Through its partnership with American Express, Delta Air Lines offers a comprehensive range of airline credit cards, including entry-level, mid-tier, premium, and business card versions. If you’re considering applying for a Delta credit card, you may be wondering which one is right for you. With recent changes to Amex’s Delta cobranded cards, now might be a good time to consider picking up a new card for your travels in 2024 and 2025. In this article, we will compare the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, so you can make an informed decision based on your needs and our analysis.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is an excellent choice for those looking for a welcome offer with a low out-of-pocket cost. On the other hand, frequent Delta flyers should do some calculations to determine whether the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card can provide them with better travel benefits for its price.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and features of these two Delta cards:
Delta Gold Amex vs. Delta Platinum Amex comparison:
Benefit | Delta Gold | Delta Platinum
————–|————|—————-
Welcome offer | 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first six months | 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Annual fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 | $350
Earning rates | 2 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, 1 mile per dollar on other eligible purchases | 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, 3 miles per dollar on purchases made directly with hotels, 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, 1 mile per dollar on other eligible purchases
Baggage | First checked bag free on Delta flights (including up to eight companions on the same reservation) | First checked bag free on Delta flights (including up to eight companions on the same reservation)
Key benefits | Priority boarding (including up to eight companions on the same reservation), 20% discount on inflight purchases, $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year, up to $100 Delta Stays credit per calendar year | Priority boarding (including up to eight companions on the same reservation), 20% off inflight purchases, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, complimentary upgrade for cardmembers who are not SkyMiles Medallion Members, up to $120 annual Resy credit, up to $120 annual ride-hailing credit, up to $150 Delta Stays credit per calendar year, Hertz Five Star status
Delta Gold Amex vs. Delta Platinum Amex welcome offer:
The Delta Gold Amex offers a welcome offer of 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of account opening. Based on recent valuations, this bonus is worth approximately $840.
On the other hand, the Delta Platinum Amex provides a welcome offer of 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first six months. Based on recent valuations, these bonus miles are worth $1,080.
While the Delta Platinum Amex offers a higher welcome offer, it’s important to consider the annual fee. The Delta Platinum comes with a $350 annual fee, while the Delta Gold has a more modest $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 annual fee.
Winner: Delta Platinum Amex, thanks to its significantly higher welcome offer.
Delta Gold Amex vs. Delta Platinum Amex benefits:
The Delta Platinum Amex offers several long-term benefits that set it apart from the Delta Gold card. Platinum cardmembers receive 2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) each Medallion Qualification Year and earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent. Both cards offer statement credits, but the Delta Platinum has a wider range of credits, including up to $120 Resy credit, up to $120 ride-hailing credit, and up to $150 Delta Stays credit per calendar year. Additionally, Delta Platinum cardmembers receive Hertz Five Star status.
On the other hand, Delta Gold cardmembers receive up to $100 Delta Stays credit per calendar year and a $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 on purchases in a calendar year.
The Delta Platinum Amex also includes a companion certificate for a domestic, Caribbean, or Central American Main Cabin round-trip companion each year at renewal. Furthermore, the Delta Platinum offers a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, available once every four years. The Delta Gold card offers a potential $100 flight credit after spending $10,000 or more on eligible purchases each calendar year, with no spending requirement associated with this perk.
Winner: Delta Platinum Amex, thanks to its variety of statement credits and MQD boost and earning capabilities.
Earning miles on the Delta Gold Amex vs. Delta Platinum Amex:
Both the Delta Gold and Delta Platinum cards have similar earning rates, except the Platinum card earns an additional mile per dollar on Delta purchases (3 miles per dollar instead of 2) and also earns 3 miles per dollar on purchases made directly with hotels (instead of the standard 1 mile per dollar with the Delta Gold).
If you spend reasonable amounts with Delta and at hotels, it makes sense to go with the Platinum card.
Winner: Delta Platinum Amex, thanks to its increased earning rates.
Redeeming miles on the Delta Gold Amex vs. Delta Platinum Amex:
Both the Delta Gold and Delta Platinum cards allow you to redeem your miles for award flights on Delta and its partners. Delta uses a dynamic award pricing system, so redemption rates can fluctuate widely. However, the Delta SkyMiles program still has some sweet spots, such as mileage flash sales with significantly discounted economy and Delta One award flights.
You can also redeem Delta SkyMiles to fly on Delta partner airlines, including SkyTeam alliance partners and non-alliance partners. Additionally, you can redeem SkyMiles for various non-flight options, such as premium drinks in Delta Sky Clubs. However, most of these non-flight redemptions yield a lower return compared to flight redemptions.
Winner: Tie.
Should I get the Delta Gold Amex or Delta Platinum Amex?
The Delta Platinum card is the more premium option, with a higher annual fee and more benefits to match. If you can take advantage of the additional perks and benefits offered by the card, such as the MQD boost and statement credits, the Delta Platinum Amex is the better choice. However, if you want to keep your costs low, the Delta Gold Amex is a solid option.
Overall, consider your travel habits, spending patterns, and the value you can derive from the card’s benefits and welcome offer before making a decision.