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.
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Side-by-side
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card vs United Explorer Card
Both are airline travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card comes from American Express at $150/yr; the United Explorer Card from Chase 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 | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 80,000 bonus miles | 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $960 | $1,040 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $3,000 in 6 mo | $3,000 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 American Express Card
$150/yr · 80,000 bonus miles
Read the full review
United Explorer Card
$150/yr · 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus
Editorial take: United Explorer Card
Solid for United flyers. The free checked bag and 2 United Club passes per year add up, and the 70k + 10k AU bonus is a great starting point for domestic award flights. $0 intro annual fee, then $150.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card or United Explorer Card?
- The United Explorer Card has the bigger bonus, 50,000 miles + 10,000 AU bonus, worth roughly $1,040, versus 80,000 bonus miles (~$960) on the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
- Is the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card's $150 annual fee worth it compared to the United Explorer Card?
- At $150/yr, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the United Explorer Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and United Explorer Card?
- 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 American Express Card or the United Explorer Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: $3,000 spend in 6 months. United Explorer Card: $3,000 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.