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Quick Answer

The American Express Gold Card edges out the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card for most cardholders — it wins on 3 of 4 comparison categories and offers 100,000 pts signup bonus earns more (up to 4x vs 3x). The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the better choice if you prioritize a different rewards ecosystem.

Card Comparison

American Express Gold Card vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and transfer partners.

American Express Gold Card card art
American Express Membership Rewards
American Express Gold Card
American Express
More Info
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card card art
Delta SkyMiles
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
American Express
More Info

Comparison Method

CardCurator compares measurable differences first: annual fee, current welcome offer, top-end earning, and recurring credits. If the cards are close, the right answer depends on spending pattern and perk usage rather than headline prestige.

Annual Fee
$325/yr
$650/yr
Foreign Fees
None
None
Signup Bonus
100,000 points
Spend $6,000 in 6 months
was 90k pts
See issuer
was 100k pts
Top Earn Rates
  • Restaurants (Worldwide) 4x
  • U.S. Supermarkets 4x
  • Flights (Direct or Amex Travel) 3x
  • Delta Purchases 3x
  • All Other Purchases 1x
Reward Type
miles
miles
Pts Value
~1.10¢/pt points · industry est.
~1.20¢/pt miles · industry est.
Key Credits
  • Uber Cash $10
  • Dining Credit $10
  • Resy Credit $100
  • +1 more
  • Resy Credit $20
  • Rideshare Credit $10
  • Statement Credit $200
Card Perks
  • The Hotel Collection Access
  • Baggage Insurance Plan
  • Trip Delay Insurance
  • Delta Sky Club Access
  • Centurion Lounge Access
  • First Checked Bag Free
  • +4 more
Transfer Partners
  • Flying Blue
  • Delta SkyMiles
  • JetBlue TrueBlue
  • Qatar Avios
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
  • +13 more
No transfer partners

Common Questions: American Express Gold Card vs Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Is the American Express Gold Card or Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card better for dining?

American Express Gold Card earns 4x on dining; Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card has no dining bonus.

Which has the higher signup bonus in 2026?

American Express Gold Card currently offers 100,000 pts signup bonus (spend $6,000 in 6 months). Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers $16 signup bonus. American Express Gold Card has the larger bonus.

Which card is better for international travel?

Both cards charge no foreign transaction fees, making either a solid choice for international travel.

Can I hold both the American Express Gold Card and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card?

In most cases yes — holding both is allowed and can be a smart strategy for maximizing rewards across different spending categories. Both cards are from American Express, so check their specific application rules.