Best Delta card for infrequent flyers

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is a great choice for people who may not fly Delta but still want to save money when they do. (Partner offer)

At a glance

  • 2X Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 1X Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Earn 40,000 Miles
Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
29.99% Variable
29.99% Variable
20.99%-29.99% Variable
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
  • Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.

At a glance

  • 2X Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 1X Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Earn 40,000 Miles
Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
29.99% Variable
29.99% Variable
20.99%-29.99% Variable
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
  • Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
  • Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $240 per round-trip flight.
  • Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
  • $100 Delta Stays Credit: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
  • Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
  • Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
  • Terms Apply.
Apply now for Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card at American Express's secure site Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees

Our Take

TPG Editor's Rating

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4/5

Overview

If you’re not looking for premium perks such as lounge access or earning status with Delta through spending, this card is a good option. It allows you to earn SkyMiles toward award travel and to save money with perks such as your first checked bag free and discounts on inflight purchases. The card’s low annual fee won’t break the bank, either.

Pros

  • First checked bag free for you and up to eight companions
  • Main Cabin 1 priority boarding
  • 20% back in the form of a statement credit on inflight purchases (not including Wi-Fi)

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • There are better Delta cards if you want lounge access or a boost to earn elite status

Who is this card good for?

You don’t have to be a Delta loyalist to benefit from this card. With a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150, you can easily take advantage of benefits that will outweigh the cost of the card. Perks such as your first checked bag free, and 20% back on inflight purchases are great ways to save money.

Earning Rewards

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card earns 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets, restaurants and on Delta purchases. It also earns 1x miles on other eligible purchases, making it one of the best airline credit cards.