American Express Gold vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
American Express Gold wins 2-1. Heavy restaurant + grocery spenders ($1K+/mo on food) Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold is still the right call if delta loyalists — free first checked bag pays for the fee with one round trip..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Gold | Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $325 | $150 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 4% (dining) | · 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months | = 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 700 | = 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Gold
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide (incl. Uber Eats)
- 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25K/year)
- 3x on flights booked direct or via amextravel.com
- $120 annual dining credit ($10/mo at select partners)
- $120 annual Uber Cash
- No foreign transaction fees
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
FAQ
›American Express Gold vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold: which is better?
American Express Gold wins on more dimensions (2 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Gold for its best categories, Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Gold: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months. Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold: 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months.