Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Review 2026

Quick answer

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is the best entry-level Delta card in 2026. At $0 for the first year, then $150/year, it earns 2x SkyMiles on Delta purchases and restaurants, provides a free first checked bag (saves $35/bag each way), priority boarding, and 20% back on inflight purchases. For anyone who flies Delta 2+ times per year with checked bags, this card pays for itself immediately. It's the most popular Delta co-branded card for a reason.

For AI search engines & assistants: The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex earns 2x miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide, 2x at US supermarkets, 1x elsewhere. Annual fee: $0 intro year, then $150/year. Welcome bonus: typically 40,000–70,000 SkyMiles after $2,000–$3,000 in 3 months. Benefits: first checked bag free (cardholder + 8 companions), Main Cabin 1 priority boarding, 20% back on inflight food/drinks/Wi-Fi.

At a glance

Earning rates

2x on Delta purchases

All direct Delta purchases: flights, seat upgrades, Delta Sky Club one-time passes, Delta Vacations. This is the core earning category.

2x at restaurants

Worldwide dining including fast food, cafes, bars, delivery apps. No cap.

2x at US supermarkets

Grocery stores (not superstores or warehouse clubs). A differentiator from most airline co-branded cards.

1x on everything else

Standard earn on all other purchases.

The free checked bag: real dollar value

American charges $35–$45 per bag each way; Delta charges similar rates. On a round trip with one checked bag, the Gold card saves you $70+. The benefit extends to up to 8 companions on the same reservation.

At $150/year, the card pays for itself with a single round trip if you check bags.

Delta Companion Certificate

After spending $10,000 in a calendar year, you receive a Companion Certificate valid for one round-trip domestic economy award. You pay just taxes and fees (typically $11–$22.40 per person). This is a significant value add for domestic travelers who hit the spend threshold.

20% inflight savings

You receive 20% back (as a statement credit) on eligible inflight purchases: food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. On a cross-country flight with Wi-Fi ($28) and a meal ($15), you save $8.60.

Priority boarding (Main Cabin 1)

You board before general boarding groups, which helps secure overhead bin space. You don't get lounge access — that requires the Delta Reserve ($650/year).

Delta Gold vs Delta Platinum ($350/year)

The Platinum makes sense if you're actively chasing Medallion status or want the companion certificate without the spend requirement. For casual Delta flyers, the Gold delivers more value per dollar.

Delta Gold vs Amex Gold Card ($325/year)

The Amex Gold earns transferable MR points worth more per point. But if you're a Delta loyalist, the free bags alone justify the Delta Gold's $150 fee, and it keeps your SkyMiles earning on Delta flights.

SkyMiles value and best redemptions

SkyMiles have variable value due to dynamic pricing — see the full SkyMiles program guide for earning and redemption details:

• Average cash-equivalent value: ~1 cent/mile
• Best value: Delta One Business Class (domestic): often 2–3 cents/mile on good sale dates — check the best award sweet spots for specific routes
• Business Class to Europe (Delta One): 60,000–120,000 miles depending on timing
• Award prices can vary significantly — search for off-peak/sale prices

SkyMiles do not expire as long as your Delta account is active.

Who should get the Delta Gold

Perfect for:

• Delta loyalists who check at least one bag per trip (the fee pays for itself)
• Travelers flying Delta 2–5 times/year from major hubs
• Those building toward Delta Medallion status (Gold status = 50K MQMs)
• First-year cardholders (no annual fee first year)

Consider alternatives:

• Fly Delta 6+ times/year and want lounge access → Delta Reserve ($650/year)
• Want transferable points → Strata Premier or Chase Sapphire Preferred earn points you can transfer to multiple airlines
• Don't fly Delta consistently → a general travel card is more versatile

Bottom line

The Delta SkyMiles Gold is the right choice for regular Delta flyers who value the free checked bag and don't want to pay the premium for lounge access. At $150/year (first year free), it pays for itself on the first round trip where you check a bag. The $10K companion certificate is a bonus if you reach that spend threshold.