Does the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Pay Off?
Credit Needed: Good/Excellent
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers serious rewards for Delta customers. For a limited time, earn 70,000 welcome bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your card in the first 3 months (offer ends 8/3/2022)
But those aren’t the only benefits that cardholders and loyal Delta customers stand to gain. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card gives you one mile for every dollar spent on purchases, or two miles per dollar on eligible purchases direct with Delta, at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.). Plus, there is no limit to how much you can earn and miles are redeemable toward travel on Delta and more than 30 airline partners.
For frequent travelers, there are other perks that could make the card a good fit. Use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card abroad and you won’t incur any foreign transaction fees from American Express. Swipe your card on a Delta flight and you’ll earn a 20% savings (in the form statement credit) on eligible in-flight purchases.
These and other travel benefits will add up to serious savings for Delta frequent fliers. You’ll also notice a difference when you head to the airport. Your first checked bag will be free on every Delta flight, and you’ll have priority boarding on Delta flights so you can stow your bag in the overhead compartment and avoid the dreaded gate-check. Terms and Conditions apply to the features of this card.
Smart Features
Earn Bonus Miles – For a limited time, earn 70,000 welcome bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your card in the first 3 months (offer ends 8/3/2022)
2x Miles on Delta Purchases – Make qualified Delta purchases and you’ll earn double the miles for every dollar you spend.
20% In-Flight Savings – For qualified in-flight purchases, you’ll earn a 20% discount in the form of a statement credit.
Medallion Qualification Dollar Waiver – Cardholders who make at least $25,000 in eligible purchases will receive a Medallion Qualification Dollar waiver. If you don’t meet the Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) threshold for a given Qualification Year, you can still qualify for Medallion status if you have earned the required Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) and you make at least $25,000 in eligible purchases on your card. Enrollment is required.
No Foreign Transaction Fees – Unlike some credit cards, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card doesn’t come with foreign transaction fees, making it a money-saving option for jet setters.
ShopRunner Benefits – Eligible customers must enroll in the ShopRunner program by signing up for a ShopRunner membership account. Once enrolled, they’ll enjoy free two-day shipping at thousands of participating brands.
How it Works
The miles you earn when you swipe your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card will be automatically credited to your account. You’ll earn one mile for every eligible dollar you spend on regular purchases, and two miles per dollar on eligible purchases direct with Delta, at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.). You can redeem miles for all or part of your airline tickets.
If you make at least $25,000 in eligible purchases with your Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, the Medallion Qualification Dollar requirement for that year will be waived. Medallion status unlocks access to seat upgrades, priority boarding and other perks.
What’s the Catch
The 70,000 miles welcome bonus offer is only available to those who make $2,000 in purchases within their first three months with the card. Plus, in the 3 months at U.S. restaurants, earn up to $50 in statement credits for eligible purchases. Those who don’t tend to fly Delta may find that they don’t get the most out of the card’s benefits.
The $0 introductory annual fee only applies to your first year as a cardholder. After that, a $99 annual fee kicks in.
Just the Math Please
Rewards
The rewards you earn will be based on how much you spend and where you spend it. There is no cap on the mileage you can earn using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.
Rates and Fees
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases
17.24% to 26.24% Variable, depending on your creditworthiness.
APR for Balance Transfers
Balance transfers are not available for this card
APR for Cash Advances
26.74% Variable
Penalty APR and When it Applies
29.99% Variable.
This APR may be applied to your account if you:
• Make one or more late payments or;
• Make a payment that is returned.
How Long Will the Penalty APR Apply?
Once the penalty rate is applied it will apply for at least six months. The Penalty APR will continue to apply until after you have made timely payments, with no returned payments during the 6 months American Express reviews your payment history.
How to Avoid Paying Interest on Purchases
Your due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing period. American Express will not charge you any interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance by the due date each month.
Annual Fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
Transaction Fees
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Balance Transfer Balance transfers are not available for this card
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Cash Advance Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
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Foreign Purchase None
Penalty Fees
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Late Payment Up to $40
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Returned Payment Up to $40
Final Analysis
For Delta customers who want to optimize their travel rewards when they fly with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers competitive benefits. Frequent fliers will appreciate benefits like priority boarding, and waived baggage fees.
This card offers the bulk of attractive benefits to frequent fliers. Those who don’t travel may be turned off by the $99 annual fee that kicks in after the first year. And customers who want to do a balance transfer from another card would be better off opting for a card with a balance transfer option.
Overall, this card should be popular with Delta devotees who are looking to maximize their miles and perks. There’s no limit on the mileage you can earn, so the sky’s the limit with this card. Terms and Conditions apply to the features of this card.
Next Steps
- Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors that serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- Saving money is easier said than done, but having a high-yield savings account is a great start. To see what's available today, take a look at our overview of the top savings accounts.
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Editorial Note: This content is not provided by the credit card issuer. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer.
