Card reviewAmerican Express
Updated Aug 13, 2026 · research
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
American ExpressDelta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

A travel credit card tailored for Delta travelers to earn miles on everyday purchases and enjoy airline-specific benefits.

Mid TierPersonal
American Express
Credit profile: good
$150
Annual fee
Top rate
N/A
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • First checked bag free for the cardmember and up to eight companions on the same reservation, saving up to $35 per person per way on Delta flights.
  • Annual fee is waived for the first year, lowering the cost of entry for new cardholders.
  • Earns 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • No foreign transaction fees, making the card practical for international travel.

Cons

  • The $200 Delta flight credit requires $10,000 in annual spend to unlock, which may not be attainable for all cardholders.
  • Miles are locked into the Delta SkyMiles program, limiting redemption flexibility compared to transferable points cards.
  • Priority boarding is mid-level (Zone 4), not top-tier, so Medallion members and premium cabin passengers still board ahead.
  • Car rental and baggage insurance are secondary coverage, meaning personal insurance must be exhausted first.
  • No lounge access benefit, unlike higher-tier Delta American Express cards.

Key Takeaways

  • The annual fee is waived the first year, making the card essentially free to try for 12 months.
  • Free first checked bag for up to nine travelers per reservation can quickly offset the $150 annual fee for Delta flyers.
  • The $200 flight credit requires $10,000 in annual spend to unlock and does not appear automatically.
  • Miles earned are Delta SkyMiles only, with no option to transfer to other loyalty programs.
  • The 80,000-mile welcome bonus requires just $2,000 in spend over 180 days.

Fees

Fee TypeAmount
Annual Fee$150

Hidden Gems

Companion Bag Savings Add Up Fast

The first checked bag free benefit extends to up to eight companions on the same reservation, not just the cardmember. For a family of four taking a round trip, this can translate to over $280 in savings from a single trip.

Trip Delay Insurance for Meals and Lodging

If an eligible Delta flight is delayed more than 6 hours or requires an overnight stay, the card can reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses like meals and lodging up to $500 per trip. Many travelers overlook this benefit when delays occur.

Baggage Insurance Covers Carry-On Items Too

The card's baggage insurance plan covers not just checked bags but also carry-on luggage for loss, damage, or theft when the fare is charged to the card. Carry-on coverage goes up to $1,250, which is useful for travelers carrying electronics or valuables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card?
The annual fee is $150 per year. However, the fee is waived entirely for the first year, so new cardholders pay nothing until year two.
What welcome bonus does this card currently offer?
New cardholders can earn 80,000 Delta SkyMiles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 180 days of card membership. This bonus has an estimated value of approximately $960.
How does the first checked bag free benefit work?
The primary cardmember and up to eight companions on the same reservation can check their first bag for free on Delta-operated flights. Your SkyMiles number must be on the reservation, or the fare must be paid with the card. Note that this benefit does not apply to all fare classes and is limited to Delta-operated flights.
How do I earn the $200 Delta flight credit?
You must spend $10,000 on eligible purchases within a single calendar year to unlock the $200 Delta flight credit. The credit is not automatic and only appears after the spending threshold is reached. It can be applied toward future Delta purchases.
Does this card charge foreign transaction fees?
No. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card charges no foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the United States, making it suitable for international travel.
What credit score is needed to apply for this card?
This card is generally targeted at applicants with good credit. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on a variety of factors assessed by American Express at the time of application.
What kind of travel insurance does this card include?
The card includes trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, and car rental loss and damage insurance. Trip delay coverage applies when an eligible flight is delayed by more than 6 hours, reimbursing reasonable expenses up to $500 per trip. Baggage coverage is supplemental and secondary to the carrier's liability.
Does the card offer lounge access?
Based on the available card data, Delta SkyClub lounge access is not listed as a benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. Lounge access is generally a feature of higher-tier Delta Amex cards.
Can I use this card to earn miles at grocery stores?
Yes. The card earns 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, making it a useful option for everyday grocery spending within the Delta SkyMiles ecosystem.

About This Card

This card is best for frequent Delta flyers who check bags regularly and want to offset the annual fee through travel perks. It also suits everyday spenders who want to accumulate Delta SkyMiles on dining and grocery purchases.

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card from American Express is designed for consumer flyers who want to earn Delta SkyMiles on travel and everyday categories such as dining and groceries, while enjoying card benefits.

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card stands out among mid-tier airline cards by waiving its $150 annual fee the first year and extending the free first checked bag perk to up to eight travel companions on the same reservation, a benefit breadth rarely matched at this price point.

Ready to Decide?

Apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Current offer available with a $150 annual fee.

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