The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is a popular choice among casual Delta flyers due to its affordable price point and valuable benefits. This card offers elite-like perks such as a first checked bag free and priority boarding for the cardholder and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation when flying with Delta. These benefits alone can justify opening and keeping the card, especially for infrequent flyers who are looking to save on Delta travel.
It’s important to note that Delta offers multiple card options, but the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is often considered the best option for occasional Delta flyers. The card offers a range of perks for a low annual fee, including a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, and $150 after that. However, it’s worth mentioning that Delta recently announced major changes to its SkyMiles loyalty program, so it’s important to read up on how these changes might affect elite status requirements and lounge access benefits before applying for any Delta credit card.
To be eligible for the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, you need a credit score of 670 or higher. The welcome offer for this card is 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Based on TPG’s valuations, this welcome bonus is worth approximately $840.
When it comes to earning miles on the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on purchases made with Delta, 2 miles per dollar on dining at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, and 1 mile per dollar on other eligible purchases. TPG values Delta miles at 1.2 cents each, meaning that you’ll effectively get a return of 2.4% on eligible Delta, restaurant, and supermarket purchases, and about 1.2% on other purchases.
When it comes to redeeming miles, the most common way is to book award flights on Delta and its partners. However, since Delta uses a dynamic award pricing system, redemption rates can fluctuate widely. It’s worth keeping an eye out for SkyMiles deals, as Delta frequently offers discounted economy and Delta One award flights. Additionally, you can also redeem SkyMiles for flights on Delta partner airlines.
In terms of benefits, Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Cardholders enjoy a first checked bag free and Main Cabin 1 priority boarding for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation. In addition, cardholders receive 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights, 20% back as a statement credit on inflight purchases, secondary collision damage waiver, baggage insurance, extended warranty and purchase protection, complimentary ShopRunner membership, and no foreign transaction fees.
Ultimately, whether or not the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is worth it depends on how well you can maximize its perks. If you can make use of benefits like the first checked bag free and inflight purchase discounts to save at least $150 each year, then this card is definitely worth considering. Even if you only fly with Delta a few times a year, it shouldn’t be difficult to reach that value threshold. Plus, the annual fee is waived for the first year for new cardmembers.
Overall, while the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card may not have the most lucrative earning rates, it is still a worthwhile option for travelers due to its welcome bonus and Delta-specific perks. If you frequently fly with Delta and can take advantage of the card’s benefits, it can provide significant value.