There are several different Delta credit cards, co-branded with American Express. By my count, there are currently at least six different cards that you can sign up for that earn Delta Sky Miles, and sometimes it can be confusing to decide which one is best. American Express generally has a “once per lifetime” rule, which means that if you’ve gotten the signup bonus on one of these credit cards before, you won’t be eligible to get the bonus now.

So since you can (usually) only get the signup bonus once on each Amex Delta credit card, you want to make sure and wait until the offer is high before you apply. Right now, all of the Amex Delta credit cards have a relatively high signup bonus (including some that are the highest I’ve ever seen). As always, you can find these offers on our top credit card offers page (under airline credit cards).

Let’s take a look at two of the more popular cards directly, compare the Amex Delta Gold vs. Delta Platinum cards and see which one might be right for you.

American Express Delta Gold Card

The current offer is for 70,000 bonus Sky Miles which is close to if not the highest offer we’ve seen.

Offer details:

• Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Read more and learn how to apply here.
• Annual fee is waived the first year ($99 thereafter)
• Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• 15% off Delta-operated award flights
• Free first checked bag on Delta flights

This is a great card to pick up if you want Sky Miles for no out of pocket cost.

American Express Delta Platinum Card

The Delta Platinum is back with another outstanding sign-up bonus offer:

• Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you make $4,000 in purchases on your new Card within your first 3 months. Read more and learn how to apply here.
• After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year
• $250 annual fee
• Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Free first checked bag on Delta flights
• 15% off Delta-operated award flights
• Annual companion certificate for domestic main cabin fares (some restrictions)

It’s possible that this offer is less desirable than the one I signed up for which was for 70,000 bonus miles and 10,000 bonus MQMs. But for most folks, the redeemable miles are probably more valuable. This welcome offer is worth at least $1,000, in my opinion.

Amex Delta Gold vs. Delta Platinum – which is best?

Personally, I think for most people (including casual travelers, the Amex Delta Gold card is the best option). If you have already gotten the bonus card, then consider either the Delta Platinum card or the Amex Gold Business card. Remember, that you may have a business even if you don’t think you have a business. The Delta Platinum card is best for people that are already frequent Delta travelers and looking for the ability to get extra MQMs to help with qualifying. The companion certificate is a nice option, but given the $250 annual fee, I would just apply for the Delta Gold card if you haven’t had it before.

Other Delta Credit Card Options

There are a couple of other options as well. Here is the full list

• American Express Delta Gold card – 70,000 Skymiles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months. $0 annual fee the first year, then $99
• American Express Delta Gold business card – 75,000 Skymiles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. $0 annual fee the first year, then $99
• American Express Delta Platinum card – 90,000 Skymiles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. $250 annual fee
• American Express Delta Platinum business card – 90,000 Skymiles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. $250 annual fee
• American Express Delta Reserve card – 95,000 Skymiles after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months. $550 annual fee

While everyone’s situation is different, here is what I would do:

1. If you’ve never had any of these cards, apply for the Amex Delta Gold personal card
2. If you’ve had the personal Delta Gold card before, then consider the Delta Gold Business card (if you have a qualifying business)
3. Otherwise, get the Delta Platinum card
4. If you’re a frequent Delta flyer looking for Delta perks like MQMs or lounge access, and/or if you’ve had all the other Delta cards, consider the Delta Platinum Business or Delta Reserve cards

Remember that if you’ve had the Delta Gold personal card before, you CAN still get the Delta Gold business card – Amex considers them two separate cards. Also another option to consider if you’ve already had the Delta Gold personal card – if you’re playing in two player mode, your spouse or partner can sign up for the Delta Gold as well.

The Bottom Line

Remember that American Express has a once-per-lifetime rule for their card products. So you want to be judicious about when you apply for these Delta cards (or any American Express card). Right now, these offers are at an increased level, which does make it a good time to apply for one, if you’re looking for Sky Miles. Comparing the Delta Gold vs. Delta Platinum cards, personally I would get the Delta Gold card if you’ve never had it, and consider the Delta Platinum if you’ve previously had the Delta Gold card. But what about you?

Are you planning on signing up for one of these American Express Delta credit card offers? Leave your questions or thoughts in the comment section.