Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Delta SkyMiles Blue vs Delta SkyMiles Gold: How They Compare?
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Delta SkyMiles Blue vs Delta SkyMiles Gold: How They Compare?

The Delta SkyMiles Gold offers higher annual cashback and better perks than the Delta Blue card. But is it worth the annual fee? It depends
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express are two of Delta's frequent flyer credit cards. Let's compare them side by side.

General Comparison

The Delta SkyMiles Blue card is designed for the cost-conscious traveler, offering a no-annual-fee option with essential benefits. While it lacks some of the premium perks of its Gold counterpart, it provides a solid entry point for those seeking a straightforward rewards card without the financial commitment of an annual fee.

On the other hand, the Delta SkyMiles Gold card is tailored for individuals who desire a more comprehensive travel experience. Despite having an annual fee, the Gold card comes with added benefits, such as Delta flight credit (upon required spend), a free checked bag on Delta flights, and a bigger welcome bonus.

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the card's main features:

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Review

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express

Delta SkyMiles® Gold
Delta SkyMiles® Blue
Annual Fee
$150, $0 intro first year. (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.
2X miles for every dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and Delta purchases and 1X miles for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months
10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months
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
Read Review
Read Review
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Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
155,000 points 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
155,000 points 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
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
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

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 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
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Airline Miles Rewards Analysis: Which Card Is Better?

When comparing how many points you can get for spending the same amount, we can see the Delta Gold is the winner – mainly due to the increased points rewards ratio on groceries:

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Review

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express

Spend Per Category
Delta SkyMiles® Gold
Delta SkyMiles® Blue
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets
20,000 miles
10,000 miles
$4,000 – Restaurants
8,000 miles
8,000 miles
$5,000 – Airline
10,000 miles
10,000 miles
$4,000 – Hotels
4,000 miles
4,000 miles
$4,000 – Gas
4,000 miles
4,000 miles
Total Points
46,000 miles
36,000 miles
Redemption Value (Estimated)
1 mile = ~1.3 cents
1 mile = ~1.3 cents
Estimated Annual Value
$598
$468

Delta Gold and Blue Card holders can redeem miles for Delta flights, seat upgrades, and merchandise. 

Additionally, explore partner airlines, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Access exclusive benefits, making the most of your Delta rewards.

delta vacations: book hotel with miles
Book hotel with Delta miles (Screenshot taken by our team from delta app)

What Airline And Travel Benefits You'll Get On Both Cards?

Both the Delta Blue and Gold card offer the following benefits:

  • 20% Back on In-flight Purchases: Enjoy a 20% statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages when using the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card.

  • Pay with Miles: Gain flexibility by redeeming miles with “Pay with Miles” on delta.com, allowing you to take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles redeemed.

  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Receive coverage for damage or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use the card to reserve and pay for the entire rental, and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental counter.

  • Global Assist® Hotline: Access 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance.

  • ShopRunner: Enjoy complimentary ShopRunner membership, offering free 2-day shipping and free return shipping on eligible items at 100+ online stores.

  • Purchase Protection: Receive protection for covered purchases from accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date when using the card.

  • Extended Warranty: Extend the warranty on covered purchases by matching the original manufacturer's warranty for up to one additional year when using the card.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.

Book a flight with miles on Delta website
Book a flight with miles on Delta website (Screenshot taken by our team from delta app)

What Benefits You'll Get Only With The Gold Card?

Naturally, as the more expensive card – the Delta Gold card offers more travel and airline benefits:

  • TakeOff 15: Save 15% on Award Travel when booking Delta flights (excluding partner-operated flights and taxes/fees).
  • $100 Delta Stays Credit: Members of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card are eligible to receive an annual rebate of up to $100 on qualifying prepaid Delta Stays bookings made on delta.com.

  • $200 Delta Flight Credit: Upon reaching $10,000 in annual purchases, cardholders can enjoy a $200 Delta Flight Credit, applicable towards upcoming travel expenses.

  • First Checked Bag Free: Receive complimentary first checked bag on Delta flights.
  • Pay with Miles Discount: You can receive up to $50 off the cost of your Delta flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem.
  • 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.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.

Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
155,000 points 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
155,000 points 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
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
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

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 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
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

When You Might Prefer The Delta SkyMiles Blue?

You might prefer the Delta SkyMiles Blue card in the following situations:

  • You're On A Budget: The Delta SkyMiles Gold Card has an annual fee, which can be a deterrent for some budget-minded travelers. The Delta SkyMiles Blue Card is a good option for budget travelers because it has no annual fee and still offers some valuable benefits, such as free first-check bags on Delta flights and priority boarding.

  • You Spend Mainly On Airline & Dining: If you plan to spend only on these categories and you have another card for everyday spending, the difference in miles between the cards is minor. In such a case, you may prefer to avoid the annual fee.
  • Improve Credit History: For individuals looking to improve their credit history without the commitment of an annual fee, Delta SkyMiles Blue provides an entry-level option. It allows users to establish a positive credit record while still enjoying the benefits of earning miles on everyday purchases.

When You Might Prefer The Delta SkyMiles Gold?

You might prefer the Delta SkyMiles Gold card in the following situations:

  • You Spend At Least $10,000 On Groceris: If you spend a high amount on groceries, the difference in miles earning between the cards is signficant and may cover the annual fee difference.

  • You're Looking For Additional Travel Perks: The Delta SkyMiles Gold Card includes other travel perks, such as a first checked bagd free or baggage insurance plan. If these perks are valuable to you, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card may be worth the annual fee.

Compare The Alternatives

If you're looking for an airline credit card with travel rewards – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:

united explorer

southwest_rapid_rewards_premier_art

United℠ Explorer Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite
Annual Fee
$95 ($0 first year)
$99
$99 (waived for the first 12 months)
Rewards
1X – 2X 2x per $1 spent on United purchases, hotel accommodations, restaurants & eligible delivery services and 1x per $1 spent on all other purchases
1X – 3X 3X points on Southwest® purchases,2X on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car partners, local transit and commuting, including rideshare, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming and 1X points on all other purchases.
1X – 2X Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
Welcome bonus
50,000 miles 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
50,000 Points 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
50,000 Miles 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0
$0
Purchase APR
21.99% – 28.99% variable
21.49%–28.49% variable
21.24% – 29.99% (Variable)

Compare Delta SkyMiles Gold Card

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum is more expensive but offers more premium benefits than the Delta Gold. Here's our complete comparison.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card vs Platinum: How They Compare?

If you're looking for airline travel rewards, there is a clear winner. But what about other premium travel benefits? Here's our comparison.

Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: Which Gives You More?

If you're a dedicated Delta traveler, the Delta SkyMiles Gold may be your top pick, while the Amex Gold offers a broader range of benefits.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Card vs. Amex Gold: Which One Wins?

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum is more expensive but offers more premium benefits than the Delta Gold. Here's our complete comparison.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card vs Platinum: How They Compare?

While the Delta SkyMiles Gold extra perks are better, the JetBlue Plus Card is our winner in this comparison due to its higher cashback value.

The JetBlue Plus Card vs Delta SkyMiles Gold: Side By Side Comparison

The Delta SkyMiles Gold and the United Explorer Card offer airline benefits and similar fees. The SkyMiles Gold is our winner – here's why.

United Explorer vs Delta SkyMiles Gold: Side By Side Comparison

The Delta Gold and AAdvantage Platinum Select offer similar cashback value, but the Delta card is the winner due to its diverse travel perks.

Delta SkyMiles Gold vs. Citi/ AAdvantage Platinum Select: Which Card Wins?

While Alaska Visa Signature card offers higher miles rewards ratio on airline, the Delta SkyMiles Gold is our winner. Here's why.

Alaska Visa Signature vs Delta SkyMiles Gold: Side By Side Comparison

Both Hawaiian and Delta SkyMiles Gold have similar annual cashback values and diverse airline benefits, so there is no clear winner.

Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold: Side By Side Comparison

Compare Delta SkyMiles Blue Card

Paying an annual fee with higher rewards rate & benefits, or getting a no annual fee card with access to Amex membership? Here's our analysis.

Delta SkyMiles Blue vs AAdvantage Platinum Select: Compare

Both JetBlue and Delta SkyMiles Blue offer basic airline benefits and no annual fee. We think the JetBlue card is a clear winner, here's why.

The JetBlue Card vs Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex: How They Compare?

The Delta SkyMiles Blue and United Gateway have similar cashback rates and airline perks. Where does each card shine? Here's our comparison.

Delta SkyMiles Blue vs United Gateway: How They Compare?

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.