Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express
80,000 miles welcome · 2x on airlines · $150/yr
Free checked bags are what actually justify the $150 annual fee here: the first bag is free on Delta flights worldwide, the second is free domestically, and it extends to you and up to eight companions on the same reservation, so one family trip can cover the cost. The welcome offer was briefly bumped to 90,000 miles in June and settled back to 80,000 after $2,000 of spend in six months in mid-July, and it is advertised as an up-to figure, so the offer you actually see may be lower. Earning is respectable without being deep: 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, at restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1 mile on everything else. Much of the remaining value is conditional, including a $200 Delta flight credit that only arrives after $10,000 of calendar-year spend, a $100 Delta Stays credit, and up to $10 a month in rideshare credits that you have to enroll for. If you check bags on Delta a few times a year the math works comfortably; if you rarely check a bag, the earn rates alone do not carry $150.
Earn rates & credits
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
Airlines Delta purchases | 2x |
Dining | 2x |
Groceries U.S. supermarkets | 2x |
Everything Else | 1x |
| Benefit | Value |
|---|---|
20% Inflight Purchase Credit Receive 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight food and beverage purchases. | 20% |
American Express Venue Collection Enhanced experience at select stadiums and arenas with dedicated entrances and 10% back on qualifying concessions purchases up to $250 per calendar year. | 10% /yr |
Rideshare Statement Credit Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers | $10 /mo |
| Total annual credits | $120 |
Card details
Regular APR | 19.49%–28.49% variable |
Foreign transaction fee | None |