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Side-by-side

Hilton Honors American Express Card vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Hilton Honors American Express Card comes from American Express at $0/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 Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($960 more in estimated value) than the Hilton Honors American Express Card's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first; revisit the Hilton Honors American Express Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureHilton Honors American Express CardDelta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Annual fee$0$150
Sign-up bonusNot advertised80,000 bonus miles
Bonus value (est.)-$960
Min spend to unlock bonus-$3,000 in 6 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressAmerican Express
Card categorytravelairline
Best earning category (Hilton_hotels)7x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
    • Free first checked bag
    • $200 Delta flight credit
    • Priority boarding
    • 2x on restaurants & groceries
    Read the full review
    Hilton Honors American Express Card
    $0/yr ·
    Read the full review
    Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
    $150/yr · 80,000 bonus miles

    Editorial take: Hilton Honors American Express Card

    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, Hilton Honors American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
    The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has a public bonus (80,000 bonus miles, worth roughly $960), while the Hilton Honors American Express Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Hilton Honors American Express Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
    The Hilton Honors American Express Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card's $150 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card's benefits to clear $150 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Hilton Honors American Express Card.
    Can I have both the Hilton Honors American Express 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 Hilton Honors American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Hilton Honors American Express Card: no published min spend. 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.