Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

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

Christine Krzyszton's image
Christine Krzyszton
Christine Krzyszton's image

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

328 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 98U.S. States Visited: 45

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, deta...
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
Jessica Merritt's image

Jessica Merritt

Senior Editor & Content Contributor

114 Published Articles 570 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 4U.S. States Visited: 23

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca...
& Juan Ruiz
Juan Ruiz's image

Juan Ruiz

Senior Editor & Content Contributor

191 Published Articles 828 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 41U.S. States Visited: 28

Juan has extensive experience in writing and editing content related to credit cards, loyalty programs, and travel. He has been honing his expertise in this field for over a decade. His work has been ...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Upgraded Points: Expertise You Can Trust

Our seasoned and experienced team brings years of expertise in the credit card and travel sectors. Committed to integrity, we offer data-driven guides to help you find the card(s) that best fit your requirements. See details on our intensive editorial policies and card rating methodologies.

  • Content by Leading Industry Experts
  • Routine Updates and Fact-Checks
  • First-Hand Credit Card Experience
  • Shared Across 200+ Top Outlets
  • Methodical “U.P. Rating” System
  • 1078+ Expert Credit Card Guides

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 compliment 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.

Hang with us as we look at how each card can add great value for the right cardholder.

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:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Benefit 

American Express® Gold CardDelta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Welcome Offer

NEW OFFER: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months, up to $100 back. Offer ends 11/6/24.

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Earn 90,000 miles after you spend $4,000 in your first 6 months.

Earning

  • 4x points at global restaurants (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1x after) and at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 in purchases each calendar year
  • 3x points on flights purchased directly from the airline and via AmexTravel.com
  • 1x points on all other purchases
  • 3x miles at Delta and directly at hotels
  • 2x miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
  • 1x miles on all other purchases

Redemption Options

  • Transfer Membership Rewards points to airline and hotel partners
  • Redeem points for flights via AmexTravel.com for 1 cent in value per point
  • Upgrade preselected airline flights with points
  • Merchandise, gift cards, statement credits, pay with points, statement credits, shop with Amazon or Ticketmaster, book eligible travel via AmexTravel.com, charitable donations
  • Redeem miles for Delta Air Line flights or SkyTeam partner airline flights
  • Upgrade Delta flights with miles
  • Pay with Miles to pay for all or a portion of eligible flights
  • Delta Vacations, Sky Club membership, premium Sky Club drinks, magazines, gift cards, charitable donations

Delta Benefits

  • Transfer points to Delta and purchase award tickets
  • Upgrade Delta flights with points
  • Purchase flights via AmexTravel.com and earn Delta SkyMiles when flying
  • Free checked bag and priority boarding for cardholders and up to 8 traveling companions
  • Annual companion flight certificate each year
  • Annual up to $120 Resy Credit, up to $120 U.S. ride-share credit, up to $150 Delta Stays credit:
  • 20% statement credit for eligible inflight purchases
  • Faster path to elite status by spending on the card

Travel Benefits and Protections

  • The Hotel Collection on-site benefits for a 2-night or greater stay
  • Secondary car rental insurance with the option to purchase Premium Protection for a low fee that covers the entire rental period
  • Trip delay reimbursement, up to $300 per trip for delays of 12 hours or more
  • Baggage insurance, up to $1,250 per person, per covered trip
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
  • Secondary car rental insurance with the option to purchase Premium Protection at a low price that covers the entire rental period
  • Trip delay reimbursement
  • Baggage insurance
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Shopping Benefits and Protections

  • Up to $10 in dining credits each month, up to $120 each year for specific restaurants and food delivery purchases
  • Up to $10 each month in Uber Cash, up to $120 each year
  • Amex Offers, purchase protection, extended warranty, Amex Auto Purchasing Program, ShopRunner membership
  • Amex Offers, purchase protection, extended warranty, Amex Auto Purchasing Program, ShopRunner membership, cell phone protection

Annual Fee

$325 (rates & fees)

$350 (rates & fees)

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
American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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!

Learn More(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.

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!
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
60,000 points + up to $100 back
$1,420
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
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 cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

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
  • 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
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
  • Get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
  • 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 each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $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 Dunkin' locations.
  • $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: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points + up to $100 back. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Delta Platinum Card

LIMITED TIME OFFER
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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.

Learn More(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.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 10/23/24.
90,000 miles
$1,080
$350
20.49%-29.49% Variable
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 cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

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
  • 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
  • Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
  • 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 $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
  • 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: When you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $10 back each month in statement credits.
  • $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.
  • Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
  • Receive either a $100 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.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49%-29.49% 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

Delta One Seat
Both of our featured cards offer rewards that can help you achieve your travel goals. Image Credit: Christine Krzyszton

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:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Earning Category

Amex Gold Card

Delta Platinum Card

Travel

3x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent for flights purchased directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com

3x miles per dollar spent on Delta and spent directly with hotels

Restaurants/U.S. Supermarkets

  • 4x points per dollar spent at global restaurants (up to $50,000 per calendar year)
  • 4x points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 in purchases each calendar year

2x miles per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.

All Other Purchases

1x points per dollar spent

1x miles per dollar spent

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:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Redemption Option

Amex Gold Card

Delta Platinum Card

Transfer to Travel Partners

Transfer Membership Rewards points to 20+ American Express transfer partners

No transfer partners. However, SkyMiles can be redeemed for award flights with SkyTeam alliance partner airlines

Flights and Flight Upgrades

  • Redeem for flights via AmexTravel.com at 1 cent in value per point
  • Use Membership Rewards to request a flight upgrade with your preselected airline
  • Redeem miles for Delta Air Lines flights
  • Upgrade Delta flights with miles
  • Use the Pay with Miles benefit to pay for all or a portion of your eligible flight with miles

Additional Redemption Options

Merchandise, gift cards, statement credits, pay with points, statement credits, shop with Amazon or Ticketmaster, book eligible travel via AmexTravel.com, charitable donations

Delta Vacations, Sky Club membership, premium Sky Club drinks, magazines, gift cards, charitable donations

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

Delta One Suites A350-900 Sitting Photo
That sweet feeling you get when you’ve used points or miles to upgrade your flight experience. Image Credit: Stephen Au

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:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Amex Gold Card

Delta Platinum Card

  • Transfer Membership Rewards points to Delta 1:1 ratio
  • Upgrade Delta flights with points (must preselect Delta as a preferred airline)
  • Purchase Delta flights with points via AmexTravel.com and earn SkyMiles when flying
  • Free checked bag and priority boarding for the cardholder and up to 8 companions traveling on the same reservation
  • Complimentary domestic, Caribbean, or Central America companion flight certificate; the cardholder pays taxes and fees
  • Annual $120 Resy credit: Earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled card.
  • Annual $120 rideshare credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your enrolled card.
  • Annual $150 Delta Stays credit: Earn up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
  • 20% statement credit for qualifying inflight purchases
  • Receive 2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) every year and earn $1 MQD per $20 spent on card purchases in a calendar year

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 as of October 1, 2024, 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.

ShopRunner Membership

Receive free 2-day shipping and discounts at over 100 retailers with this complimentary ShopRunner membership.

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.

Amex Auto Purchasing Program

Enjoy preferred pricing at select dealerships, $2,000 in post-purchase benefits, and the ability to charge a minimum of $2,000 of the purchase price to your card.

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.
  • New $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.
  • New Dunkin’ Credit: $84 annual statement credit ($7/month), redeemable at 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.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, the Amex Gold card or the Delta Platinum card?

If you are a Delta loyalist and find value in having a free checked bag, priority boarding, accelerated earnings on Delta purchases, and a faster path to elite status, the Delta Platinum card could be a good match.

If you fly a variety of airlines and value the ability to redeem points for travel with any airline, the Amex Gold card offers better earning potential and more flexible redemption options than the Delta Platinum card.

The better card for you will be the one that rewards your specific spending and has redemption options that align with your travel goals.

Is the Delta Platinum card the same as the Amex Platinum card?

No. While both cards are issued by American Express, the Amex Platinum card is a premium travel rewards card that comes with a long list of premier travel benefits such as worldwide lounge access, statement credits for specific purchases, hotel elite status, and several travel and shopping benefits and protections.

Additionally, points earned on the card can be transferred to other travel partners.

The Delta Platinum card is designed for Delta frequent flyers who want Delta-related benefits such as accelerated earning on Delta purchases, inflight discounts and perks, and redemption options for flights with Delta and SkyTeam alliance partners.

Does the Amex Gold card come with lounge access?

No, the Amex Gold card does not offer lounge access. The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary lounge access to over 1,400 properties worldwide, including Centurion Lounges. Plus, the card offers a long list of additional premium travel benefits.

Does the Delta Platinum card come with Delta elite status?

No. While the Delta Platinum card does come with elite-style perks such as a free checked bag and priority boarding for the cardholder and up to 8 traveling companions, the card does not offer Delta Medallion elite status.

The card does, however, offer the ability to earn Medallion Elite Qualifying Miles (MQM) that count toward elite status for spending on the card. Plus, spending on the card also offers an opportunity to waive Medallion Qualifying Dollar requirements (MQD) for elite status levels up to Delta Platinum Medallion. (Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.)

Christine Krzyszton's image

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status