The Delta SkyMiles Gold earns 2.0X on airlines, 2.0X on groceries, 2.0X on dining, 1.0X on all_purchases with a $150 annual fee.
Our Verdict
The Delta SkyMiles Gold is a points rewards card from American Express that carries a $150/yr on the visa network. At its core it earns 1.0X SkyMiles on everyday purchases, making it straightforward for cardholders who want predictable, consistent returns.
Points enthusiasts will find the most flexibility with the Delta SkyMiles Gold. SkyMiles can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or transferred to loyalty partners. Cardholders who maximize transfer partners often extract 1.5–2+ cents per point, well above face value.
The $150/yr fee is the key variable — run the numbers against your actual spending. If the rewards and benefits offset the fee, this card earns its place in your wallet. If not, consider a comparable no-fee alternative.
Apply for the Delta SkyMiles Gold →Rewards Structure
Fee Analysis
The Delta SkyMiles Gold charges $150 per year. To justify this fee, you need to earn at least $150 in rewards and benefits annually.
Statement credits: $200 Delta Flight Credit ($200/yr). These credits total $200/yr, bringing the effective annual fee down to $0.
Where This Card Earns Bonus Rewards
| Category | MCC Code | Bonus Rate | Example Merchants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airlines | 4511 Airlines, Air Carriers ( not listed elsewhere) | 2x | Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Air Arabia |
| Dining | 5812 Eating places and Restaurants | 2x | Acapulco Restaurant, Another Broken Egg, Applebee's, Applebee's - Albuquerque |
| Dining | 5813 Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), Bars, Taverns, Cocktail lounges, Nightclubs and Discotheques | 2x | AMF Bowling Centers, Angry Orchard, Applebee's Bar, Bar Louie |
| Dining | 5814 Fast Food Restaurants | 2x | Arby's, Arby's - Albuquerque, Arby's - Anaheim, Arby's - Anchorage |
| Grocery | 5411 Grocery Stores, Supermarkets | 2x | 99 Ranch Market, Acme Markets, Albertsons, Albertsons - Albuquerque |
| Grocery | 5422 Meat Provisioners – Freezer and Locker | 2x | Kansas City Steaks, Omaha Steaks, Snake River Farms, SteakEz |
Click any MCC code or merchant name to see all cards that earn bonus rewards there.
Benefits
Effective Annual Fee
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- No foreign transaction fees
Weaknesses
- $150 annual fee
- 1X base rate on non-bonus spending
How to Apply
You can apply for the Delta SkyMiles Gold directly through American Express's website. The application takes about 5 minutes and requires your Social Security number, annual income, and housing payment information. Most applicants receive an instant decision. Note that the $150 annual fee is typically not charged until your first statement closes.
Before applying, check if you are pre-approved on American Express's website — a pre-approval uses a soft pull and does not affect your credit score.