Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold Review: Up to 80k Miles

Highlights

• $0 intro fee, then $150：The annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $150.
• Free checked bags：The cardmember and up to eight companions on the same reservation receive a first checked bag free, with an eligible second domestic bag under current terms.
• Rewards：2x on Delta, restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets; 1x elsewhere.
• $100 Delta Stays credit：Receive up to $100 annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings.
• $200 Delta flight credit：Earn a $200 Delta flight credit after $10,000 in calendar-year purchases.
• Priority boarding and TakeOff 15：Receive Zone 5 boarding and a 15% discount on eligible Delta award travel.
• No foreign transaction fee：No foreign transaction fee.

How to judge long-term value

Delta Gold is the most straightforward Delta card: pay an annual fee for bag, boarding and Delta Stays benefits. It makes the most sense when natural bag savings exceed $150 annually.

What to know before applying

1. Not every applicant sees the 80k maximum; confirm your page.
2. Bag benefits require eligible Delta flights and the same reservation.
3. Compare the $10,000 flight-credit threshold with other cards' rewards.

Drawbacks

• $150 after year one：Harder to justify if you rarely fly Delta or check bags.
• No lounge access：Compare Reserve or premium cards for lounge access.

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Delta Gold is the most straightforward Delta card: pay an annual fee for bag, boarding and Delta Stays benefits. It makes the most sense when natural bag savings exceed $150 annually.