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While American Express offers a number of credit card options, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a great choice for frequent Delta flyers. As of Jan. 30, 2020, key benefits for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card changed, including the addition of 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. However, a few benefits we loved have also been discontinued from this card.
Here are the benefits that would make the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card even better:
Lower (or no) annual membership fee
While the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card can save you money through benefits like free checked bags, you still have to consider the annual fee, which changed from $95 to $0 intro for the first year, then $99. Terms apply.
If you’re a frequent flyer who only travels with carry-on luggage, not paying an annual credit card fee would be more beneficial over the checked bag waiver.
Bring back lounge access
As of Jan. 30, 2020, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card no longer offers Delta Sky Club Access. Previously, cardholders could access Sky Club lounges for $29 per visit, but this benefit is now only available at an increased rate of $39 per person per visit for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card holders. Sky Club access is complimentary for those with a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Terms apply.
While it’s not a huge loss for everyone, access to the airport lounges is a nice perk for frequent Delta flyers who spend a lot of time at the airport.
Higher rewards for everyday purchases and non-Delta travel expenses
While the boost in miles for restaurants and U.S. supermarkets is a great step in the right direction, the addition of common spending categories like retail, gas and other travel expenses would be nice.
If you regularly fly on airlines other than Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card allows you to earn only 1 mile for every $1 spent. You don’t have the same earning potential on travel expenses as you would with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which earns 5 points per $1 spent on air travel when purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 3x on other travel and dining worldwide.
Offer a companion certificate
A companion certificate is an attractive benefit that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, this is a benefit available only for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders. Terms apply.
Opening this benefit up to all Delta SkyMiles cardholders would make the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card a significantly more appealing card.
Add Wi-Fi to in-flight discount
A 20% statement credit for in-flight food, beverage and headset purchases isn’t a huge perk on such small-ticket items.
What would make it even better is if wireless internet access was discounted — or better yet, waive that fee altogether.
Medallion status upgrades
The Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) waiver was a faster way to earn status requirements. Unfortunately, this benefit was also nixed from the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card on Jan. 30, 2020.
That means you can’t get revenue requirements waived through credit card spending any longer. This was an incredibly valuable benefit that we wish was still a feature on this card.
How to Maximize Your Rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2021, including those best for:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Which Delta Air Lines credit card should you get? Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program: The complete guide Find the best travel credit card for you
