The American Express® Gold Card focuses on versatile rewards, while the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is tailored for frequent Delta Air Lines travelers.
Let's compare them side by side – features, benefits, drawbacks, and protections.
General Comparison: Amex Gold vs. Delta Platinum
The Amex Gold cardholders earn points on everyday purchases, with lucrative rewards in categories like dining and groceries. Additionally, it offers a substantial welcome bonus, travel credits, and hotel perks.
On the other hand, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card is ideal for individuals who frequently fly with Delta. It comes with benefits such as statement credits, priority boarding, a free checked bag, and an annual companion certificate.
Here's a side by side comparison of the cards main features:
Delta SkyMiles Platinum | Amex Gold Card | |
Annual Fee | $350. See Rates and Fees. | $325. See Rates and Fees. |
Rewards | 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. | 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases. Terms Apply. |
Welcome bonus |
50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months. | 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.. |
0% Intro APR | N/A | N/A |
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | None. See Rates and Fees. |
Purchase APR | 20.99%-29.99% Variable
| 21.24% – 29.24% Variable
|
Read Review | Read Review |
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Credit Card Points Battle: A Side-by-Side Analysis
Whne it comes to earning points rewards, there is no clear winner here. The Amex gold card wins on everyday spending such as Grocery and dining, while the Delta wins when it comes to earning points on travel activities such as hotels and, you guessed right – flights
Spend Per Category | Delta SkyMiles Platinum | Amex Gold Card |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 30,000 miles | 60,000 points |
$5,000 – Restaurants | 10,000 miles | 20,000 points |
$6,000 – Hotels | 18,000 miles | 6,000 points |
$8,000 – Airline
| 24,000 miles | 24,000 miles |
$4,000 – Gas | 4,000 miles | 4,000 points |
Total Points | 86,000 miles | 114,000 points |
Estimated Redemption Value | 1 mile = ~1.3 cents
| 1 point ~ 0.6 – 1.6 cents |
Estimated Annual Value | $1,118 | $684 – $1,824 |
![book a flight with Delta Platinum card miles.](https://dev.thesmartinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/book-a-flight-with-Delta-Platinum-card-miles-e1706016525336.jpg)
Can I Transfer Amex Gold Points To Delta?
Yes, you can transfer American Express Gold points to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio. There is a minimum transfer amount of 1,000 points. American Express has a variety of airline transfer partners, and Delta is one of them.
To transfer points from American Express to Delta, you will need to have a Delta SkyMiles account and a linked American Express Gold Card account. You can transfer points online or by calling American Express customer service.
![Amex transfer membership points to delta](https://dev.thesmartinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Airline-Point-Transfer.png)
Travel And Airline Benefits: Comparison
While both the Delta Platinum card and the Amex Gold card provide premium perks, the Amex Gold card offers a more extensive range, encompassing dining, experience, TSA PreCheck, and Uber credits.
In contrast, Delta card benefits are concentrated on Delta-related advantages, such as $150 Delta credit, an annual companion certificate, a complimentary first checked bag, and a 20% rebate on inflight purchases.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum
- Annual Companion Certificate: You’ll receive a round-trip companion certificate for Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your card.
- TakeOff 15: Save 15% on Award Travel when booking Delta flights (excluding partner-operated flights and taxes/fees).
- First Checked Bag Free: Receive complimentary first checked bag on Delta flights.
$150 Delta Stays Credit: Receive a $150 Delta Stays Credit annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
Hertz Five Star® Status: Enroll in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program and enjoy Hertz Five Star Status.
$120 Resy Credit: Enjoy a $120 Resy Credit, earning up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible Resy purchases.
![Book experience with Delta Platinum card](https://dev.thesmartinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Book-experience-with-Delta-Platinum-card-e1706016265719.jpeg)
- Up to $100 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Get reimbursed for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years.
- 20% Back on In–flight Purchases: Receive a 20% statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
- ShopRunner: Enjoy free 2-day shipping at 100+ online stores when you enroll in complimentary ShopRunner membership with your Delta Platinum card.
$120 Rideshare Credit: Get a $120 Rideshare Credit, with up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers when you use your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card. nrollment Required.
Complimentary Upgrade list: Even if you're not a Medallion Member, you'll be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members if you have an eligible ticket.
MQD Boost: Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
MQD on Purchases: Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
American Express Gold Card
- Get up to $120 Uber Credit: Connect your new Gold Card to Uber and get $10 Uber Cash every month, usable for Uber rides or UberEats, with a yearly max of $120.
- Enjoy $120 Dining Credit: Pay with your Amex Gold Card at places like The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, and more to get up to $10 in statement credit each month.
- Score $100 Experience Credit: Book a two-night getaway with The Hotel Collection on Amex Travel and get a $100 experience credit (varies by property).
- Travel Smoothly with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credit: Get up to $100 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck.
![Amex membership redeem points for flight](https://dev.thesmartinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Flight-Purchase-Example3.png)
- Entertainment Perks: Access exclusive events and get presale tickets for concerts and sports through the Amex Gold Card Entertainment Access program (subject to availability).
- Luxury Hotel Bonuses: Enjoy perks like room upgrades and free breakfast for two at select hotels with the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program.
- Top-Notch Concierge Service: The Amex Gold Card offers a concierge service for help with travel and dining reservations, though availability may limit fulfilling all requests.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Insurance Benefits
The Delta Platinum card is the winner when it comes to insurance and travel protections, as it offers broader coverage.
Here are the protections that available on both cards:
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you reserve and pay for a rental vehicle with your Card, declining the rental counter's collision damage waiver, you can be protected against damage or theft in specific regions, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.
- Baggage Insurance Plan: When you purchase a common carrier vehicle ticket with your Eligible Card, you can receive coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage.
However, there is a protection that is available only for the Delta Platinum card:
- Trip Delay Insurance: If your trip faces a delay of more than 6 hours due to a covered reason and you paid for the round-trip with your Eligible Card.
- Purchase Protection: Eligible purchases made with your card can be protected for up to 90 days from the purchase date, offering coverage for theft, accidental damage, or loss.
- Extended Warranty: When you use your card for eligible purchases, you can receive an extra year of warranty coverage for warranties lasting 5 years or less in the United States or its territories.
- Cell Phone Protection: This embedded benefit provides reimbursement for repair or replacement costs after cell phone damage or theft.
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When You Might Want the Amex Gold Card?
You might prefer the Amex Gold card over the Delta SkyMiles Platinum in the following situations:
You Want a Variety Of Redemption Options: Opt for the Amex Gold Card if you value flexibility in reward redemptions. With its Membership Rewards program, you can earn points on various everyday purchases and have the flexibility to redeem them for flights, hotels, or transfers to other travel partners, offering a broader spectrum of choices compared to Delta SkyMiles.
You Have High Spend On Grocery & Dining: The cards offers better points rewards ratio on these categories compared to the Delta card, and there is $120 dining credit, applicable at select establishments, including popular ones like The Cheesecake Factory and Shake Shack.
You Are Not A Frequent Delta Flyer: If you do not fly Delta frequently, you may not get as much value out of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum's exclusive Delta benefits, such as complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs. The Amex Gold Card offers a wider range of travel benefits.
![Amex membership find hotels](https://dev.thesmartinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hotel-Purchase-Example1-e1705495195480.png)
When You Might Want the Delta Platinum Card?
You might prefer the Delta Platinum card over the Amex Gold card in the following situations:
Dedicated Delta Traveler: If you are a frequent Delta Air Lines traveler, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum is a better choice. Its benefits, such as discounted Delta SkyClub access, an annual companion certificate, and the first checked bag free, are tailored specifically to enhance the Delta flying experience.
Delta SkyMiles Accumulation: Choose the Delta SkyMiles Platinum if you want to maximize Delta SkyMiles for future travel. The card's earning structure prioritizes Delta purchases, making it a solid option for those who want to build up their SkyMiles balance for free or discounted Delta flights in the future.
![delta vacations: book hotel with miles](https://dev.thesmartinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/delta-hotel-with-miles-e1706016743362.jpg)
- You Want Better Travel Insurance: Delta Platinum offers more protections and broader travel insurance coverage than the Amex Gold card, so it may be a better fit if you're looking to maximize your insurance.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a premium travel credit card with airline rewards – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:
Capital One Venture X | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | |
Annual Fee | $395 | $550 | $99 (waived for the first 12 months)
|
Rewards |
1X – 10X
10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases |
1X – 10X
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases. |
1X – 2X
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
|
Welcome bonus |
75,000 miles
75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening |
60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
|
50,000 Miles
50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Purchase APR | 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable) | 22.49%–29.49% variable | 21.24% – 29.99% (Variable) |
Compare Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card
While the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card has a high annual fee, it offers better airline and travel benefits than the Platinum card.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum is more expensive but offers more premium benefits than the Delta Gold. Here's our complete comparison.
If you need premium travel perks and versatility – the Amex Platinum wins. Need airline benefits and lower fees? Consider the Delta Platinum.
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Compare American Express Gold Card
If you're looking for everyday spending rewards, the Amex Gold Card offers more. But for travel rewards benefits, there is a clear winner.
The Amex Gold Card may be more appealing if you dine out frequently and value premium travel perks than the Apple card.
While the Amex Gold Card is more expensive than the Blue Cash Preferred, its rewards program and other benefits are more lucrative.
The Autograph is great for travelers who want to stay on budget, while Amex Gold provides premium travel benefits and redemption options.
If you're a dedicated Delta traveler, the Delta SkyMiles Gold may be your top pick, while the Amex Gold offers a broader range of benefits.
While Amex Gold Card offers statements credits and everyday spending benefits, the Venture card is cheaper and include decent travel perks.
The Venture X offers better travel rewards than the Amex Gold but is less appealing if you're looking for everyday spending rewards.
Amex Gold Card vs. Capital One Venture X : Which Premium Card Is Best?
The Amex Gold Card focused on everyday spending and general travel rewards, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card offer premium airline benefits.
Amex Gold Card vs. Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Side By Side Comparison
The Freedom Unlimited beckons with its cash-back rewards, but the Amex Gold exudes luxury, boasting robust rewards on dining and groceries.
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Amex Gold Card: Which Card Wins?
The Hilton Honors Surpass wins at estimated cashback, while the Amex Gold card is the winner for everyday spending and extra benefits.
If you're looking for travel rewards, there is a clear winner. But what about if you're looking for rewards on everyday spending?
American Express Gold Card vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Premium Card Is Best?
While the Amex gold card is best for everyday spending, the Chase sapphire preferred may be better as a travel card. Here's our comparison.
American Express Gold Card Vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: Which Is Best?
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.