3 Reasons Why the American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles Card is Worth Every Penny

Many consumers are hesitant to apply for credit cards with annual fees. To be fair, paying a recurring fee for the privilege of having a particular card in your wallet may seem like an unnecessary expense.

However, in many cases, annual fees may be too high to be covered by the benefits offered by a credit card. This is especially true for travel rewards cards. Here’s a great example of a card that may be worth several times its annual cost (A lot times for frequent travelers) is the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. Let’s take a closer look at the card and see why it could be such a smart addition for Delta customers.

Sounds like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card might be right for you? Click here to read the full review of this card.

Free checked bags

For many travelers, this benefit alone can more than cover the cost of the card several times over. Not only does the card member get free checked baggage on Delta flights, but all people on the same reservation (up to nine in total) also get free checked baggage. Terms apply.

Delta’s standard first checked bag fee is $35 one way. So this benefit could save a family of four $280 on a single round-trip flight. If you fly with your family a few times a year or travel once a month for business, this benefit can be worth well over $1,000 a year.

Travel and purchase protections

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers valuable travel and purchase protection. While ideally you won’t need to use any of these benefits, it’s nice to have them when you need them.

Most notable for travelers is coverage of up to $500 for checked bags and $1,250 for carry-on bags. Terms apply. To qualify, you must pay the full fee with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. In short, if the airline loses your luggage, having the card may be worth the cost.

Huge bonus after reaching spending goals

Members who spend at least $10,000 on the card can get an extra benefit, and it kicks in much quicker than the “big spend” benefits of many other cards. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers access to Centurion Lounge guests after reaching $75,000 in annual spending.

If you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you’ll receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit.

Think of it this way: If you spend $10,000 on the card (that’s about $835 per month), the flight credit will cover the annual fee plus $50. Then checked bags and purchase/travel protection benefits are completely free.

Not perfect for all travelers

Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all travel card. In fact, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is just one tier of Delta’s co-branded cards offered by Amex. For example, the annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is much higher at $350 (see). rates and fees), but it comes with an annual companion certificate (essentially buy one get one free flight) with no spending obligation.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card costs even more, but it comes with Delta Sky Club lounge access and the companion certificate can be used for first-class travel. (Conditions apply.)

If you’re a frequent Delta traveler, the best choice for you depends on how often you fly, how much you use the card, and how much value you get from the perks.