Editorial take: American Express Gold Card
The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
American Express Gold Card vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card from American Express at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the American Express Gold Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,040 more in estimated value) than the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 80,000 bonus miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $960 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $3,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| Best earning category (Prepaid_hotels_amex) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
|
Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 100,000 points
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
$150/yr · 80,000 bonus miles
Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
A good choice for Delta loyalists. The free checked bag and $200 flight credit easily offset the $150 annual fee if you fly Delta a few times a year.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 80,000 bonus miles (~$960) on the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- At $325/yr, the American Express Gold Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- Yes, though both are issued by American Express so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: $3,000 in 6 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.