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If you’re a frequent flyer and want to make the most of your credit card purchases, you’re likely drawn to credit cards that reward users for both regular and airline-specific purchases.
If you’re a fan of Delta Airlines or if you’re an avid American Express user, you may be considering applying for two of their co-branded credit cards, the Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card and the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card. Or, if you’re already a Blue Delta SkyMiles card holder, you may be wondering if it’s worth upgrading to their Gold counterpart.
To help you make that decision, we’ll take a look at the perks and details associated with both cards in this article.
Blue Delta SkyMiles vs. Gold Delta SkyMiles
Both the Blue Delta SkyMiles and Gold Delta SkyMiles cards provide a way for frequent fliers to earn miles for everyday purchases, making them an attractive credit card option for Delta enthusiasts.
Which will provide the most benefits? That depends.
While Delta Blue doesn’t offer as many traveling perks, it does have a slightly more generous rewards program without an annual fee—a real perk for those who don’t necessarily use the card or travel enough to make the fee worth it.
Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card
on American Express’ secure website
Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 17.99% – 26.99%
- Benefits: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent at U.S. restaurants and Delta purchases, earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
- Category: Airline Credit Card
The Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card comes with an APR between 17.49% and 26.49%, which is average for most of the Delta co-sponsored Amex cards. The Blue Delta card differs in that there is no annual fee, making it one of the first Amex Delta cards offer this. There is, however, a 2.7% fee for foreign transactions.
Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card holders can expect the following perks:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar at U.S. restaurants and with eligible Delta purchases (e.g., flights booked at Delta.com, Sky Club memberships, etc.)
- Earn 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases (gas, groceries, entertainment, etc.)
- Save 20% on in-flight purchases, like food, beverages, etc.
In addition, American Express is currently offering an introductory bonus for new card holders, which includes 10,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months.
Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card
on American Express’ secure website
Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0 for first year, $95 after
- APR: 17.99% – 26.99%
- Benefits: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases, earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
- Category: Airline Credit Card
The Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card extends the same APR to users (17.49% to 26.49%), but when it comes to the annual fee, Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card holders only are entitled to one year with no annual fee; after the first year, the fee will be $95.
When compared, the fee is obviously higher than the Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card, but it is lower than many of the other American Express/Delta cards available to consumers. Gold Delta SkyMiles card holders also reap the benefits of fee-free foreign transactions.
If you’re thinking of upgrading, here are a few of the perks provided to Gold Delta SkyMiles card holders:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar spent directly on flights booked through Delta.com, Sky Club memberships or passes, Delta Vacations packages, seat upgrades, or in-flight purchases.
- Earn 1 mile per dollar for all other purchases, like restaurants, gas, groceries, etc.
- 20% off in-flight purchases like food, drinks, etc.
- First bag checked is free
- Priority boarding
- Discounted Delta Sky Club Access ($29 per person)
Those considering applying for the Gold Delta SkyMiles card before September 19, 2018 will also receive an introductory bonus of 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 or more in the first four months.
Delta Blue or Gold?
So, which is the better option? With two miles per dollar at restaurants and on Delta purchases, as well as one mile per dollar for other purchases, the Blue Delta SkyMiles may be the better option when it comes to racking up points—particularly with no annual fee.
If you truly are a frequent flyer and you travel enough that a free baggage check, priority boarding, and discounted Sky Club Access are appealing to you, then an argument can be made for the Gold Delta SkyMiles card, though with a less generous miles program and an annual fee, you’d really have to weigh the cost vs. the rewards to see if you’re getting the most for that $95 a year.
>>Read more: How to upgrade an American Express credit card