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Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card vs United Explorer Card
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express CardAmerican Express | United Explorer CardChase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Annual Fee | $150 | $95 |
| APR | 19.49% - 28.49% | 19.49% - 27.99% |
| Signup Bonus | 55,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in 6 months | 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 2X on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets, 1X on everything else | 2X on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, 1X on everything else |
| Credit Score | good | good |
| Pros | Free first checked bag saves $70+ per round trip Priority boarding on all Delta flights 2X on Delta, dining, and supermarkets covers common spend | Free first checked bag saves $70+ per round trip for 2 travelers Two United Club one-time passes per year 25% back on United in-flight purchases |
| Cons | $150 annual fee is high for a mid-tier airline card SkyMiles have lower cpp value than some competitors No lounge access or travel credits | $95 annual fee 2X earning rate is low compared to general travel cards Best value only if you fly United regularly |
| View Details → | View Details → |
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Verdict
Our Pick: United Explorer Card
With a 4.3/5 rating, the United Explorer Card edges out the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card (4.1/5). At $95/yr, the value proposition is strong. The United Explorer is a must-have for United flyers. Free checked bags, priority boarding, and 2X on United purchases offset the $95 fee after just a couple of round trips.