At a Glance
Rates & Fees
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Key Features
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
First checked bag free for cardholder + up to 8 companions on Delta flights
20% back on eligible in-flight Delta purchases as a statement credit
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees, good for international travel
- Free checked bag benefit alone can offset the annual fee for frequent Delta flyers
- Priority boarding on Delta flights
Tradeoffs
- Miles are only useful if you fly Delta regularly
- 1x base rate outside Delta/dining/grocery categories
- No airport lounge access on this tier
How to Apply
Check whether your credit profile is a reasonable fit — American Express generally looks for applicants around 700+ FICO for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, alongside income and existing debt.
Gather your Social Security number, annual income, housing payment, and employer details before starting the application.
Apply directly through American Express's official site or app to make sure you're getting current, accurate offer terms.
Most issuers give an instant decision online; some applications are sent to manual review, which can take 7–10 business days.
If approved, activate the card and set up autopay before your first statement is due to avoid a late payment.
How It Compares
Current product highlighted| Product | Annual Fee | Purchase APR | Rewards Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | $150 | 19.49%–28.49% | 2x on Delta purchases, U.S. restaurants (incl. takeout/delivery) & U.S. supermarkets, 1x elsewhere |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | $95 | 21.49%–28.49% | 5x Chase Travel, 3x dining, gas/EV charging, online grocery, streaming & vacation rentals, 2x other travel |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $795 | 19.49%–29.99% | 3x travel & dining worldwide |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | 19.49%–28.49% | 10x hotels & rental cars, 5x flights via Capital One Travel, 2x everything else |
Rates, fees, and rewards shown are illustrative as of 2026 and subject to change — always confirm current terms directly with the issuer before applying.