Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States

Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Chase United Explorer

Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.

American Express

Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold

AMERICAN
EXPRESS

Wins 1 of 10

Chase

Chase United Explorer

VISA

Wins 1 of 10

Verdict

It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.

Side-by-side

Criterion	Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold	Chase United Explorer
Annual fee	· $150	$95
Joining fee	= None	= None
Top reward rate	= 2% (travel)	= 2% (travel)
Base reward rate	= 1%	= 1%
Forex markup	= No FX fee	= No FX fee
Welcome bonus	= 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months	= 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months
Fee waiver threshold	= No waiver	= No waiver
Min income	= —	= —
Min credit score	= 700	= 700
Editorial rating	4.3/5	· 4.2/5

Apply for Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold Apply for Chase United Explorer

Benefits compared

Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold

2x miles on Delta + restaurants + US supermarkets
$200 Delta flight credit annually
Free first checked bag (worth ~$60 each way)
Priority Boarding (Zone 5)
15% miles discount on award flights

Chase United Explorer

2x miles on United + dining + hotel stays
1x on everything else
Free first checked bag (saves ~$70/round trip)
2 United Club one-time passes annually
Priority Boarding

FAQ

›Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Chase United Explorer: which is better?

It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold wins on 1 criteria, Chase United Explorer on 1.

›Can I get both?

Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold for its best categories, Chase United Explorer for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.

›Which one has the better welcome bonus?

Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold: 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months. Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months.