American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve or American Express Gold?
American Express Gold returns $99 over its fee and American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve returns $60, so the fee difference comes down to which categories you use.


| CATEGORY | DELTA SKYMILES RESERVE | GOLD |
|---|---|---|
| 🍽️Food & Dining | $240 | $424 |
| 🚗Transportation | $120 | $120 |
| 🌎Travel | $200 | — |
| ✨Lifestyle | — | $120 |
| Airline Companion Certificates | — | |
| Lounge Access | — | |
| Total credits | $590 | $424 |
| Annual fee | $650 | $325 |
| Net value | -$60 | +$99 |

You use travel. Travel alone is worth $200 here and nothing on the Amex Gold.
You use food & dining, lifestyle. Lifestyle alone is worth $120 here and nothing on the Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve.
Where to use each card
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve or American Express Gold?
The American Express Gold is better with $99 net annual value compared to the American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve at -$60. The American Express Gold wins by $159/year.
What's the difference between American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve and American Express Gold?
The key differences: American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve has a $650 annual fee and $590 in annual benefits, while American Express Gold has a $325 annual fee and $424 in annual benefits. The annual fee difference is $325.
Which has a lower annual fee, American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve or American Express Gold?
The American Express Gold has a lower annual fee at $325 compared to the American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve at $650. However, the American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve offers $590 in total annual benefits.
Is the American Express Gold worth it compared to the American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve?
Yes, the American Express Gold offers better value with $99 net annual value compared to -$60 for the American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve. It also has a lower annual fee.
Which card is better for travel?
The American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve is better for travel with $200 in annual travel benefits compared to $0 for the American Express Gold.
Should I get the American Express Gold?
If you're deciding between the American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve and American Express Gold, the American Express Gold is the better choice with $99 net annual value. However, make sure you can use the key benefits to maximize value. Compare the full benefit breakdown to see which fits your spending better.
Other comparisons
NET VALUE SHOWN FOR EACHMORE AMEX DELTA SKYMILES RESERVE COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- vs. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Charles Schwab)
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Preferred
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Explorer
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. Citi Strata Elite
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey
MORE AMEX GOLD COMPARISONS
- vs. Amex Business Gold
- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- vs. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Charles Schwab)
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Preferred
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Explorer
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. Citi Strata Elite
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey