Delta SkyMiles Gold (Amex) vs Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex)
Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex) edges Delta SkyMiles Gold (Amex) on year-1 math ($660 more value at 1.8¢/pt).
Quick verdict
Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex) edges Delta SkyMiles Gold (Amex) on year-1 math ($660 more value at 1.8¢/pt)
Delta SkyMiles Gold (Amex): $380 recurring credits + $1,170 welcome bonus − $150 AF = $1,400 net. Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex): $790 recurring credits + $1,620 welcome bonus − $350 AF = $2,060 net. These are year-1 numbers (welcome bonus included) at a 1.8¢/pt rewards valuation. The /tools/annual-fee-breakeven calculator runs the year-2-onward math without the bonus.
Side-by-side specs
| Delta SkyMiles Gold (Amex) | Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex) | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 | $350 |
| Welcome bonus | 65,000 pts after $3,000 in 6mo | 90,000 pts after $4,000 in 6mo |
| Welcome bonus value @ 1.8¢ | $1,170 | $1,620 |
| Free-night cert | — | — |
| Recurring credits / year | $380 | $790 |
| Year-1 net @ 1.8¢ | $1,400 | $2,060 |
Year-1 net assumes the welcome bonus values at 1.8¢/pt. For year-2-onward math, use the Annual Fee Break-even Calculator.
Delta SkyMiles Gold (Amex)
3 recurring credits
- Rideshare Credit$10 · Monthly
- Resy Credit$5 · Monthly
- Delta Flight Credit ($200 after $10k spend)$200 · Annual
Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex)
4 recurring credits
- Resy Credit$10 · Monthly
- Rideshare Credit$10 · Monthly
- Domestic Companion Certificate (anniversary)$400 · Annual
- Delta Flight Credit ($150 after $10k spend)$150 · Annual
Pick Delta SkyMiles Gold (Amex) if
the AF is meaningfully lower ($150 vs $350).
Pick Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex) if
the recurring credits stack is richer ($790 vs $380); the welcome bonus pays more at 1.8¢/pt ($1,620 vs $1,170).