Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler
The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.
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Side-by-side
IHG One Rewards Traveler vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The IHG One Rewards Traveler comes from Chase 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
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | IHG One Rewards Traveler | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 80,000 points | 80,000 bonus miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $480 | $960 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $2,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | American Express |
| Card category | hotel | airline |
| Best earning category (Ihg) | 17x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 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, IHG One Rewards Traveler or Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has the bigger bonus, 80,000 bonus miles, worth roughly $960, versus 80,000 points (~$480) on the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
- Is the IHG One Rewards Traveler's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- The IHG One Rewards Traveler 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler.
- Can I have both the IHG One Rewards Traveler and Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and American Express) the application rules don't conflict. 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler or the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 spend in 3 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.