Delta Gold vs Delta Platinum
By Alex Compton · Updated
The Delta Gold and Delta Platinum are separated by $200 in annual fee, and the whole decision compresses to one question: will you use a companion certificate every year? The Gold is a utility card for bags and boarding. The Platinum adds the certificate and a real path toward Medallion status.
Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex
American Express
- Our rating
- 7.6/10
- Welcome bonus
- 80,000 points
- Bonus value
- ≈$920
- Annual fee
- $150
- Credits, max/yr
- $420
- Foreign txn fee
- None
Top earning rates
- 2x Delta, restaurants, US supermarkets
- 1x All other purchases
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
American Express
- Our rating
- 8.0/10
- Welcome bonus
- 90,000 points
- Bonus value
- ≈$1,035
- Annual fee
- $350
- Credits, max/yr
- $390
- Foreign txn fee
- None
Top earning rates
- 3x Delta purchases
- 3x Purchases made directly with hotels
- 2x Restaurants and US supermarkets
- 1x All other purchases
Where Each Wins
Annual fee
Delta GoldThe Gold runs $150; the Platinum runs $350. Both waive foreign transaction fees and carry the core Delta flyer perks.
Companion certificate
Delta PlatinumOnly the Platinum issues one: an annual Main Cabin companion certificate that alone can cover the $350 fee on a single trip. This is the headline reason the Platinum exists.
Path to status
Delta PlatinumThe Platinum starts you with a $2,500 MQD headstart toward Medallion status. The Gold contributes nothing toward status.
Earning
Delta PlatinumThe Platinum earns 3x on Delta and on purchases made directly with hotels, plus 2x at restaurants and US supermarkets. The Gold earns 2x on Delta, restaurants, and supermarkets, and 1x elsewhere.
Credits
TieThe Gold carries a $100 Delta Stays credit, a $200 Delta flight credit after $10,000 in annual card spend, and a $120 rideshare credit after the first renewal. The Platinum, re-verified October 12, carries a $150 Delta Stays credit plus $120 each in Resy and rideshare credits, so its larger fee buys a larger credit stack that takes more attention to use.
Current offers
Delta GoldThe Gold was re-verified September 4 at a personalized offer as high as 80,000 miles plus a $250 statement credit after $3,000 in six months, ending November 4, 2026. The Platinum, re-verified October 12, shows a personalized offer as high as 90,000 miles plus a $300 statement credit after $4,000 in six months, also ending November 4. The Gold asks for less spend and costs $200 less.
The Compound Verdict
Pick by honesty about your travel. If you fly Delta a few times a year and mostly want free bags, priority boarding, and the 15% award discount, the Gold covers it for $150; the second domestic checked bag and post-renewal rideshare credit strengthen that case. If you and a companion fly together at least once a year, the Platinum's certificate can flip the fee math, and the MQD headstart matters if status is in play. Whichever you hold, earn everyday points on a better earner and treat the Delta card as a perks card.
Our ratings give it to the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex (8.0 vs 7.6). On current welcome offers, the Delta Platinum brings the bigger first-year haul at ≈$1,035. The fee gap is $200 a year, so make sure the extra credits and multipliers actually fit your spend.
Read the full reviews for the complete math: Delta Gold review and Delta Platinum review, or put them side by side in the comparison tool.
Common Questions
Is the Delta Gold or Delta Platinum worth it?
The Gold earns its $150 if you check bags on Delta a few times a year: its first bag worldwide, second bag on domestic Delta flights, and TakeOff 15 can cover the fee for regulars. The Platinum earns its $350 only if you use the annual companion certificate; used well, it can pay for the card.
Should I get the Amex Gold instead of a Delta card?
For earning SkyMiles, yes. The Amex Gold earns 4x Membership Rewards at restaurants and US supermarkets, and those points transfer 1:1 to Delta, out-earning any Delta card on everyday spend. The Delta Gold and Platinum are perks cards, for bags, boarding, certificates, and status, not earning machines.
Does the Delta Gold have a companion certificate?
No. In the current lineup the companion certificate starts at the Delta Platinum. The Gold's marquee perks are the first checked bag free worldwide, a second checked bag free on domestic Delta flights, Zone 5 boarding, and 15% off eligible award flights.