Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Review (2026): Benefits, Rewards & Value
Delta's entry-level co-brand card with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and an annual Delta Stays credit.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Guide
Delta's entry-level co-brand card with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and an annual Delta Stays credit.
ANNUAL FEE
$0 intro first year, then $150
WELCOME BONUS
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
POINTS VALUE
~1.2¢ per SkyMile
TRANSFER PARTNERS
0
In This Guide:
Transfer Partners
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|
Annual Credits & Benefits
Delta Stays Credit
Annual
Up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
Pro Tip: One prepaid Delta Stays booking a year captures the full $100.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Worth the $0 intro first year, then $150 Annual Fee?
Ideal For:
- Occasional Delta flyers
- Free checked bag
- Low first-year cost
Not Ideal For:
- Infrequent travelers who rarely fly or stay at hotels
- Those who prefer cash back over travel rewards
- Budget-conscious consumers who don't want to pay an annual fee
Value Calculation Example
Here's a conservative estimate of annual value for a typical cardholder who uses most, but not all benefits:
| Benefit | Face Value | Realistic Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | $50 | $50 | First year only |
| Delta Stays Credit | $100 | $100 | Annual |
| First checked bag free on Delta flights | $100+ | $100 | Estimated value |
| Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding | $100+ | $100 | Estimated value |
| Annual Fee | -$0 intro first year, then $150 | -$0 intro first year, then $150 | Yearly cost |
| TOTAL VALUE | Varies | Varies | $1,000+ over annual fee |
This calculation doesn't include the welcome bonus value in the first year, which could add significant additional value. Actual value depends on your specific usage patterns.
How to Earn Points
Sweet Spot Redemptions
| Route/Redemption | Points Required | Transfer Partner | Notes |
|---|
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Pro Insider Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rate & Review Credit Cards
CreditMilesGuru's editorial team evaluates credit cards based on annual fee value, welcome bonus, ongoing earn rates, transfer partner quality, travel protections, credits and perks, and current competitive landscape. Our ratings reflect independent analysis — we are not paid by card issuers to rate cards favorably. Annual fee corrections and benefit updates are applied as they are confirmed by issuers. This review was last updated June 2026.
Ready to Apply?
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express offers exceptional benefits and rewards that make it a valuable addition to your wallet. Delta's entry-level co-brand card with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and an annual Delta Stays credit.