Which Delta card is better gold or platinum?

THE WINNER. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is the winner over the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. The Amex Delta Platinum offers frequent Delta flyers a lot more value at the end of the day, even though it's the more expensive option.



The "better" card depends on your travel frequency and goals, but the Delta SkyMiles Platinum is generally superior for frequent flyers seeking elite status. In 2026, the Platinum card features a $350 annual fee but justifies it with an annual Companion Certificate (valid for a round-trip domestic or Caribbean flight), a $2,500 MQD "Status Boost" to help reach Medallion status, and a higher earning rate (3x miles) on Delta purchases and hotels. The Delta SkyMiles Gold card has a more modest $150 annual fee (often waived the first year) and is better for casual travelers who just want a free checked bag and priority boarding. While both offer a $150 Delta Stays credit and 15% off award bookings, the Platinum's inclusion of a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit and its superior MQD-earning potential make it the "pro" choice. If you fly Delta more than three times a year, the value of the Companion Certificate alone often pays for the Platinum card's annual fee.

People Also Ask

This card, even with its annual fee, is well worth it for those who are frequent Delta flyers. Each year when you renew the card, you can receive a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate. Plus, when you fly on Delta, you can check your first bag free, along with saving up to $50 on a round-trip flight.

MORE DETAILS

Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business Basic and Additional Card Members (“Platinum Card Members”) have access to the Delta Sky Club at a per-visit rate of $50 per person when traveling on a same-day Delta or Delta partner airline flight.

MORE DETAILS

Amex Platinum: Rewards points. Both cards provide some pretty impressive ways to earn points. The Gold card offers more chances to earn points on everyday spending while the Platinum card's 5x Membership Rewards on travel makes it better for those who travel frequently.

MORE DETAILS

To qualify for Delta Gold Medallion status, you must fly 50,000 MQMs or 60 MQSs. Miles earned are a combination of the total miles flown and your fare class. Segments represent the number of flights flown.

MORE DETAILS

As a Gold Medallion Member, you and a companion are eligible for Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to First Class and Delta Comfort+?, beginning 72 hours (3 days) prior to departure and to the domestic Delta One? experience on the day of departure.

MORE DETAILS

The Delta SkyMiles Gold's rewards value and features can be stronger, especially compared to other premium travel cards. And if you are a frequent Delta flyer, a higher-caliber Delta card may be worth considering since they come with more airline-exclusive perks and Status Boost.

MORE DETAILS

Delta 360° is an annual, invitation-only membership for our most loyal SkyMiles Members. A Delta 360° Membership offers Delta's most premium suite of benefits and services exclusive to our top SkyMiles Members.

MORE DETAILS

The Amex Gold card does not offer any complimentary airport lounge access. Bottom Line: If you value worldwide lounge access, the Amex Platinum card is a clear winner as the Amex Gold card does not offer any form of airport lounge access.

MORE DETAILS

The application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck is available to American Express Gold Corporate Card Members, Consumer Platinum Card® Members, Corporate Platinum Card Members, Business Platinum Card Members, Consumer Centurion® Members, Corporate Centurion® Members, Business Centurion® Members, Delta ...

MORE DETAILS

If you're a Platinum Card® from American Express cardholder, you get complimentary access to the Amex lounge networks on the day of your departure. You can bring two guests with you free of charge, and day passes for additional guests will cost you $50 each.

MORE DETAILS

You can access Delta lounges with a paid Delta Sky Club® membership, with Delta elite status or if you're flying in a premium cabin with Delta or an eligible partner airline (in certain situations).

MORE DETAILS

If you're flying frequently with Delta, having a Delta-branded credit card makes a lot of sense, especially if you don't have elite status. The Delta Platinum card features elite-like perks including free checked bags, priority boarding, discounts for lounge access, and more.

MORE DETAILS