The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is designed with the frequent Delta flyer in mind, offering benefits and features tailored to enhance the overall travel experience. As a popular choice among those who prefer flying with Delta Air Lines, this card offers a low-cost solution to earn miles and enjoy additional perks.
This credit card provides valuable elite-like benefits at an affordable price point for casual Delta flyers, making it an attractive option for those who want to optimize their travel rewards without breaking the bank. Despite its limitations in terms of flexibility, it remains a strong contender for those who commit to flying with Delta on a regular basis. The Points Guy, for example, attests to the card’s value for this specific audience. The following paragraphs will delve deeper into the details of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, allowing potential cardholders to determine if this card suits their travel and spending needs.
Card Overview
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a popular choice for frequent Delta travelers, as it offers numerous benefits and rewards catered specifically to enhance the flying experience. With a reasonable annual fee, cardholders can enjoy a range of perks and elite-like benefits, making this card well-suited for casual Delta flyers.
One of the key highlights of this credit card is its rewards program. Cardholders can earn 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants worldwide. This versatile rewards structure allows users to accumulate miles on both travel and everyday spending.
In addition to the rewards, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card comes with valuable benefits, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and discounts on in-flight purchases. These perks make the cardholder experience more enjoyable and convenient when traveling with Delta.
Despite being tailored for Delta’s frequent flyers, it is important to note that the card’s redemption options are not as flexible as some other travel credit cards. Nevertheless, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card remains a solid option for those seeking a low-cost, rewarding credit card tied to their favorite airline.
Rewards and Benefits
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers a range of valuable rewards and benefits to cardholders, making it an appealing choice for frequent Delta flyers. The card currently features a welcome bonus of 70,000 bonus miles after meeting the required spending threshold.
Earning miles with the card is easy, as it provides rewards in multiple spending categories. You’ll earn:
- 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
- 2 miles per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets
- 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases
In addition to earning miles, this card comes with a variety of elite-like benefits that can enhance your travel experience. Some of these benefits include:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| First Checked Bag Free | Cardholders receive one free checked bag on Delta flights, a savings of up to $60 per round trip. |
| Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding | With this benefit, cardholders can board the plane earlier, helping to ensure access to overhead bin space. |
| 20% Back on In-Flight Purchases | When using your card for eligible Delta in-flight purchases, such as food or beverages, you’ll receive a 20% statement credit. |
| No Foreign Transaction Fees | While travelling abroad, you won’t incur additional fees for foreign transactions using this card. |
These rewards and benefits make the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card an excellent choice for those who frequently fly with Delta and are looking to enhance their travel experience while earning rewards.
Fees and Rates
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card comes with an introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, after which it is $99 per year. This fee is relatively low compared to other travel rewards cards and can be offset by the various benefits and rewards offered by the card.
When it comes to interest rates, the card features a variable APR for purchases and balance transfers that can range from 15.99% to 24.99% based on your creditworthiness. It’s essential to remember that carrying a balance month-to-month can negate the rewards earned through the card. To avoid incurring interest, pay off your balance in full each month.
Additional fees to consider include:
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance Fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None.
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40.
It’s important to take these fees into account and use the card responsibly to maximize its benefits and rewards. Ensure you understand the card’s terms and conditions to avoid incurring unnecessary charges.
Pros and Cons
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers numerous benefits that can enhance the travel experience for regular Delta passengers. Below, we discuss the pros and cons of this credit card:
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees: This card does not impose foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travelers.
- Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights: Cardholders can take advantage of a free first checked bag and receive priority boarding when traveling with Delta.
- Large variety of airline partners: Delta partners with many airlines worldwide, providing more flexibility when redeeming SkyMiles®.
- Lucrative rewards program: The card offers a rewarding program with a generous welcome bonus and Delta flight credit.
Cons
- Annual fee: The card does carry an annual fee, which may deter some potential cardholders.
- Limited redemption options: The Gold Delta SkyMiles® AmEx card’s redemption options are not the most flexible, limiting the card’s appeal outside of regular Delta flyers.
- Focused on Delta flyers: The card’s perks and benefits are mainly for Delta passengers, so travelers who fly with multiple airlines may not fully benefit.
Application and Eligibility
Applying for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a straightforward process that can be done online through the American Express website. To be eligible for the card, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security Number.
While American Express does not explicitly state the minimum credit score required, it is usually recommended to have a good to excellent credit score (670 or higher) for a higher chance of approval. Additionally, American Express may consider your credit history, income, and other financial factors when evaluating your application.
When applying, you will be asked to provide personal information like your name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number, and contact details. You will also need to provide information about your annual income and monthly housing payment. Approval decisions are typically made within a few days, but in some cases, they may take longer.
If your application is approved, you may receive a welcome bonus offer, which usually requires meeting a certain spending threshold within the first few months. Ensure that you meet this requirement to take full advantage of the card’s benefits.
Conclusion
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers a range of benefits for regular Delta travelers, making it worth considering for those who frequently fly with the airline. With a reasonable annual fee, the card provides a good balance between cost and value for its cardholders.
As a Delta co-branded credit card, it can help users accumulate miles through everyday spending in addition to flights. The card may not have the most flexible redemption options, but it can be a low-cost way for Delta fans to earn rewards. Moreover, the card was revamped in 2019, presenting a new list of perks and revised earning rates.
In conclusion, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a suitable choice for casual Delta flyers who want to enjoy valuable elite-like benefits without breaking the bank. If you’re a value-minded traveler looking for a credit card that aligns with your Delta loyalty, this card should be on your shortlist.