Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Review

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is an affordable credit card that comes with a host of benefits for frequent Delta flyers, as it is free for the first year and $99 per year afterward. 

In addition to a generous welcome bonus of 70,000 bonus miles, some of these incentives also include priority boarding and a free checked bag.

Delta SkyMiles Amex Gold Card Overview

Let’s face it: credit scores can make or break a person’s life. But if you’re an avid traveler with good credit considering a trip with Delta Air Lines, you may want to take this credit card into account.

Given that the generous welcome bonus, $0 introductory annual fee benefits and the first free checked bag for several people outweigh the annual charge of $99, this card is worth considering. 

With the Delta Gold Card, you’ll get two miles for every dollar spent in restaurants around the world, Delta transactions, US supermarkets, and with US delivery and takeout.

Additionally, you’ll acquire a mile for each dollar on other qualified purchases.

Compared to some other mid-level airline cards, this one gives frequent fliers the ability to accumulate miles faster.

All in all, because of its high APR, this Delta American Express card might not be the best option for you to use for day-to-day purchases if you’re not flying often. However, if you use this card to make purchases totaling at least $10,000 in a calendar year, you will earn a $100 flight credit that can be applied to your next trip with Delta.

Credit Card Eligibility and How to Apply

The minimum credit score required to apply for this card is 670, which is excellent or good. If you have a lower FICO score, consider applying for a credit card that better meets your needs.

Personal information, such as your phone number and email address, as well as your Social Security number, annual income, and source of income, are required in order to apply for this card. The new Gold Delta Skymiles® credit card should arrive in the mail within seven to ten days of your application being approved.

American Express has a login page on its website where you can access your account by entering your username and password. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by simply going to “Create New Online Account.”   

American Express® Mobile App

You can also use the American Express® app. It’s user-friendly, has an intuitive design and interface, and is available for both iOS and Android devices.

After you have installed the app and logged in, you’ll be able to manage and modify your card account online. Through the account, you’ll access credit card statements and promotional offers, make payments, and keep track of your account activity online, whether on your smartphone or computer.

Delta Skymiles Gold APR and Fees

Depending on their overall credit rating, new Delta Skymiles Gold cardholders may be assigned a variable APR between 20.74% - 29.74% (Variable). This is considered a high credit card APR as it’s above the national average. You should pay your monthly balance in full; otherwise, interest charges will rapidly weaken your rewards savings.

Penalty fees for late and returned payments go up to $40, and processing fees for cash advances are either 5% of the amount of every cash advance or $10, whichever is higher.

Why Should You Apply for the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card?

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has all the features you’d expect from a good travel rewards card issued by a leading company, so let’s look at some of the main benefits and incentives it offers.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Card Welcome Bonus

After spending $2,000 in purchases within the first three months, you’ll receive 40,000 bonus miles. This is a generous welcome bonus.

Keep in mind that you can redeem the American Express welcome bonus only once. You are not eligible for another welcome bonus on this credit card if you already have received the bonus in the past or if you already have this Delta airlines card.

$100 Delta Flight Credit

If your eligible purchases on your Card Account total $10,000 or more in any calendar year, you will get a $100 Delta flight credit that can be used toward a flight ticket.

20% Back on In-Flight Purchases

On Delta-operated flights, card members will obtain a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible pre-purchased meals. Savings are also applicable on in-flight purchases of alcoholic beverages, food, and audio headsets.

Earning Your Miles and Rewards

You will earn two miles per dollar spent on delivery, takeout, and grocery shopping in the United States, restaurants, and Delta purchases, and one mile per dollar on all other qualified purchases.

Priority Boarding and First Free Checked Bag

One of the benefits of the Delta Gold Card is that you’re entitled to one free checked luggage and priority boarding on all flights provided by Delta Air Lines. Moreover, you and up to eight travel companions are eligible for these incentives, but you must purchase the tickets with the Delta SkyMiles® American Express Gold Card.

No Foreign Purchase Transaction Fees

American Express will not charge a foreign processing fee for transactions made with this card outside of the United States.

Downsides of Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card

Aside from the higher interest rate, we must point out the following cons you should be aware of before applying for this card.

Elite Status Isn’t Easy to Achieve

To be eligible for membership in the next awards tier, you’ll need to accumulate a certain number of Medallion® Qualifying Miles, Medallion® Qualifying Dollars, or Medallion® Qualifying Segments. These are measured in fare class and distance, the money you spent on personal Delta flights, and flights taken, respectively. 

Even though the bonus miles you earn with this card can be redeemed for free flights, using them won’t get you any further along the path to elite status.

No Lounge Access

The card does not provide some of the various benefits that are available with premium travel cards, such as with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Travel Card, introduced in 2021. 

For instance, frequent fliers might favor a credit card that provides access to airport lounges. If that’s your case, the best would be to compare different credit cards to determine which one you should apply for.

Customer Support

The American Express customer support team is available around the clock via email, live chat, text, and phone support if you have questions or concerns.

Also, be sure to look through their site’s FAQ section for any already answered questions.

Bottom Line

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is geared toward Delta Air Lines fliers who do not fly frequently enough to qualify for elite status.

Despite its high credit score requirement and APR, Delta offers several other enticing benefits besides the exceptional welcome offer.

You can offset the annual fee by purchasing items in the card’s bonus categories and using the free checked bag benefit. However, if you don’t use this card often, you might not be able to use all of these features to their full potential, so choose wisely.