Amex Gold Card vs. Delta Platinum Card [Detailed Comparison]

Key Takeaways

• The American Express^® Gold Card shines for dining and groceries, earning 4x points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year). It also earns 3x points on flights.
• The Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card earns 3x miles on Delta purchases and at hotels, 2x miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on everything else.
• The Delta Platinum card is great for Delta frequent flyers seeking perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, while the Amex Gold card is better for those who fly multiple airlines and want to maximize earning points on everyday spending.

American Express does a superb job of offering a variety of rewards-earning cards that can fit nearly every consumer’s lifestyle and spending mix. Today we’re looking at just 2 of these popular cards that, while different in many ways, also share some common attributes.

The American Express^® Gold Card and the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card can provide value for the frequent traveler, but one card may be a better fit for you over the other.

Whether you’re a Delta frequent flyer looking for a card to complement your airline loyalty program or a traveler who flies a variety of airlines (including Delta), today’s comparison highlights how each card earns rewards, your options at redemption time, and the benefits you can expect to receive.

Overview

With so much information to digest, it can be helpful to provide a side-by-side comparison to help you sort out the long list of card attributes.

Here’s how the Amex Gold card and Delta Platinum card compare in each category:

This list is just a sampling of the core benefits that come with our featured cards. You’ll want to consult the Guide to Benefits for each card for detailed descriptions and additional terms and conditions.

Some benefits require registration, adding your eligible card as a default payment, or there may be minimum spending requirements. Please review these requirements prior to executing any of the mentioned offers.

Hot Tip: Check out more of our detailed comparisons with a head-to-head look at the Platinum Card^® from American Express vs. the Delta Platinum card and the Amex Gold card vs. the Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card.

Welcome Bonus Offer Comparison

Both the Amex Gold card and Delta Platinum card offer the opportunity to earn a large number of rewards in the first few months after card approval when meeting minimum spending requirements.

The value of these welcome offers can vary depending on your chosen redemption option, but because of flexibility, we value Membership Rewards earned on the Amex Gold card to be more valuable than SkyMiles earned on the Delta Platinum card.

We’ll talk shortly about how both rewards currencies can be redeemed for plenty of travel options, but first, here’s a snapshot of current welcome bonuses you can expect to receive on our featured cards:

Amex Gold Card

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer as high as 100,000 points with the Amex Gold card. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Delta Platinum Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $720

Annual Fee

$350

APR

19.74%-28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.

A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning a handful of valuable benefits with the airline.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases made directly with hotels
• 2x SkyMiles per $1 spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets

Cons

• $350 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights and save up to $70 per person on a round-trip Delta flight.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $350 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74%-28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Bottom Line: Both of our featured cards come with generous welcome bonuses that can be earned in the first months after card approval. While Membership Rewards are generally more valuable than SkyMiles, the actual value of your welcome bonus will depend on how you redeem your rewards. 

Membership Rewards Points vs. Delta SkyMiles

The Amex Gold card earns Membership Rewards points while the Delta Platinum card earns Delta SkyMiles. Redemption options also differ.

Let’s look closer at how each of the cards earns rewards and the options you’ll have at redemption time.

Earning Potential

While you’ll earn rewards on every purchase you make with either card, specific bonus categories can accelerate your earnings.

Here’s how the cards compare when earning rewards in bonus category spending and on all other purchases:

Bottom Line: The Amex Gold card offers strong earnings on flights, at restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets, while the Delta Platinum card’s strongest earnings are on Delta flights and hotels. 

Redeeming Points

The Amex Gold card earns flexible Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to travel partners for excellent potential value. The Delta frequent flyer, however, will find plenty of useful travel redemption options for SkyMiles earned on the Delta Platinum card.

Here are the options for redeeming those hard-earned points and miles:

All redemption options are not created equal. To learn more about how to receive good value for your points and miles, you’ll enjoy our articles on the best ways to redeem your Membership Rewards points and some of the best redemption options for your Delta SkyMiles.

Bottom Line: The best redemption option for Membership Rewards points may be realized by transferring points to airline partners to purchase award flights. Delta SkyMiles are not as flexible, but good value can still be found when redeeming miles for Delta and SkyTeam member award flights. 

Comparing Travel Benefits

Delta Air Lines Benefits

While you’d expect the airline-branded Delta Platinum card to offer Delta benefits, the Amex Gold card also offers benefits a Delta loyalist can appreciate.

Here are some of the Delta-specific benefits you can expect on each of our featured cards:

Bottom Line: If you’re a current Delta Medallion elite member and already receive some of the benefits offered by the Delta Platinum card, you may want to consider the Amex Gold card with elevated earnings on select everyday purchases, plus plenty of ways to redeem points for Delta flights and upgrades.

Additional Travel Benefits

Here are the additional travel benefits and protections you can expect with each specific card:

Amex Gold Card

• Benefits at The Hotel Collection — Enjoy elite-style benefits such as a room upgrade, when available, and a $100 property credit when you book a 2-night or more prepaid stay via AmexTravel.com.

Delta Platinum Card

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit — Up to $120 Global Entry fee statement credit or up to $85 TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit.

Travel Protection Comparison

Travel benefits and protections are complimentary perks that come with the Amex Gold card and Delta Platinum card.

Here are some of the most useful you’ll find on both cards.

Secondary Car Rental Insurance

Pay for the entire car rental with your card, decline the agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive secondary coverage for damage and theft for your rental car. Secondary coverage means you must first file a claim with other applicable insurance before card coverage applies. Cardholders also have the option to purchase Premium Protection for 1 low fee ($12.95 to $24.95) that covers the entire rental period. Terms apply.

Trip Delay Insurance

When a trip is delayed 12 hours or more, you could receive up to $300 per covered trip with a maximum of 2 claims per 12 consecutive months.

Baggage Insurance

Receive up to $1,250 per person, per covered trip, for carry-on baggage that becomes damaged, lost, or stolen. Checked baggage coverage has a limit of $500 per person, per covered trip. Coverage is secondary to any other coverage, including that which is offered by the airline.

Bottom Line: Both of our featured cards come with core travel benefits and protections including car rental insurance, trip delay coverage, baggage insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. The Delta Platinum card offers additional travel benefits, like a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement.

Shopping Protection and Benefits Comparison

Both the Amex Gold Card and Delta Platinum card come with shopping benefits that can save you money and make it possible for you to earn greater rewards on select purchases.

Additionally, you’ll find coverage that can offer protection if you experience a covered loss on eligible items purchased with your card.

Here are some of the key shopping benefits and protections that come with both cards.

Amex Offers

Access your online card account and view up to 100 Amex Offers that can save you money or help you earn additional points or miles. Add the offers you wish to use to your card and make the associated purchase to receive the bonus savings or earnings.

Purchase Protection

Purchase an eligible item with your card and receive coverage for damage or theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date. Coverage limits are $1,000 per claim, a maximum of $50,000 per card account.

Extended Warranty

For eligible items purchased with your card, the manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less will be extended for 1 year.

Additional Shopping Benefits For Each Card

In addition to the above shopping benefits and protections, the Amex Gold card and Delta Platinum card offer these benefits:

Amex Gold Card

• Monthly Dining Credit — Receive up to $10 each month, up to $120 each year, for purchases made at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Uber Cash — Add your Amex Gold card to your Uber account and receive up to $10 each month, up to $120 each year, in Uber Cash. Uber Cash can be used for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats. Any Amex card can be used as payment.
• $100 Resy Credit: $100 annual statement credit ($50 semi-annually), redeemable at any U.S. Resy restaurant and other eligible Resy purchases. Enrollment required through your Amex account.
• Dunkin’ Credit: $84 annual statement credit (up to $7/month), redeemable at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.

Delta Platinum Card

• Cell Phone Protection — Pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card and receive up to $800 per claim if your phone is damaged or stolen. There is a $50 deductible per claim and a limit of 2 claims per 12-month period.

Fees and Adding Authorized Users

Additional fees can play a role in whether a card will provide you with bottom-line economic value.

Here’s how the fees on the Amex Gold card and Delta Platinum card compare:

Annual Fees

The Amex Gold card and the Delta Platinum card each charge an annual fee. The Amex Gold card charges an annual fee of $325 (rates & fees), while the Delta Platinum card incurs a $350 (rates & fees) annual fee.

Adding Authorized Users

The Amex Gold card allows for up to 5 additional users at no extra charge. After that, each additional card is $35 (rates & fees). The Delta Platinum card does not charge for authorized users (rates & fees).

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Both of our featured cards travel well with no foreign transaction fees on foreign purchases.

Hot Tip: Watch for promotional emails or log in to your online card account to see if you have bonus offers for adding authorized users. Note that minimum spending requirements may apply, but these offers can provide significant additional points or miles to your account when adding additional users. 

Final Thoughts

There are so many great rewards-earning card options available that it can be tough to narrow your selection to just 2.

If you’re a frequent Delta flyer, however, it could make sense to have a Delta-branded card to earn more on Delta purchases and receive Delta-centric benefits. You can review all the best cards for Delta flyers in our article that digs deeper and compares Delta-branded card benefits.

The Amex Gold card could serve as a great card to supplement the Delta Platinum card with its stellar earnings on flights, U.S. supermarket purchases, and at restaurants worldwide. The card functions perfectly as an everyday spending card with travel earnings and benefits frequent travelers can utilize.

If you tend to fly a variety of airlines, eat out often, and spend a lot at the supermarket, the Amex Gold card would be a fine choice. The card’s overall earning potential, travel redemption options, and travel and shopping benefits deliver a lot of value for this consumer profile.

Whichever card you choose, you’ll want the card that matches and rewards your spending mix, has an annual fee you’re comfortable paying, and provides benefits that offer definable value to you.

If you want to review additional travel rewards card options, our listing of some of the best cards available will be of interest.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card and Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card and Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for eligible persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York state residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered Trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply.  Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the purchase protection benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your card membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect covered purchases made on your eligible card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Coverage limits apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the purchase protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your card membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect covered purchases made on your eligible card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Coverage limits apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the trip delay insurance coverage benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card and Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.  

For the extended warranty benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card and Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, when an American Express^® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the cell phone protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, coverage for a stolen or damaged eligible cellular wireless telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per eligible card account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per eligible card account per 12-month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG company.