American Express
Delta SkyMiles Gold
4.4
Delta SkyMiles Gold offers 2x miles on Delta purchases, 1x elsewhere, plus annual free checked bag, sky club passes, and MQM bonuses. At $95/year, it's ideal for frequent Delta flyers.
The Bottom Line
SkyMiles Gold is for Delta loyalists valuing status benefits. The $95 annual fee is offset by the free checked bag (savings of $150+/year for frequent flyers) and sky club passes. The 2x miles on Delta purchases encourage continued loyalty. For non-Delta flyers, this card is poor value.
At a Glance
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Delta Purchase Rewards | 2x miles |
| Other Purchases | 1x mile |
| Free Checked Bag | Annual |
| Lounge Passes | 2 Sky Club passes annually |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 30,000 miles |
| Network | American Express |
| Rewards Rate | |
| Sign-Up Bonus | Available |
Ready to get started with Delta SkyMiles Gold?
Delta SkyMiles Gold offers 2x miles on Delta purchases, 1x elsewhere, plus annual free checked bag, sky club passes, and MQM bonuses. At $95/year, it's ideal for frequent Delta flyers.
Get American ExpressPros & Cons
Pros
- 2x miles on Delta purchases
- Annual free checked bag (valuable for frequent flyers)
- Sky Club lounge passes ($49 value)
- Mile bonus boosts toward status
- Priority boarding and seat upgrades
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Value dependent on Delta loyalty
- Limited earning on non-Delta purchases
- Amex acceptance limited
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the free checked bag really valuable?
Absolutely, for frequent travelers. If you fly Delta 3+ times annually, the free checked bag saves $90+ in fees, offsetting much of the $95 fee. Business travelers checking bags weekly find this extremely valuable.
Who should apply?
Delta loyalists flying 3+ times annually or business professionals with regular Delta travel. For those flying multiple airlines or infrequently, this card provides poor value.