Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
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.
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Side-by-side
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
Both are airline travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex comes from American Express at $150/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority from Chase at $149/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 | Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex | Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 | $149 |
| Sign-up bonus | 70,000 miles | 50,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $840 | $700 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,000 in 6 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | airline | airline |
| Best earning category (Delta) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
$150/yr · 70,000 miles
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
$149/yr · 50,000 points
Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
If Southwest is your airline, this is the card to have. The anniversary points and $75 travel credit nearly cover the annual fee, and the low $1,000 minimum spend makes the bonus easy to earn.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex or Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
- The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex has the bigger bonus — 70,000 miles, worth roughly $840, versus 50,000 points (~$700) on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority.
- Is the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex's $150 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
- At $150/yr, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) 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 Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: $3,000 spend in 6 months. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: $1,000 in 3 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.