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Amex Delta Gold vs. Delta Platinum
As two Amex Delta cards, the Amex Delta Gold and Amex Delta Platinum are bound to have many similarities. They're both designed for travelers who prefer flying Delta, and they use the Delta SkyMiles rewards program, whether it's for earning or redeeming miles.
However, these two cards are not exactly the same. For example, both cards offer a free checked bag on Delta flights, but the Amex Delta Gold has a potential Delta credit benefit. In contrast, the Amex Delta Platinum provides more premium travel benefits.
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| FinanceBuzz star ratings |
4.6
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4.9
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| FinanceBuzz value calculation1 <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p> | Year one earnings:$1,651
Year two earnings: $911 |
Year one earnings:$1,476
Year two earnings: $768 |
| Annual fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter. | $350. |
| Welcome bonus | Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months | Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months |
| Rewards rate | 2X miles on qualifying Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S supermarkets; and 1X miles per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases | 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta and at hotels; 2X miles per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets; and 1X miles for every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases |
| Travel perks |
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| Foreign transaction fee | None | None |
| Credit score needed | Excellent, Good | Excellent, Good |
| Learn more | Learn more |
When to go with Amex Delta Gold
While the American Delta Gold and Delta Platinum are very similar, there are a few reasons to choose Amex Delta Gold, including:
- You use your credit card for most expenses
- You don't like paying high annual fees
You use your credit card to pay for most things
The American Express Delta Gold card offers a $200 Delta flight credit each calendar year if you spend at least $10,000 on your American Express card. If you already use your credit card for most things, you can earn the credit without trying.
I suggest using the credit for a bargain flight, and then it's like flying for free, or if you have a dream trip planned, you can use the credit to lower your airfare costs.
You try to minimize annual fees
Annual fees are something most reward credit cards have, but that doesn't mean you should overpay.
The American Express Delta Gold card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter. I like this option because it allows you the chance to try the card out to see if it's something you get enough value from.
For example, if you accept and use the card for a year, but realize you don't use the benefits as much as you thought, you can close the card and avoid paying anything for it.
Fortunately, it's easy to make up the annual fee with this card with benefits like:
- $200 Delta flight credit: A credit for future flights after spending $10,000
- Up to $100 Delta Stays credit: A credit for booking prepaid hotels through Delta Stays
- First checked bag free: This is a savings of about $35 per one-way flight
If you spend $10,000 on your card in normal expenses, you could immediately make back the annual fee. If you don't, you can make it back by booking hotels through Delta Stays and checking one bag on a few flights.
When to go with Delta Platinum
Delta Platinum has a higher annual fee, but in exchange, it offers a few more benefits. Consider Amex Delta Platinum if:
- You fly Delta frequently enough to make up for the annual fee
- You want to earn Medallion status
You fly Delta frequently
The Amex Delta Platinum card offers 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta and hotels, versus the 2X miles on purchases made directly with Delta, restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets that Amex Delta Gold offers. If you fly Delta quite frequently, the difference can add up significantly.
Medallion status is important to you
The Amex Delta Platinum card gets you much closer to a higher Medallion® status than Amex Delta Gold.
For starters, you get $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each year. You also earn $1 for every $20 in purchases made with your Amex Delta Platinum card, not just Delta purchases, like the Amex Delta Gold card.
The initial boost in MQDs gets you halfway to Silver status and a quarter of the way to Gold status, each of which include:
- Complimentary first class upgrades
- Comfort+ upgrades
- Checked bags
- Priority boarding
Important differences between the two
I always suggest that you compare credit cards to understand the differences and determine which makes the most sense for your situation. When you compare the Amex Delta Gold vs. Platinum, you'll find these key differences:
Annual fee
The Amex Delta Gold has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter, whereas the Amex Delta Platinum has a $350 annual fee. If you look at this from the perspective of which card will cost more in annual fees each year, the Amex Delta Gold is the less expensive option.
But don't forget to factor in other benefits of each card when looking at their annual costs. For example, the Amex Delta Platinum offers a complimentary companion certificate each year when you renew your card. If you use this certificate for a round-trip flight that costs at least $350, you've already offset the $350 annual fee. If the flight costs more or you use the companion certificate multiple times throughout the year, it's bonus savings.
There's no clear winner here. The winner for you depends on whether you'd earn enough on the Platinum card to offset the $350. If not, the Amex Delta Gold wins because of its lower fee.
Earning potential
The earning potential is similar on both cards, but one of them is clearly better than the other. Here's how the earning rates stack up:
- The Amex Delta Gold earns 2X miles on qualifying Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S supermarkets; and 1X miles per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
- The Amex Delta Platinum earns 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta and at hotels; 2X miles per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets; and 1X miles for every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
Winner: Overall, the Amex Delta Platinum edges out the Amex Delta Gold with increased opportunities to earn Delta SkyMiles on your purchases.
Travel benefits
Both cards offer some of the same travel benefits, such as a free first checked bag and 20% back on in-flight Delta purchases, but there are many differences as well. For example, the Amex Delta Gold offers $200 in Delta flight credits if you spend $10,000 on your card in a calendar year, which isn't available on the Amex Delta Platinum.
However, the Amex Delta Platinum provides more benefits overall, including a higher Delta Stays credit, an annual companion certificate, and fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Winner: If you're after Delta elite status and premium benefits, the Amex Delta Platinum outperforms the Amex Delta Gold.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance isn't typically a top priority when choosing a travel credit card, but it can come in handy when you need it and it could end up saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Both credit card offers include car rental loss and damage insurance, but the Amex Delta Platinum adds on trip delay insurance.
Winner: If you normally pay out of pocket for trip delay insurance, the Amex Delta Platinum card is better. However, if it's a benefit you don't pay for normally, they are about equal.
FAQ
Can I upgrade my Delta Gold Amex to Platinum?
Yes, you can likely upgrade your Delta Gold Amex to a Delta Platinum Amex. Upgrades from American Express are typically available after you've had a card for at least one year, though it's possible to receive a targeted upgrade offer from Amex before hitting the year mark.
However, be aware that taking an upgrade offer may not be as rewarding as directly applying for the new Amex card you want. For example, you might be able to earn a welcome bonus by taking an upgrade opportunity, but the welcome offer from directly applying for the card would likely be higher than the upgrade offer.
Is the Delta Gold Amex worth it?
The Delta Gold Amex is worth it if you want to earn Delta SkyMiles on everyday purchases to help fuel your Delta travels. If you are a frequent flyer, the miles you earn from purchases and the first free checked bag benefit could easily offset the $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter. But if you want premium travel benefits, the Delta Platinum Amex is likely the better option.
Is the Delta Platinum Amex worth it?
The Delta Platinum Amex is worth it for frequent Delta flyers who want premium benefits. The $350 annual fee may seem steep, but the annual companion certificate benefit can easily offset this annual cost. With that fee covered, additional benefits such as travel insurance, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit, and free first checked bag are all bonuses. Select benefits require enrollment.
Bottom line
The best card for you between the Amex Delta Gold and Platinum is the one that aligns most with your financial goals. Both cards can help you earn Delta SkyMiles on everyday purchases, but one might be better than the other depending on how often you travel and whether you want premium travel benefits.
If these cards don't suit your needs, consider another one of the best travel credit cards instead. For example, a card like The Platinum Card® from American Express earns Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to multiple travel partners, including Delta Air Lines.
Free Bag & Priority Boarding
Current Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months
Annual Fee
$350
Rewards Rate
3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta and at hotels; 2X miles per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets; and 1X miles for every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
Great Welcome Offer and Continuing Rewards
Current Offer
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter
Rewards Rate
2X miles on qualifying Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S supermarkets; and 1X miles per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
