Delta Skymiles Gold
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is tailored for travelers who frequently fly with Delta Air Lines, offering a range of benefits that can enhance the travel experience and provide value through rewards and perks.
Key Features:
• Rewards Structure:
• Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta.
• Earn 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets.
• Earn 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• Earn 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
• Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Additional Benefits:
• First Checked Bag Free: You and up to eight companions on the same reservation can check your first bag free on Delta flights, potentially saving up to $70 per person on a round-trip flight.
• Priority Boarding: Enjoy Zone 5 priority boarding on Delta flights for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation, allowing earlier access to overhead bin space and a more relaxed boarding process.
• In-Flight Savings: Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible in-flight purchases, such as food and beverages, when using your card.
• Delta Flight Credit: After spending $10,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta flight credit to use toward future travel.
• Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
Pros:
• Valuable Travel Perks: The free checked bag benefit and priority boarding can lead to significant savings and a more comfortable travel experience for Delta flyers.
• Generous Welcome Offer: The substantial welcome bonus can be a significant boost toward future award travel with Delta.
• Everyday Spending Rewards: Earning 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide makes this card rewarding for everyday expenses, not just travel-related purchases.
Cons:
• Annual Fee: After the first year, the $150 annual fee may be a consideration for those who do not frequently utilize Delta’s services or the card’s benefits.
• Limited Elite Status Benefits: The card does not provide a pathway to achieving Delta Medallion elite status through spending, which may be a drawback for those seeking enhanced loyalty benefits.
• No Lounge Access: Unlike some premium travel cards, this card does not offer complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges, which could be a limitation for travelers seeking lounge amenities.
Considerations:
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is well-suited for individuals who fly with Delta Air Lines at least occasionally and can take advantage of the card’s travel perks and rewards structure. The benefits, such as free checked bags and priority boarding, can offset the annual fee for those who travel with Delta multiple times a year. However, for travelers who do not frequently fly with Delta or who seek more comprehensive travel benefits, such as lounge access or accelerated paths to elite status, exploring other credit card options may be advisable.