United vs. Delta — the domestic airline card battle. The United Explorer ($95/yr) earns 2x on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, with a free checked bag and 2 United Club one-time passes. The Delta Gold ($150/yr) earns 2x on Delta, restaurants, and supermarkets, with a free checked bag and priority boarding. If you fly United more, the Explorer wins on fee alone. If you're a Delta loyalist, the Gold's broader 2x categories (supermarkets!) add up. Pick your airline first.
Winner: United Explorer Card
Lower annual fee with comparable benefits
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Common Questions
Which is better: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express or United Explorer Card?
It depends on your spending habits. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express has a $150 annual fee and earns 1x base rewards. The United Explorer Card has a $95 annual fee and earns 1x base rewards. Compare their bonus categories above to see which aligns better with your spending.
What is the annual fee difference between Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express and United Explorer Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express has a $150 annual fee while the United Explorer Card has a $95 annual fee. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express costs $55 more per year, so it needs to deliver that much extra value in rewards and perks to justify the difference.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express and United Explorer Card?
Yes, since these cards are from different issuers (American Express and Chase), you can hold both. Many people pair cards from different banks to maximize bonus category coverage across all their spending.