If you're a Delta Air Lines fan, holding one of the airline's affiliated credit cards can get you some sizable perks. This can include a waived checked bag fee, priority boarding and bonus SkyMiles when buying Delta flights. When it comes to choosing which card is better for you, however, the debate between the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card versus the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card will come down to which annual fee amount you are willing to pay — $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 or $250.

Frequent international travelers will appreciate that neither card has a foreign transaction fee. Both cards offer perks like a complimentary checked bag and priority boarding, but those are already benefits of Medallion elite status. This means some credit card benefits are only worth it to non-elite status members. Terms apply.

But, if you know how to maximize what's offered, there are more reasons to choose these cards, even if some of its perks are not new to you.

Let’s explore what sets the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card apart.

When to choose the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

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Rates & Fees

You can't stomach the fee of a premium card

The low annual fee, which is $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99, makes the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card quite attractive.

Stack the 2x miles you can earn at U.S. supermarkets, restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery services in the U.S.) and on Delta flights, and you have a real winner. Terms apply.

While this card does not have as many benefits as its Platinum counterpart, it can suit many situations quite nicely. Here are a couple of times when the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card might make the most sense.

If you don't have Medallion status

When flying Delta, this card immediately delivers Medallion status-like benefits so that you will feel rewarded even if you're not an elite member. The $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 allows a complimentary checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation.

You can also enjoy priority boarding and a 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases. Terms apply.