Amex Delta Gold vs Platinum: Which Card Wins?
Dreaming of your next getaway? The world of travel rewards credit cards can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to choose the right one. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two popular contenders from American Express: the Delta SkyMiles Gold and Platinum cards.
Both the Delta Gold and Platinum cards offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your travel experiences with Delta. However, they cater to different types of travelers, each with its own unique perks and earning potential. Understanding the key differences is crucial to making the best choice for your spending habits and travel goals.
We’ll explore everything from annual fees and welcome bonuses to earning rates on everyday purchases and valuable travel perks. This guide will help you determine which card, the amex delta gold or platinum, aligns best with your lifestyle and helps you unlock the most rewarding travel experiences.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Delta Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Yes | Yes |
| Annual Fee | Waived First Year | Yes |
| Delta Miles Earning on Delta Purchases | 2x | 2x |
| Delta Miles Earning on Restaurants | 2x | 3x |
| Delta Miles Earning on U.S. Supermarkets | 2x | 1x |
| Delta Miles Earning on Hotels | 1x | 1x |
| Delta Miles Earning on Flights Booked Directly with Delta | 1x | 1x |
| Free Checked Bag | Yes (for you and up to 8 companions) | Yes (for you and up to 8 companions) |
| Delta Sky Club Access | No | Yes (with additional fee) |
| Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit | No | Yes |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Travel Insurance | Limited | Extensive |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Annual Fee
- Amex Delta Gold: Typically has a lower annual fee, often waived for the first year. This makes it more accessible for those new to travel rewards cards. However, the benefits are scaled down accordingly.
- Platinum: Comes with a much higher annual fee, reflecting its premium perks. While the benefits often outweigh the cost for frequent travelers, the fee can be a barrier to entry.
- Winner: amex delta gold
Earning Rates on Delta Purchases
- Amex Delta Gold: Offers bonus miles on Delta purchases, providing a solid return for Delta flyers. The earning rate is often a key selling point for Delta loyalists. However, the rate isn’t as high as some premium cards.
- Platinum: Also earns bonus miles on Delta purchases, but potentially at a different rate. The Platinum card might offer a higher earning rate or other benefits on Delta purchases.
- Winner: Varies (check specific card terms for current rates)
Earning Rates on Everyday Spending
- Amex Delta Gold: Typically offers bonus miles on select spending categories like restaurants and supermarkets, providing good value on everyday purchases. The categories and rates may vary.
- Platinum: Often provides bonus miles on specific spending categories (e.g., airfare, hotels), but may not be as strong in everyday spending categories like groceries.
- Winner: amex delta gold (potentially better for everyday spending)
Delta Benefits
- Amex Delta Gold: Includes benefits like free checked bags for the cardholder and up to eight other passengers on the same reservation, and priority boarding. It enhances the Delta travel experience.
- Platinum: Offers more premium Delta benefits, such as access to Delta Sky Club lounges (either through access or membership), or statement credits for Delta purchases.
- Winner: platinum
Travel Perks
- Amex Delta Gold: Primarily focused on Delta travel benefits. Offers limited travel perks beyond Delta-specific ones.
- Platinum: Provides a wider array of travel perks, including access to airport lounges (e.g., Priority Pass Select), hotel elite status, and travel credits.
- Winner: platinum
Other Benefits & Credits
- Amex Delta Gold: May offer limited statement credits or discounts, often tied to Delta purchases or specific partners.
- Platinum: Typically includes significant statement credits, such as credits for Uber rides, streaming services, or hotel stays, along with other benefits.
- Winner: platinum
Foreign Transaction Fees
- Amex Delta Gold: May or may not have foreign transaction fees. This can affect the card’s value for international travel.
- Platinum: Typically has no foreign transaction fees, making it a better choice for international spending.
- Winner: platinum
Overall Value Proposition
- Amex Delta Gold: Offers a good value proposition for Delta flyers who want to earn miles and enjoy some travel perks without a high annual fee. A solid entry point into the world of travel rewards.
- Platinum: Provides premium benefits and a higher earning potential, targeting frequent travelers who are willing to pay a higher annual fee for a more luxurious experience.
- Winner: Depends on travel habits and spending
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Tie |
| Annual Fee | Delta Gold |
| Delta Miles Earning on Delta Purchases | Tie |
| Delta Miles Earning on Restaurants | Platinum |
| Delta Miles Earning on U.S. Supermarkets | Delta Gold |
| Delta Miles Earning on Hotels | Tie |
| Free Checked Bag | Tie |
| Delta Sky Club Access | Platinum |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit | Platinum |
| Travel Insurance | Platinum |
What They Have in Common
- Delta Miles Earning: Both cards earn Delta SkyMiles on purchases, allowing cardholders to accumulate miles for flights and other rewards. This is a core feature of both cards.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Both the Delta Gold and Platinum cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, making them suitable for international travel.
- Free Checked Bag: Both cards offer a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions on Delta flights, a valuable benefit for frequent travelers.
- Delta Purchases Earning: Both cards earn 2x miles on purchases made directly with Delta.
- Access to Delta Flights: Both cards provide benefits related to Delta Air Lines, which is the core value proposition.
Amex Delta Gold Vs Platinum Buying Guide
Earning Rewards
The Amex Delta Gold and Platinum cards offer different approaches to earning rewards. The Gold card excels in everyday spending, particularly at US supermarkets and restaurants, where it offers bonus miles. The Platinum card, on the other hand, focuses on travel rewards, providing bonus miles on Delta purchases and offering perks like lounge access and statement credits for various travel-related expenses. Consider your spending habits. If you spend heavily on groceries and dining, the Gold card might be more rewarding. If you travel frequently and spend on flights, the Platinum card is likely a better choice. Both cards offer a sign-up bonus, which can provide a significant initial boost to your miles balance.
Annual Fees and Value Proposition
The Amex Delta Gold card comes with a lower annual fee, making it a more accessible option for many. This lower fee is balanced by fewer premium benefits compared to the Platinum card. The Platinum card has a higher annual fee but offers a wealth of perks, including airport lounge access, statement credits for various purchases, and a higher earning rate on Delta flights. To determine the best value, calculate how much you’ll utilize the Platinum card’s benefits, such as lounge access or travel credits. If you can leverage these perks, the Platinum card’s annual fee can be justified. If not, the Gold card could be a better fit.
Travel Benefits and Perks
Both cards provide travel benefits, but the Platinum card offers a more comprehensive suite. The Platinum card grants access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges, enhancing the travel experience. It also offers a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, making airport security faster and easier. The Gold card provides benefits like free checked bags on Delta flights and priority boarding. Consider how often you travel and what travel conveniences are most important to you. For frequent travelers, the Platinum card’s perks can significantly improve the travel experience, while the Gold card offers sufficient benefits for occasional travelers.
Delta Spending and Mileage Earning
Both cards provide opportunities to earn Delta SkyMiles, but the Platinum card offers a higher earning rate on Delta purchases. This is a significant advantage for those who frequently fly with Delta. The Platinum card also features a mileage bonus after reaching a certain spending threshold. The Gold card provides bonus miles on Delta purchases, along with bonus miles on everyday spending categories. Analyze how much you spend on Delta flights and how important it is to maximize miles earned on those purchases. The Platinum card is ideal for heavy Delta flyers, while the Gold card is still attractive for those who occasionally fly with Delta and want bonus miles on everyday spending.
Additional Cardholder Benefits
Beyond travel and rewards, both cards offer various additional benefits. The Platinum card includes premium benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, which can safeguard your purchases. It also offers access to exclusive events and experiences. The Gold card also includes benefits like purchase protection and roadside assistance. Carefully evaluate these additional benefits to see which align with your needs and preferences. While both cards offer purchase protection, the Platinum card’s added benefits contribute to a more premium experience, making it a good choice for those who value these extra protections and services.
Interest Rates and Financial Considerations
Both cards carry interest rates, and it’s essential to understand these before applying. Carrying a balance on either card can result in accruing interest charges. Consider your ability to pay your balance in full each month to avoid these charges. The annual percentage rates (APRs) vary, so compare them carefully. Furthermore, evaluate your credit score and financial situation to ensure you qualify for either card. If you are likely to carry a balance, the interest rate becomes a critical factor. Prioritize paying off your balance promptly to avoid interest charges and make the most of your rewards and benefits.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Delta Gold If…
- You want to earn Delta SkyMiles on everyday purchases.
- You want a card with a lower annual fee (or waived first year).
- You frequently check bags when flying Delta.
- You value earning bonus miles on U.S. Supermarket purchases.
Buy Platinum If…
- You want access to Delta Sky Clubs (with a fee) and other airport lounges.
- You want a card with a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit.
- You want more premium travel benefits and insurance.
- You are willing to pay a higher annual fee for extra perks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Amex Delta Gold card?
The Amex Delta Gold card has a lower annual fee, making it more accessible than the Platinum card. This fee can vary, so it’s best to check the most current terms and conditions. The lower annual fee makes it a more approachable option for those wanting to earn Delta SkyMiles without a high annual cost.
What is the annual fee for the Amex Delta Platinum card?
The Amex Delta Platinum card has a higher annual fee than the Gold card. This fee is justified by the numerous premium travel benefits and rewards offered, such as lounge access and statement credits for various expenses. The higher fee can be offset by the value you get from these perks.
How many SkyMiles can I earn with these cards?
Both cards offer opportunities to earn SkyMiles, but the earning structure differs. The Gold card provides bonus miles on everyday spending categories like US supermarkets and restaurants. The Platinum card offers a higher earning rate on Delta purchases and a mileage bonus after reaching a spending threshold. The overall SkyMiles earned depend on your spending habits.
Do these cards offer any travel insurance?
Yes, both cards offer some level of travel insurance. The Platinum card generally offers more comprehensive coverage, including trip delay insurance, lost luggage insurance, and car rental loss and damage insurance. The Gold card may offer more limited travel insurance benefits. Review the terms and conditions for specific coverage details.
What are the eligibility requirements for these cards?
Eligibility requirements include a good to excellent credit score and sufficient income to meet the card’s spending requirements. The specific requirements may vary based on American Express’s criteria. Applicants must also meet age and residency requirements, providing accurate details during the application process to avoid delays.
Can I transfer my SkyMiles to other airlines?
SkyMiles earned through the Amex Delta Gold and Platinum cards cannot be transferred to other airline loyalty programs. However, you can use your SkyMiles to book flights on Delta and its partner airlines. This offers you flexibility to redeem your miles for travel across a global network.
Which card is better for Delta flights?
The Platinum card is generally better for frequent Delta flyers, due to its higher earning rate on Delta purchases and the bonus miles. The Gold card is still a good option and provides bonus miles, but the Platinum card provides more overall value. The better choice depends on how often you fly Delta.
Final Verdict
Both the Amex Delta Gold and Platinum cards offer valuable rewards. The Gold card is better for everyday spending with a lower annual fee. The Platinum card is geared toward travelers and offers more premium perks like lounge access. Choosing the right card depends on your spending patterns and travel frequency. The Platinum card is best for frequent travelers, while the Gold card is a better choice for those who want to earn rewards on everyday spending.
Winner: Amex Delta Platinum