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Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus comes from Chase at $99/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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first; revisit the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureSouthwest Rapid Rewards PlusDelta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Annual fee$99$150
Sign-up bonus50,000 bonus points80,000 bonus miles
Bonus value (est.)-$960
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,000 in 3 mo$3,000 in 6 mo
IssuerChaseAmerican Express
Card categorytravelairline
Best earning category (Travel)2x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • $99 fee (post-2025 refresh)
  • 3k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • Companion Pass qualifying
  • Free first checked bag
  • $200 Delta flight credit
  • Priority boarding
  • 2x on restaurants & groceries
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
$150/yr · 80,000 bonus miles

Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

The entry-level Southwest card after the 2025 refresh raised the fee to $99. Worth it primarily if you're chasing the Companion Pass; the Priority card delivers more value if you fly Southwest 2+ times per year.

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, Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's $99 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
At $99/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus or the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: $1,000 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.