Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card is the quintessential "starter" airline card. With a , it is fantastic for businesses that want to "test drive" Delta perks like free checked bags and Main Cabin 1 boarding without upfront cost. However, because it lacks the $2,500 MQD Headstart found on the Platinum and Reserve cards, it is not a card for chasing Medallion Status, it is strictly for saving money on baggage fees and flight redemptions.

At a Glance

• Welcome Offer:
• Rewards Rate: 2X Miles on Delta purchases; 2X Miles on U.S. Shipping and U.S. Advertising (media); 2X Miles on Restaurants; 1X Mile on everything else
• Annual Fee:
• Free Checked Bag: First bag free for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation
• Flight Credit: Earn a $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
• Statement Credits: Up to $150 Delta Stays Credit annually (prepaid hotels/vacation rentals)
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Overview

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card is the entry-level option for business owners. It is designed for the casual traveler, the consultant who flies Delta 3-4 times a year, and just wants to board early and avoid baggage fees. It is not a luxury card; it is a utility card designed to save you approximately $200–$300 a year on travel expenses.

Rewards & Benefits

• Perks Over Points: The value here is not the miles you earn, but the money you save.
  • Free Checked Bag: Saves $70 per person, per round trip.
  • Main Cabin 1 Boarding: Ensures you find overhead bin space so you don't have to gate-check your carry-on.
  • Takeoff 15: Makes your miles go 15% further.
• Rewards Structure:
  • 2X Miles on Delta purchases.
  • 2X Miles on U.S. Shipping and U.S. Advertising (in select media).
  • 2X Miles at Restaurants.
  • 1X Mile on other purchases.
• $150 Delta Stays Credit: This is a newer perk. If you book a prepaid hotel or vacation rental through travelextras-delta.com, you get up to $150 back as a statement credit. Since the annual fee is $150, this one perk can break you even.
• $100 Flight Credit: If you spend $10,000 on purchases in a calendar year, you receive a $100 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.

Fees & Requirements

• Annual Fee: .
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None.
• Credit Score: Requires credit.

Borrower Experience

• Priority Boarding: You board in "Main Cabin 1," which is roughly Group 5. It isn't "First Class" boarding, but it beats Basic Economy and usually guarantees bin space.
• Employee Cards: Employee cards are free, and their spend counts toward the $10,000 threshold for the flight credit.

Who It’s Best For

• The "Carry-On Hater": If you or your employees check tools, equipment, or heavy luggage, the free bag benefit is an instant money saver.
• The "Once a Quarter" Flyer: If you fly just enough to be annoyed by baggage fees but not enough to care about Medallion Status, this is your card.
• Small Business Owners: The 2X on shipping and advertising is a nice bonus for e-commerce shops or local businesses running Facebook ads.

Who Should Skip It

• Status Chasers: If you want Silver or Gold Medallion status, skip this. Go directly to the Delta Platinum Business for the $2,500 MQD Headstart.
• Carry-On Only Travelers: If you never check a bag and don't care about boarding early, this card offers very little value beyond the welcome bonus.
• Big Spenders: Putting heavy spending on this card is a waste. You are capped at 2X miles. A card like the Capital One Spark Miles (2X on everything) or Amex Business Gold (4X categories) is far superior.

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Bottom Line

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card is a "subscription card." You don't get it to spend money on it; you get it to subscribe to free checked bags and 15% off award flights. For the first year, it’s a no-brainer. Long-term, it’s a keeper only if you can use the $150 Delta Stays credit or if you check at least 3 bags per year.