Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Card Rewards & Benefits Guide

American Express

Delta SkyMiles Gold

Last updated: June 20, 2026. Verify current terms with American Express and Delta before applying.

Core multipliers

2xDelta purchases, including Delta flights and eligible Delta purchases.
2xRestaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
2xU.S. supermarkets.
1xAll other eligible purchases.

Card snapshot

Annual fee$150 (waived first year)

Rewards currencyDelta SkyMiles (not Membership Rewards)

Primary categoriesDelta purchases, restaurants worldwide, U.S. supermarkets

Checked bagFirst bag free, cardholder + up to 8 companions

Lounge accessNone

Foreign transaction feesNone

What the card is built around

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is the entry-level Delta co-brand. It earns SkyMiles directly on Delta spending and two everyday categories — restaurants and U.S. supermarkets — while providing core Delta travel perks that can reduce out-of-pocket trip costs. The $200 Delta flight credit activates after $10,000 in eligible purchases, which can substantially offset the $150 annual fee for cardholders who hit that threshold. The card does not include Delta Sky Club or Centurion Lounge access.

These cards earn Delta SkyMiles — not American Express Membership Rewards points. SkyMiles are redeemable for Delta flights, upgrades, and Delta Vacations packages. They do not transfer to external airline loyalty programs.

Earning category details

2x

Delta purchases

Earn 2 SkyMiles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, including Delta flights, eligible Delta in-flight purchases, and other eligible Delta spending. Check current eligible purchase definitions with American Express and Delta.

2x

Restaurants worldwide

The restaurant category is global and includes takeout and delivery in the U.S. where the merchant codes as a restaurant. Merchant category coding determines eligibility — some food purchases may not code as dining.

2x

U.S. supermarkets

Earn 2 SkyMiles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets. Warehouse clubs, superstores, and specialty merchants may not code as U.S. supermarkets. Verify with American Express for specific merchant eligibility.

1x

Everything else

All other eligible purchases earn 1 SkyMile per dollar.

Travel and card benefits

Benefit Structure Practical read

$200 Delta flight credit Earn a $200 Delta flight credit after $10,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year. Appears as a statement credit on eligible Delta flight purchases. Spending $10,000 in a calendar year is achievable for many cardholders. At face value, this credit covers more than the $150 annual fee — but it applies only to Delta flights, not as a general statement credit.

First checked bag free Primary cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation receive the first checked bag free on any Delta flight. Card account must be in good standing. Delta's standard first bag fee is typically $35 each way. Two round trips per year with one companion could offset the annual fee on bag fees alone.

20% inflight savings Save 20% on eligible inflight purchases including food, beverages, and audio headsets on Delta flights. Savings are reflected as statement credits. Applies to eligible inflight purchases only — not all inflight items may qualify. Verify with Delta and American Express.

15% Award Booking discount 15% off the mileage price of Award Bookings made on delta.com or the Fly Delta app with your SkyMiles account. Offer subject to change — verify current terms with Delta and Amex. A 15% discount on award bookings lowers the SkyMiles cost of eligible redemptions. Useful if you redeem SkyMiles for Delta flights regularly.

$2,500 MQD Headstart Earn $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) toward Delta Medallion elite status each year. MQDs are needed to qualify for Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion status. A $2,500 Headstart gives a running start toward lower tiers. Verify current Medallion qualification thresholds with Delta.

No foreign transaction fees No foreign transaction fees on eligible purchases made abroad. Standard for travel-oriented cards. Verify current fee schedule with American Express.

What is not included

The Delta SkyMiles Gold does not include Delta Sky Club lounge access. It also does not include Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement, a companion certificate, or access to Centurion Lounges. Those benefits are on the Platinum ($350/year) and Reserve ($650/year) Delta co-branded cards.

Delta SkyMiles: how the currency works

SkyMiles are not Membership Rewards

The Delta co-branded cards earn Delta SkyMiles directly — a separate currency from American Express Membership Rewards. SkyMiles cannot be converted into Membership Rewards points and do not transfer to external airline programs.

Redemption options

Delta SkyMiles can be used for Delta award flights (domestic and international), seat upgrades, Delta Vacations packages, and some partner awards on SkyTeam member airlines. Award pricing on Delta is dynamic — verify current redemption rates on delta.com or the Fly Delta app.

No expiration

Delta SkyMiles do not expire as long as your SkyMiles account is open. Verify current SkyMiles program terms with Delta.

Fit checklist

You fly Delta regularly and carry checked bags — the free bag benefit has direct cash value.
Your spending in restaurants and U.S. supermarkets supports earning 2x SkyMiles in categories you already use.
You can realistically reach $10,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year to earn the $200 Delta flight credit.
You want to accumulate Delta SkyMiles and are comfortable with a closed-loop currency that does not transfer to other programs.
You do not need lounge access — the Gold card does not include Delta Sky Club or Centurion Lounge access.

FAQ

Delta SkyMiles Gold questions.

What is the annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card?

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has a $150 annual fee, which is waived for the first year. After the first year, the $150 fee applies each year. Verify current terms with American Express before applying.

How does the $200 Delta flight credit work on the Delta Gold card?

After spending $10,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year with the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card, you earn a $200 Delta flight credit. This credit appears as a statement credit on eligible Delta flight purchases. Verify eligible purchase and credit terms with American Express and Delta.

Does the Delta SkyMiles Gold card include a free checked bag?

Yes. The primary cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation receive the first checked bag free when traveling on any Delta flight. All travelers must be on the same reservation and the card account must be in good standing. Verify current terms with American Express and Delta.

Does the Delta Gold card earn Membership Rewards points?

No. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card earns Delta SkyMiles directly — not Membership Rewards points. Delta SkyMiles are redeemable for Delta award flights, upgrades, and Delta Vacations packages. They do not transfer to other airline programs.

What is the MQD Headstart benefit on the Delta Gold card?

Delta SkyMiles Gold cardholders receive a $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) Headstart toward Delta Medallion elite status each year. MQDs are used to qualify for Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion status tiers. Verify current Medallion qualification requirements with Delta.

Related guides

Continue researching Delta SkyMiles cards.

Sources

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card rewards and benefits guide.