Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.


Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold wins 4-1. Delta loyalists, free first checked bag pays for the fee with one round trip. Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum is still the right call if regular delta flyers who also book hotels directly..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold | Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 | · $350 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (travel) | 3% (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 | · N/A |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = None stated | = Not verified |
| Min credit score | 700 | · N/A |
| Editorial rating | 4.3/5 | · 4.2/5 |
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
Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum
- 3x miles on Delta purchases and on hotels booked directly
- 2x miles at restaurants and US supermarkets
- 1x miles on everything else
- No foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum: which is better?
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold wins on more dimensions (4 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›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, Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum 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. Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum doesn't list a welcome bonus.