In this article, we'll dive into a comprehensive comparison of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card to help you make an informed decision.
We'll explore their key features, perks, fees, and rewards programs, allowing you to weigh the advantages of each card and determine which aligns best with your travel preferences and financial goals.
Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Platinum: General Comparison
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Delta SkyMiles® Gold | Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | |
Annual Fee | $150, $0 intro first year.See Rates and Fees. | $350. See Rates and Fees. |
Rewards | 2X miles on delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide (including take-out and delivery in the U.S) and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply. | 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
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Welcome bonus | 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months |
50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months. Terms Apply.
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0% Intro APR | N/A | N/A |
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0. See Rates and Fees. | $0 |
Purchase APR | 20.99%-29.99% Variable | 20.99%-29.99% Variable
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Delta Gold vs Platinum: Which Card Gives More?
It may not be surprising, but the Platinum card offers higher rewards for the same spend.
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Spend Per Category | Delta SkyMiles® Gold | Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 30,000 miles | 30,000 miles |
$5,000 – Restaurants
| 10,000 miles | 10,000 miles |
$5,000 – Airline | 10,000 miles | 15,000 miles |
$4,000 – Hotels | 4,000 miles | 12,000 miles |
$4,000 – Gas | 4,000 miles | 4,000 miles |
Total Miles/Points | 58,000 miles | 71,000 miles |
Benefits You'll Get On Both Cards
Some of the benefits the Delta Reserve and Platinum card are relevant for both cards:
- TakeOff 15: Save 15% on Award Travel when booking Delta flights (excluding partner-operated flights and taxes/fees).
- First Checked Bag Free: Receive complimentary first checked bag on Delta flights.
- 20% Back on In–flight Purchases: Receive a 20% statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
- ShopRunner: Enjoy free 2-day shipping at 100+ online stores when you enroll in complimentary ShopRunner membership with your Delta Platinum card.
- Purchase Protection: Your card can protect eligible purchases from theft or accidental damage for up to 90 days, with coverage of up to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per year.
- Extended Warranty: Extend the manufacturer's warranty on eligible purchases by up to one extra year when you use your card.
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you use your card to reserve and pay for a rental vehicle and decline the collision damage waiver (CDW), you can be covered for damage or theft of the rental vehicle in a covered territory.
- Baggage Insurance Plan: Travel with peace of mind knowing your baggage is covered for loss, damage, or theft when you purchase a common carrier ticket with your card, with coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage (subject to certain conditions and exclusions).
Benefits You'll Get On Only With The Gold Card
$100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back each year on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings at delta.com with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.
$200 Delta Flight Credit: When you spend $10,000 on purchases in a year, you'll get a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use for your next travel.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Benefits You'll Get On Only With The Platinum Card
The Delta Platinum card is more expensive than the Gold card and offer much more premium benefits such as:
- Trip Delay Insurance: If your round-trip is delayed by a covered reason for more than 12 hours and paid for with your card, you can be reimbursed up to $300 for certain additional expenses, with a maximum of 2 claims per year.
- Up to $100 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Get reimbursed for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years.
- Annual Companion Certificate: Upon card renewal, you will be entitled to a round-trip companion certificate valid for Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year.
- $150 Delta Stays Credit: Annually, enjoy a $150 Delta Stays Credit applicable to eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings made on delta.com.
- Hertz Five Star® Status: Enroll in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program and relish the perks of Hertz Five Star Status.
- $120 Resy Credit: Delight in a $120 Resy Credit, earning up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible Resy purchases.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Avail a $120 Rideshare Credit, with up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers when using your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
- Complimentary Upgrade List: Even without being a Medallion Member, you will be automatically added to the Complimentary Upgrade list after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members if you hold an eligible ticket.
- MQD Boost: Obtain $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year, bringing you closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
- MQD on Purchases: Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year, providing a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for the next Medallion Year.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
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When You Might Want the Delta Gold Card?
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card can be a preferred choice over the Platinum Card in several situations:
- Lower Annual Fee: If you're looking to minimize your credit card expenses, the Gold Card typically has a lower annual fee compared to the Platinum Card. This makes it a more budget-friendly option while still offering valuable benefits.
- Lighter Traveler: If you're not a frequent traveler or don't often fly with Delta, the Gold Card may be more suitable. It provides substantial perks for Delta loyalists, but if you don't fly with the airline frequently, the Platinum Card's additional benefits might not justify the higher fee.
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When You Might Want the Delta Platinum Card?
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card can be the preferred choice over the Gold Card in various situations, particularly if you are a more frequent traveler or seek enhanced benefits:
- Frequent Delta Traveler: If you are a loyal Delta Air Lines customer who travels often, the Platinum Card offers more extensive benefits, including a higher level of priority and comfort when flying.
- Companion Certificate: The Platinum Card comes with an annual companion certificate, allowing you to bring a companion on a domestic main cabin flight for a relatively low fee (excluding taxes and fees). If you frequently travel with someone, this perk can save you a substantial amount.
- Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs): If you aim to achieve or maintain Medallion elite status with Delta, the Platinum Card provides a boost with bonus MQMs after reaching certain spending thresholds. This can help you attain elite status faster.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for an airline or travel credit card that can help you get more miles on your flights – there are some good alternatives:
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The Platinum Card® from American Express | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Capital One Venture X Rewards | |
Annual Fee | $695. See Rates & Fees | $550 | $395 |
Rewards |
1X – 5X
5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
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1X – 10X
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases. | 1X – 10X
10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases
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Welcome bonus |
80,000 points
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
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60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| 75,000 miles
75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
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Foreign Transaction Fee | $0. See Rates & Fees | $0 | $0
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Purchase APR | 21.24% – 29.24% APR Variable | 22.49%–29.49% variable | 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable) |
Compare Delta SkyMiles Gold Card
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Compare Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card
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United Quest vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum: Side By Side Comparison
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- Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
