Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Delta SkyMiles Platinum
By Quy Dinh · Updated Oct 25, 2026
The short answer
If you fly Delta with someone else at least once a year, the Platinum: its companion ticket after each renewal can cover the $350 fee by itself, and it adds $2,500 toward Medallion status and 3x on Delta and hotels. If not, the Gold gives you the same free checked bags for $150, and $0 the first year.
Neither one gets you into Delta Sky Clubs. For that, look at the Reserve.
Pick the Delta SkyMiles Gold if
- You mainly want free checked bags and earlier boarding
- You fly Delta a few times a year
- You’d rather pay $150 than $350
Pick the Delta SkyMiles Platinum if
- You’d use a companion ticket every year
- You’re working toward Medallion status
- You pay for hotels directly a lot
Side by side
| Feature |  Delta · American Express |  Delta · American Express |
|---|---|---|
| In one line | The easy Delta card: a free checked bag, Zone 5 boarding and Delta credits for $150 a year (the first year is free). | Worth it if you’ll use the yearly companion ticket: Delta bags, a head start on Medallion status and Delta credits, for $350. |
| Annual fee | $150 | $350 |
| Statement credits | Up to $220 a year in 3 credits | Up to $420 a year in 5 credits |
| How it earns |
|
|
| Lounge access | None | None |
| Welcome offer | Limited time: as high as 80,000 bonus miles plus a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. Amex tells you your exact offer after you apply. Ends November 4, 2026. | Limited time: as high as 90,000 bonus miles plus a $300 statement credit after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. Amex tells you your exact offer after you apply. Ends November 4, 2026. |
| Counts toward Chase 5/24 | Yes | Yes |
Credits are counted at their full cash value; see each card’s page for how each one works and which need activation. Offers change; the bank’s page has the current one.
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