SmartRatesUSA
Credit Card Review🛫 Best Airline Co-Brand

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Issued by American Express

2x on Delta purchases, U.S. restaurants (incl. takeout/delivery) & U.S. supermarkets, 1x elsewhere — plus Up to 80,000 bonus miles after $2,000 spend in first 6 months (offer varies by applicant).

At a Glance

Annual Fee

$150

Purchase APR

19.49%–28.49%

Rewards Rate

2x on Delta purchases, U.S. restaurants (incl. takeout/delivery) & U.S. supermarkets, 1x elsewhere

Credit eligibility

Issuer review required; no guaranteed score cutoff

Sign-Up Bonus

Up to 80,000 bonus miles after $2,000 spend in first 6 months (offer varies by applicant)

Rates & Fees

Annual Fee

$150

Purchase APR

19.49%–28.49% variable

Foreign Transaction Fee

None

Balance Transfer Fee

3% of each transfer, $5 minimum (confirm current terms with Amex)

Cash Advance Fee

Cash advance fee may apply where permitted; contact Amex for current terms

Late Payment Fee

Up to $40

Estimate Your Rewards

See how this card fits your monthly spending

Enter your typical monthly spend by category to see roughly what the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card would earn you per year (this doesn't include any one-time sign-up bonus).

$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$1,500/mo
$/mo
$0/mo$3,000/mo

Note: The 2x travel rate applies specifically to purchases made directly with Delta, not travel broadly. Delta SkyMiles are generally valued lower than transferable Amex Membership Rewards points.

Est. Annual Rewards

$418/yr

After $150 Annual Fee

$268/yr

Based On

$1,950/mo

Key Features

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150

First checked bag free for cardholder + up to 8 companions on Delta flights

20% back on eligible in-flight Delta purchases as a statement credit

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No foreign transaction fees, good for international travel
  • Free checked bag benefit alone can offset the annual fee for frequent Delta flyers
  • Priority boarding on Delta flights

Tradeoffs

  • Miles are only useful if you fly Delta regularly
  • 1x base rate outside Delta/dining/grocery categories
  • No airport lounge access on this tier

How to Apply

Check American Express's eligibility information and any prequalification option. A credit score alone does not establish approval; income, debt and credit history also matter.

Gather your Social Security number, annual income, housing payment, and employer details before starting the application.

Apply directly through American Express's official site or app to make sure you're getting current, accurate offer terms.

Most issuers give an instant decision online; some applications are sent to manual review, which can take 7–10 business days.

If approved, activate the card and set up autopay before your first statement is due to avoid a late payment.

How It Compares

Current product highlighted
ProductAnnual FeePurchase APRRewards Rate
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card$15019.49%–28.49%2x on Delta purchases, U.S. restaurants (incl. takeout/delivery) & U.S. supermarkets, 1x elsewhere
Chase Sapphire Preferred®$9521.49%–28.49%5x Chase Travel, 3x dining, gas/EV charging, online grocery, streaming & vacation rentals, 2x other travel
Chase Sapphire Reserve®$79519.49%–29.99%3x travel & dining worldwide
Capital One Venture X$39519.49%–28.49%10x hotels & rental cars, 5x flights via Capital One Travel, 2x everything else

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card?

We do not have a verified universal minimum score for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. American Express evaluates your application and credit profile, including income and debt. Check the current eligibility terms; a particular score does not guarantee approval or a credit limit.

What's the annual fee on the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card?

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card carries a $150 annual fee. Whether that's worth it depends on how much value you get from its rewards rate and included perks each year.

Does the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card have a sign-up bonus?

Yes — new cardholders can currently earn Up to 80,000 bonus miles after $2,000 spend in first 6 months (offer varies by applicant). Bonus terms and required spend change over time, so confirm the current offer on American Express's site before applying.

What fees should I watch for on the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card?

Beyond the annual fee, check the foreign transaction fee (None), balance transfer fee (3% of each transfer, $5 minimum (confirm current terms with Amex)), cash advance fee (Cash advance fee may apply where permitted; contact Amex for current terms), and late payment fee (Up to $40). These matter most if you carry a balance, transfer debt, or use the card internationally.

How does the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card compare to similar cards?

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is one of several travel cards worth comparing side by side — see the "How It Compares" table on this page for a few close alternatives, or browse the full list of travel cards for more options.

Other Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

5x Chase Travel, 3x dining, gas/EV charging, online grocery, streaming & vacation rentals, 2x other travel

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

3x travel & dining worldwide

Capital One Venture X

10x hotels & rental cars, 5x flights via Capital One Travel, 2x everything else

Rates, fees, and rewards shown are illustrative as of 2026 and subject to change — always confirm current terms directly with the issuer before applying.

← Compare all credit cards