16 Benefits of the Amex Gold Delta SkyMiles Card [2022]

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is the entry-level option among their co-branded Delta cards.

American Express also offers the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, both of which come with a few increased benefits and significantly higher annual fees.

If Delta is your primary airline, the benefits of having a free checked bag on Delta flights and priority boarding alone make carrying an American Express Delta card worth it. Unless you need the extra help to qualify for elite status with Delta, the Gold Delta Card is likely your best option, so for now, that’s the card we will concentrate on.

Let’s take a detailed look at the benefits that come along with the Gold Delta Card. That way, you can decide if it’s the right card for you.

Table of contents

Delta Gold Card Snapshot
Key Card Benefits
Travel Benefits
Shopping and Entertainment Benefits
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Delta Gold Card Snapshot
Key Card Benefits
Travel Benefits
Shopping and Entertainment Benefits
Final Thoughts

Delta Gold Card Snapshot

Key Card Benefits

Not surprisingly, the main benefits of this card are centered around Delta Air Lines, though other standard credit card benefits are there too.

Earn Delta SkyMiles

Mallorca Island Spain — Use the Delta SkyMiles you earn to fly to Europe, then make your way to the Mediterranean for a beautiful view like this, on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Image Credit: Shutterstock

This card earns miles in the Delta SkyMiles Program. SkyMiles can be redeemed for flights on Delta or more than 15 of their airline partners around the world. Delta is a member of the SkyTeam Alliance and partners with all other member airlines.

You will earn 2 miles per dollar spent when using your card on purchases made directly with Delta. This includes flights and vacation packages booked at delta.com, Sky Club memberships and passes, seat upgrades, and any inflight purchases of headsets, drinks, or food.

In addition to 2x miles on Delta purchases, you will also earn 2x miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets finally giving this card extra value for everyday spending.

For all other purchases with your card, you will earn 1 mile per dollar. There is no limit to how many miles you can earn.

Fraud Protection

You will never be held responsible for fraudulent charges on your card. If you notice a charge that you didn’t make or authorize, call the number on the back of the card and they will take care of it for you. American Express will remove the charge, and there will never be any deductible for you.

Year-End Summary

At the end of the year, you can log in to your account to get a year-end summary. This summary includes all of your charges throughout the year organized by type of expense. This allows you to analyze your spending, which helps with budgeting and organization of your finances.

Travel Benefits

The Delta Gold Card has a variety of benefits that will make your travel easier, more comfortable, and more pleasant overall. From checking bags to renting cars, this card makes sure your trip will go smoothly from start to finish.

Free Checked Bag

Your first checked bag is free when traveling on Delta-marketed and Delta-operated flights, as long as your SkyMiles number is on both the reservation and your credit card. To qualify, the bag must not be oversized or overweight, and you must check in with Delta.

Assuming you would normally have to pay to check a bag, this benefit will save you $30 on every qualifying flight while you are a cardmember.

Hot Tip: The first checked bag free benefit applies to up to 9 people flying on the same reservation, as long as the reservation is booked by the primary cardholder. That means you can save up to $540 per round-trip when you travel with a large group!

Priority Boarding

boarding gate line airport — Skip the long lines at the boarding gate with priority boarding. Be one of the first passengers on the plane and make sure there is space for your carry-on bags. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Cardmembers will receive Main Cabin 1 priority boarding on flights operated by Delta and Delta Connection. To receive this benefit, the reservation must include the primary cardmember’s SkyMiles number. Priority boarding is not available on Delta Shuttle flights.

Like the checked baggage waiver, this benefit applies to up to 9 people on the same reservation as the cardholder. This means that as long as you’re booked on the same reservation, your whole party should be able to board together.

Priority boarding can be an important benefit if you’re traveling with bags that need to fit in the overhead compartments. With passengers trying to avoid paying to check bags, the overhead compartments often get full before everyone has boarded. Boarding first means there will definitely be space for your bag.

Inflight Savings

By using your card for inflight purchases, you can save 20%. Savings come in the form of a statement credit on your card, and they will appear 6-8 weeks after you make the purchase.

The 20% savings applies to pre-purchased meals and inflight purchases of food, drinks, and audio headsets. Savings only apply on Delta-operated flights and do not apply for any other inflight purchases than those listed. Wireless internet and charitable donations are specifically excluded.

Car Rental Coverage

When you rent an eligible car and pay for the entire rental with your card, you will have insurance coverage for theft, damage, or loss of use. For this benefit to apply, you must decline the collision damage waiver at the counter when picking up the rental. Insurance coverage is secondary to your primary auto insurance but Amex also offers the option to purchase Premium Protection for 1 low price that covers the entire rental period.

Certain high-end vehicles, off-road vehicles, limousines, and antique cars are not covered by this insurance. Coverage also does not apply to auto rentals in Australia, Italy, and New Zealand.

Hot Tip: This insurance coverage is secondary coverage. That means if you have a loss, your primary personal insurance will pay out first.

Global Assist Hotline

If you are traveling more than 100 miles from your home, the cardholder will have 24/7 access to global emergency coordination and assistance services. These can include medical or legal referrals, cash wire assistance, passport replacement, missing luggage, and more.

This hotline will help you set up any of the services listed above, but it is important to note that the cardholder will be responsible for any third party costs charged by the actual service providers. Setting up the services is covered for free; actually using the services is not.

Shopping and Entertainment Benefits

Electronics Extended Warranty Return Protection — Benefits like extended warranty and return protection lessen the stress of buying expensive electronics. Even if you have a problem shortly after the original warranty runs out, you will be protected. And if the store won’t let you return your purchase? Within 90 days, you’re protected for that too. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Aside from travel, shopping and entertainment are among the largest categories of spending for most credit cards. When making a purchase, it is important to know what consumer protections your credit card will offer in case you have a problem down the line.

When it comes to entertainment access, American Express is one of the best credit card issuers. Each card has its own set of benefits, but if you want to get those hard-to-find tickets, the Delta Gold Card might the right card for you.

Free ShopRunner Membership

By signing up with your eligible American Express card, cardholders can receive a free ShopRunner membership. This membership is available at no cost as long as you keep the associated American Express card open.

ShopRunner provides free 2-day shipping on millions of products from hundreds of online stores. This benefit only applies to select items at certain stores; it does not necessarily apply to every item a store sells. To activate the free shipping, you must sign in to ShopRunner during checkout.

In addition, ShopRunner provides free return shipping for orders from several online stores. For eligible items, you will be provided with a paid return shipping label.

Extended Warranty

When using your card to make a purchase, the warranty of the item purchased will be automatically matched and extended by up to 1 year. To be eligible for this extended warranty, the product must have come with an original United States manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less.

The coverage has a limit of $10,000 per item and $50,000 per calendar year, and it is limited to the purchase price put on your card.

Hot Tip: When making a major purchase, especially of appliances or electronics, it is in your best interest to choose a credit card that will offer an extended warranty. That way, if you have a problem with the product just after the warranty runs out, you will still be covered by your credit card.

Purchase Protection

In the case of accidental damage or theft, purchase protection can refund eligible purchases charged to your card. The benefit has a limit of $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per calendar year.

Lost items, consumable/perishable items, vehicles (and their part and accessories), and normal wear and tear are specifically excluded from this coverage. It is also important to note that this coverage is secondary. If you have renters or homeowners insurance that will cover your loss, that policy would pay out before this coverage takes effect.

Entertainment Access

Whether your interest is sporting events, concerts, or Broadway shows, American Express can help you get the tickets you want.

In select cities, American Express cardmembers have access to exclusive presales for a wide variety of events. With many concerts and shows selling out within minutes, access to the presale might make the difference between enjoying the event in-person and sitting at home on your couch wishing you were there.

During the presales, tickets must be purchased with your card, not all seats will be available, and there will be some blackout dates. Similar to purchasing through a general public sale, tickets sales will be final, with no refunds or exchanges being offered.

Final Thoughts

Delta Airlines Planes Row — The Delta SkyMiles program can be quite frustrating to deal with due to their history of devaluations without notice and lack of a published award chart. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

American Express is the only bank that issues Delta co-branded credit cards, and the benefits of free checked bags, priority boarding, and a 20% inflight discount make holding one of their cards worth it (even if you only fly with Delta a few times a year).

The Delta Gold Card is a great option if you want added perks when flying with Delta but don’t need extra help qualifying for elite status. This could either be because you will not qualify even with help from a credit card, or you will easily qualify even without help from a credit card.

In either of these cases, the Gold Delta Card is likely the most favorable of the 3 American Express Delta cards for you.

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

Featured Image Credit: Delta

Frequently asked questions

Is the Gold Delta Card worth it?

Yes, as long as you regularly travel on and spend money with Delta Air Lines. If not, other cards provide similar benefits to the non-Delta specific benefits of the Gold Delta Card.

Is there an annual fee for the Gold Delta Card?

Yes; see the card review page for details.

What credit score do I need to get the Gold Delta Card?

Although every situation is different, approvals have been seen with credit scores as low as 625. Scores of 675 or higher would have a better chance of approval.

What's the difference between the Gold Delta Card and the Platinum Delta Card?

The higher annual fee on the Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express gives you the opportunity to earn Delta Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM) with the typical welcome bonus and with certain levels of yearly spending. If elite status is important to you and you regularly fly Delta on paid tickets, the Platinum Delta Card may be the better option for you. If you do not fly enough to reach elite status levels, but you still want some perks when flying with Delta, the Gold Delta Card is probably the better choice.

Is there a limit to how many miles I can earn on my Gold Delta Card?

No, there is no limit to the number of Delta SkyMiles that can be earned on the Gold Delta Card.

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About Jeff Brownson

Since discovering miles and points in 2010, Jeff has traveled to over 35 countries, flying in first class, business class, and sometimes even in coach. Whether he’s staying in a hostel dorm, or in a luxury suite at a 5 star hotel, Jeff is constantly looking for the best deal to make travel as close to free as possible.

Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.

39 comments

tburgs August 1, 2018
no complaints on the delta gold card. The bonus posted right after I hit the minimum spend. Didn’t even have to wait for the statement to close. Some card companies wait 3-6 months before posting…not Amex! If you link it to your delta dining account, you will earn even more miles.
Reply
J Sheldon March 9, 2019
You failed to mention the Delta Platinum AX card comes with an annual companion ticket good for anywhere in the contiguous 48 states.
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton March 10, 2019
  Hi J Sheldon. To be clear, the annual companion ticket is not a benefit of the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card but is a benefit on the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card. This is definitely one of the differences between the two cards so thank you for pointing that out.
  Reply
- Kathy January 21, 2020
  No more it doesn’t!
  Reply
  - Christine Krzyszton January 22, 2020
    Hi Kathy. Just to clarify, the Delta Gold card does not come with a companion ticket certificate. The Delta Platinum card comes with a companion ticket certificate and that has not changed.
    Reply
mdox March 26, 2019
We recently traveled to India and everyone had to cancel the return trip after reaching there due to mishap. People who had booked air ticket with Citibank Costco or Chase Hyatt cards automatically had travel protection and were able to claim. I booked on Amex Delta Gold which has no such protection so lost all the money.
Reply
Panduranga Rao Pamidimukkala August 3, 2019
Hi,
I am a citizen of India and live in Bangalore. I have been traveling to USA for quite some time. If I apply for Delta American Express card, it is asking for SSN as I have given my daughter’s address USA for correspondence. Will I get an American express card if I change my address to India?
Reply
- Jarrod West August 3, 2019
  Hi Panduranga,
  You cannot use your daughter’s social security number and address in order to apply for a U.S. credit card.
  You must apply with your own social security number and U.S. address. If you are not eligible to receive a social security number, you may apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) by the IRS, which can be used to apply for credit cards.
  Reply
CONNIE August 5, 2019
my mother has the gold card but I am an additional card holder. She got it so I can use it for travel, why can’t I get the same benefits as she does, she never travels, and I love flying that was the purpose in getting this card. Then I read it doesn’t cover secondary card holder. I don’t think this is fair really. I pay all the bills on it.
Reply
- Katie Seemann August 5, 2019
  Hi Connie,
  If you have been an authorized user on your mother’s card for a while and have been paying off the bills each month, you might have enough credit to get a your own card. That way to can take advantage of all of the card’s benefits. Thanks for reading.
  Reply
Diane August 29, 2019
Can you tell me if there are any perks with the Delta Gold Skymiles Amex card for international travel, specifically baggage? I know everyone gets one free bag for travel between US and Europe, however, would a cardholder receive their 2nd bag for free?
Reply
- Jarrod West August 29, 2019
  Hi Diane,
  Only your first checked bag would be free. However, you also receive benefits like priority boarding, discounted Delta SkyClub access, and 20% off pre-purchased meals and inflight purchases of food, drinks, and audio headsets.
  Thanks for reading!
  Reply
Joyce costanza November 29, 2019
Am I able to redeem my Delta points for Amex gift cards? Please respond. Thank you.
Reply
- Jarrod West November 30, 2019
  Hi Joyce,
  You can view all of your redemption options for your Delta Miles via this website, https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/how-to-use-miles/shop-with-miles.
  Amex gift cards do not appear to be an option, but Delta gift cards are. Thanks for reading!
  Reply
carla January 27, 2020
If I book a flight and apply for a credit card at the same time, can I get free baggage for that flight? A few years ago I did a similar program and they said that I had to use the credit card to book the flight but I didn’t have the credit card yet. Since I hadn’t paid for the flight with that card, they said no free bags 🙁
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton January 28, 2020
  Hi Carla. Yes, it is possible. You need to be approved for an eligible Delta branded card and have it linked to your frequent flyer account in order to receive the free checked bag. If you applied for the card, got approved, booked the flight, then added a checked bag later for that flight (once your card is linked to your frequent flyer account), that would work. You do not need to pay for the flight with the Delta credit card.
  Reply
Cristian February 10, 2020
Hi , I’m considering opening the Gold SkyMiles credit card. My wife already has status with delta. In a whole year maybe I can fly 6 or 7 times, no more. When it comes to booking flights, is there any price difference if you pay with the Delta credit card? Or is just normal price and you just earn points? And what are the supermarkets that allow you to earn points? Thanks.
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton February 10, 2020
  Hi Cristian. There are no price breaks when purchasing flights with the Gold SkyMiles card. However, the card comes with the “Pay with Miles” benefit that allows you to pay for a portion or all of your flight with miles and still earn MQM qualifying miles. You’ll also receive a 20% statement credit for in-flight food/beverage purchases by using the card. Qualifying supermarkets are all U.S. grocery/supermarkets except superstores such as Walmart and warehouse clubs (Costco/Sams Club, etc.).
  Reply
Janet nadel February 28, 2020
Does Delta gold cover trip cancellations?
Reply
- Jarrod West February 28, 2020
  Hi Janet,
  The Delta Gold SkyMiles card does not offer trip cancellation insurance.
  Reply
Sandi Mendinsky March 9, 2020
I recently purchased 2 airline round trip tickets to Italy leaving April 1 from Just fly.Com. They will not give me a refund even though I bought the insurance. They say there is no travel advisory even though they shut the country down at least thru April 3. Can you help since I used my Amex card for this purchase? Also they charged me 290 for requested seats that Air Canada says they have no request for.
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton March 10, 2020
  Hi Sandi. Sorry you’re having these issues. First, we are not American Express, we are Upgraded Points, a blog specializing in travel, points, and miles-related information.If you need to contact American Express, it is best to call the number on the back of your card. Not all of Italy is shut down so you may want to contact Air Canada to find out if they have issued a travel advisory for the area you would be flying to. They recently made some announcements regarding travel to Italy. Just Fly must handle your reservation, however, not Air Canada. Knowing Air Canada’s policy for changes right now will help when you call Just Fly again, which you should do because waivers are happening daily. If Just Fly did not purchase the seat upgrades with your funds, you can dispute that with Amex also. You can also contact the provider of the insurance you purchased to see if it is applicable in your situation.
  Reply
Chris Hamilton March 23, 2020
I wish to get a refund for a flight that connected me to a bus tour which was cancelled due to Corona virus. Will my Delta Gold Card help me to do that? I did put the charge on my card.
Reply
- Jarrod West March 23, 2020
  Hi Chris,
  With which airline did you purchase the flight from? You will need to contact that airline’s customer service team directly for assistance with cancelations.
  Reply
Richard May 25, 2020
Since the article was updated in May it should clearly state that the AMEX Delta Gold card no longer offers Sky Club access for $29. This was the main reason I applied for the Delta Gold card, and I will cancel the card at renewal.
Reply
- Jarrod West May 26, 2020
  Hi Richard,
  Thank you for pointing this out! I’ve removed that section from the article. Thanks for reading!
  Reply
Audelina February 9, 2021
Can I use this Card to buy groceries at say like a Kroger?
Reply
- Jarrod West February 10, 2021
  Hi Audelina,
  Yes, you can use this credit card at any business that accepts American Express.
  Reply
Becky May 8, 2021
Just want to make sure I understand this right – I could book a flight for myself+friend with the card, and the friend would also get some of the perks (a free checked bag, priority boarding)?
But, if I were to book a flight for just them/not traveling together, they wouldn’t get any of those perks?
Thanks! I recently got a Delta Gold card and am a little new to the travel points game in general, so was excited to find this post.
Reply
- Jarrod West May 10, 2021
  Hi Becky,
  That is correct! As long as you have booked your friend a ticket on the same reservation as yours, they will be able to share benefits like a free checked bag and priority boarding with you.
  Reply
James Respess May 18, 2021
Does Delta Gold AMEX card offer cell phone protection?
Reply
- Jarrod West May 18, 2021
  Hi James,
  The Delta Gold card does not offer cell phone protection.
  Reply
Kit Bowen July 19, 2021
Based on the descriptive blurb provided above/on the web, I have three questions about the value of the Amex Delta Gold car rental insurance coverage. Can you please answer them?
1. “Lost or stolen” is not the same as covering collision damage. Does using my card cover collision damage?
2. My primary car insurance policy doesn’t cover collision damage for a car rental . So, I would have no “primary” insurer. Thus, my Amex card would become my primary and not my secondary insurer?
3. Why would one need to “decline the collision waiver” in order to get/qualify for Amex Gold Delta card car insurance coverage? As written, it sounds mandatory, ie., a condition. I would in fact decline it, but only because my Amex card has that benefit, i.e., would take the collision waiver’s place and cover me.
Can you please clarify these issues. I don’t want to rely on collision coverage by Amex Delta Gold card and find, the hard way, that it didn’t cover it.
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton July 19, 2021
  Hi Kit. The description of the car rental insurance should actually read that it covers ” damaged, stolen, or loss of use”. This article is just an overview of the benefits that come with the card and since we are not affiliated with American Express, your questions are more accurately answered by accessing your Guide to Benefits or by calling the number on the back of your card. However, while the card does come with secondary car insurance, Amex does sell Premium Protection for 1 low price that covers the entire rental period. It ranges from just $12.95 to $24.95. Here is a link to the Guide to Benefits but you can also access the guide within your online card account (this link may expire over time). You would have also received a copy with your card. https://www.americanexpress.com/content/dam/amex/us/credit-cards/features-benefits/policies/NAC-Benefit-Guides/Benefit-Guide-1-1-20/CRLDI_Benefit_Guide_371-396_EDT_01.20_REV_10.20.pdf
  Reply
Kit Bowen July 19, 2021
Christine, What does it mean, “we are not affiliated with American Express”? I thought this WAS the Amex Delta Gold site. This is extremely confusing and leaves me with no confidence in using the card for auto rental insurance.
Reply
- Jarrod West July 19, 2021
  Hi Kit,
  What Christine was saying is that we are not American Express, and this is not the Amex Delta Gold site. We are Upgraded Points, a website that publishes helpful information about travel credit cards and loyalty programs. Here is the link to the Delta Gold card page on the American Express website.
  Reply
Ann Carolyn M Gandy December 20, 2021
I want to use Delta miles for gift cards. Help???
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton December 20, 2021
  Hi Ann Carolyn. Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account, click on “Sky Miles” at the top of the page, then “How to use SkyMiles”. Click on “Shop With Miles”, then Delta Gift Cards. It will cost you 11,150 miles for a $100 gift card.
  Reply
mileagespot April 1, 2023
The Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express has a range of benefits that make it a great option for frequent Delta travelers. Some of the standout features include free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to the Delta Sky Club.
Reply

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