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Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier comes from Chase at $149/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 Premier's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first; revisit the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureSouthwest Rapid Rewards PremierDelta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Annual fee$149$150
Sign-up bonus55,000 bonus points80,000 bonus miles
Bonus value (est.)-$960
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,500 in 3 mo$3,000 in 6 mo
IssuerChaseAmerican Express
Card categorytravelairline
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 3x on Southwest
  • 6k anniversary points
  • Free first checked bag
  • 15% anniversary promo code
  • Free first checked bag
  • $200 Delta flight credit
  • Priority boarding
  • 2x on restaurants & groceries
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
$149/yr · 55,000 bonus points
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
$150/yr · 80,000 bonus miles

Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier

The middle tier of the Southwest portfolio after the 2025 refresh. Doubles the anniversary points and bumps the promo code from 10% to 15% vs Plus. Sweet spot for occasional Southwest flyers who don't need the Priority card's $75 travel credit or upgraded boardings.

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 Premier 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 Premier doesn't advertise one right now.
Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier's $149 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
At $149/yr, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier 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 Premier 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 Premier 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 Premier: $1,500 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.