The Delta SkyMiles Gold from American Express has a $150 annual fee, often waived the first year, and earns 2x miles on Delta, at restaurants, and at US supermarkets, plus 1x on everything else. It gives a free first checked bag on Delta flights, Zone 5 priority boarding, and 15% off award bookings. Confirm the current fee and welcome offer at American Express.
What the Delta SkyMiles Gold earns
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150, often waived the first year |
| Delta, restaurants, US supermarkets | 2x miles |
| Everything else | 1x mile |
| Checked bag | First bag free on Delta flights |
| Boarding | Zone 5 priority boarding |
The perks and details
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The value is in the flight perks, not the earn rate. You get a free first checked bag on Delta flights for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation, and since June 4, 2026 the primary cardmember also gets a free second checked bag on domestic Delta flights; companions get the first bag only. You also get Zone 5 priority boarding, 15% off when booking award flights, an annual Delta flight credit after a spend threshold and a Delta Stays hotel credit, and no foreign transaction fees. Amex also lists up to $120 a year in rideshare credits from your first renewal and 20% back on Delta in-flight purchases. Confirm the current perks at American Express. For every airline side by side, see the best airline credit cards.
The fee math
The fee is $150 and is often waived the first year. One free checked bag on a few round trips can cover much of it, the 15% award discount stretches your miles, and the annual credits add more. If you never fly Delta, none of that applies. Confirm the current fee and any welcome offer at American Express. Each Amex card pays its bonus once under the Amex once per lifetime rule.
Compare the Delta cards
See how the Gold stacks up against the other Delta cards.
Who it fits and who it does not
It fits an occasional Delta flyer who checks a bag and wants priority boarding without a big fee. It fits less if you rarely fly Delta, where a flexible travel card earns more, or if you want lounge access, which this card does not include. Confirm current terms at American Express.
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FAQ
Does the Delta SkyMiles Gold have an annual fee?
Yes, $150, and it is often waived the first year. Confirm the current fee and any welcome offer at American Express.
Do you get a free checked bag with the Delta Gold?
Yes, a free first checked bag on Delta flights for you and up to eight companions, plus a free second checked bag on domestic Delta flights as of 2026. Confirm current terms at American Express.
Does the Delta Gold have foreign transaction fees?
No, it has no foreign transaction fees. Confirm current terms at American Express.
Last reviewed October 2026. We verify every rule, ratio, and figure against issuer terms and current reporting, and date each one. See our editorial standards for how we research and correct guides.
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