Delta Gold Amex vs. Delta Platinum Amex: Are more perks worth the higher annual fee?

Now is a great time to earn some airline miles so you can book trips while conserving your cash.

Through its partnership with American Express, Delta Air Lines offers one of the most comprehensive airline credit card portfolios on the market, which includes entry-level, mid-tier and premium cards (as well as business card versions of most).

If you decide that now is indeed the time to apply, your next question will likely be: How do you pick which Delta credit card is right for you?

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a great choice for anyone looking to earn a welcome bonus with a low out-of-pocket cost. However, more frequent Delta flyers should do some math to figure out whether the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card could offer them better travel benefits for its price.

Let’s do a deep dive and compare these two Delta cards so you can make your decision based on our analysis and your needs.

Of these two cards, only the Delta SkyMiles Platinum entitles you to a waiver on the Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) threshold when you spend $25,000 in a calendar year.

Note that this MQD waiver only applies up to Platinum Medallion status — waiving the Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) requirement for top-tier Diamond Medallion requires spending an exorbitant $250,000 on Delta credit cards in a calendar year.

The Delta Gold Amex earns 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first six months of account opening. This bonus is worth roughly $564, based on TPG’s most recent valuations.

With the Delta Platinum Amex, you can earn a welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first six months of account opening. The bonus miles are worth $705, based on TPG’s most recent valuations.

While you’re getting more value out of the welcome offer on the Delta Platinum Amex, be sure to factor the annual fee into your equation. You’re immediately on the hook for a $250 fee (see rates and fees) by adding the Platinum version to your wallet. Meanwhile, the Delta Gold Amex has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 (see rates and fees).

Remember that American Express uses a once-per-lifetime policy for awarding welcome bonuses. As a result, if you’ve held one of these cards before — even if you canceled it years ago — you likely won’t be eligible for these enhanced offers.

Winner: Delta Platinum Amex.

Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

The primary long-term benefits that really set the Delta Platinum Amex apart from the Gold version are the spending-based MQD waiver and Status Boost, plus its annual companion certificate.

The Delta Platinum Amex companion certificate can be put toward a second seat in Main Cabin (L, U, T, X and V fares, but not Basic Economy “E” fares) on a round-trip itinerary on Delta or Delta Connection within the 48 contiguous United States (residents of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands can travel to/from there as well). You just pay taxes and fees of no more than $80 for the companion. That can amount to huge savings if you put it toward an otherwise expensive ticket.

In addition, the Delta Platinum Amex offers a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, which is available once every four to 4½ years. That benefit is somewhat offset by the potential to earn a $100 flight credit with the Delta Gold card after you spend $10,000 or more on eligible purchases each calendar year — though there’s no spending requirement associated with this perk.

The other key difference between the Delta Gold SkyMiles Card and the Delta Platinum SkyMiles Card is the ability to get a jumpstart on earning Delta elite status. You earn MQMs by hitting spending thresholds in a calendar year with the Delta Platinum card. This is a great way to boost your account balance and also help you qualify for Medallion status each year.

Winner: Delta Platinum Amex.

That said, the Delta SkyMiles program still has some sweet spots. For example, one of the best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles is to book a SkyMiles deal. Delta frequently has mileage flash sales with significantly discounted economy and even Delta One award flights.

You can also redeem Delta SkyMiles to fly on Delta partner airlines, including SkyTeam alliance partners like Air France and Korean Air and non-alliance partners.

Furthermore, you can redeem SkyMiles for many things other than flights — including premium drinks in Delta Sky Clubs. Most of these redemptions yield a lower return than when redeeming for flights.

Winner: Tie.

If you’re really only interested in the short-term benefits of the welcome bonus, you should consider applying for the Delta Gold Amex rather than the Platinum. Opening the Delta Gold Amex is a great way to boost your SkyMiles account without any upfront investment since the annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $99 (see rates and fees).

If you can take advantage of the additional perks and benefits extended by the Delta Platinum Amex, however, you should go with it.

Winner: Delta Platinum Amex.

If you fly Delta often, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a great way to boost your SkyMiles account while enjoying several excellent perks, such as the annual companion voucher at each renewal. However, even infrequent Delta flyers will get value from the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card thanks to a solid welcome bonus and basic benefits.

Delta has been criticized for its mileage devaluations over the past several years and for not publishing award charts anymore. However, the airline offers regular award flash sales and reasonable redemptions in domestic economy, so there are still some great ways to get value out of the program.

To learn more, check out our full card reviews of the Delta Gold and Platinum.

Official application link: Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
Official application link: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card, click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold card, click here.

Additional reporting by Ethan Steinberg, Stella Shon, Chris Dong, Eric Rosen, Christina Ly and Jason Stauffer.