Review

The Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, issued by American Express, is designed for those who frequently travel using Delta Airlines.

Cardholders receive one mile for every dollar spent on general purchases and two miles for every dollar spent at participating retailers and merchants (including Delta Airlines related purchases). Additionally, 20,000 bonus miles are awarded to new applicants with their first purchase, and 5,000 bonus miles are awarded for two approved additional cards submitted with this application.

Miles do not have an expiration date (if travel is made through Delta Airlines at least once every three years); however, after the cardholder reaches $100,000 in annual spending, only one mile will be awarded per dollar spent.

Cardholders will also have access to the exclusive Pay with Miles benefit. Through Pay with Miles, cardholders can pay for a portion or all of their airfare with miles and put any remainder of miles back on the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card. Start redeeming Pay with Miles at 10,000 miles.

The annual fee will be waived for the first year. After that time the annual fee is $95; however, for those who already have an American Express® Charge Card the fee is reduced to $40. The standard APR for purchases is above average for an airline reward card and not ideal for those who plan to carry a revolving balance. There is an introductory rate of 9.99% offered for balances transferred during the time of application, which applies for the life of the loan.

In addition to the reward program, the card offers many of the common benefits and services provided by American Express®, such as auto rental insurance, travel accident insurance, year-end financial statements, and various purchase protection related services.

Those who can afford to pay in full each month (to avoid finance charges), will use the card at participating retailers and merchants (to earn additional miles), and will be able to accumulate enough miles to redeem a free ticket or other travel related services within a two-year period (especially if paying the $95 annual fee) will benefit most from what the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express has to offer.

Those who are looking for additional frequent flyer benefits may want to consider the platinum card, which comes with a higher annual fee of $135 and has a higher credit qualification requirement.