Editorial take: United Gateway Card
The no-fee United card. Doesn't include free bags (that starts with the Explorer), so it's really only worth it for credit-building purposes.
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Side-by-side
United Gateway Card vs Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The United Gateway Card 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
For most people the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($570 more in estimated value) than the United Gateway Card's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first; revisit the United Gateway Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | United Gateway Card | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 30,000 miles | 80,000 bonus miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $390 | $960 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,000 in 3 mo | $3,000 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | American Express |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| Best earning category (United) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
United Gateway Card
$0/yr · 30,000 miles
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, United Gateway Card 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 30,000 miles (~$390) on the United Gateway Card.
- Is the United Gateway Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?
- The United Gateway 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 United Gateway Card.
- Can I have both the United Gateway Card 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 United Gateway Card or the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. United Gateway Card: $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.