Choosing between the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card ($150/yr) and the Discover it Cash Back (no annual fee) comes down to where you spend most. Both cards can deliver real value — let’s break it down, then run your numbers to find the winner.
Strongest in travel at 2%. 2x miles on Delta, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets. Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta.
Perfect if: You want a strong rewards rate with no spending caps to worry about.
Apply Now5% on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500/quarter), 1% on everything else. Cashback Match doubles all cash back in first year.
Perfect if: You want solid rewards without paying an annual fee.
Apply Now| Feature | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $150 | $0 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 90,000 miles after $5,000 spend in 6 months | None |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 0% |
| Base Reward Rate | <strong>1.0%</strong> | <strong>1.0%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | <strong>2%</strong> | 1% |
| Dining Rewards | <strong>2%</strong> | 1% |
| Groceries Rewards | <strong>2%</strong> | 1% |
| Key Benefits | 2x miles on Delta, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets. Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta. | 5% on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500/quarter), 1% on everything else. Cashback Match doubles all cash back in first year. |
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card pulls ahead for travel, dining, groceries spending.
The $150/year fee difference means Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card needs to earn at least that much more in rewards to justify its cost.
Not sure which fits your life? Enter your spending below and we’ll do the math.
Enter your typical monthly spending and we’ll show you exactly which card earns more — including fees and bonuses.