Travel Hacking? Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Review

This year, I have been using the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card for all of my travel purchases and I can definitely say that it has paid off! I have flown 3-4 roundtrip flights with Delta this year and here is my summary.

The sign-up bonus I received when I signed up paid in full for a round-trip flight from Chicago to New York and I still have 40,000 miles left to spend! (planning a new vacation as I speak!) Plus, each time I flew, both mine and my travel companions’ checked bags were free (that’s a $60 value per person)

I haven’t paid a yearly fee for the first year, but already got the value for the next 3 years! So, if you tend to travel at least 2 times a year, this card could definitely be worth it. And here is why this month is the best time to apply for the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card.

Sign Up Offer 

Well, first and foremost, if you use this link to sign up for this card and make $2,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership (you can do that easier if you buy all of your travel and holiday gifts with this card), you will get 40,000 bonus miles!  Also, after you make a 1st year anniversary, you will receive an extra 10,000 bonus miles!  

Note: The first-year fee is waived and the following years’ fee is $99. 

My Favorite Gold Delta Credit Card Benefits

As I’ve mentioned I’ve been really excited by some of this card’s benefits and here is why:

First Checked Bag Free

You get your first checked bag for free even if you’re flying basic. That’s unheard of! And you can use it for up to nine travel companions per reservation.

Priority Boarding

No matter how basic your seat reservations are, you are always entitled to receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights. No long lines and first ones on the plane – that’s how I like it!

New Benefits!

$100 Delta Flight Credit

Here is another reason to use this card: you will earn a $100 Delta Flight Credit after you make $10,000 in purchases on the Card in a calendar year.

Miles, Miles, Miles!

Apart from the huge signup bonus (which can pay for several round-trip flights), you can also earn 1 mile per dollar for purchases you make with your Card and 2 miles per dollar for Delta purchases. Plus, there’s no limit to how much you can earn.

New! 2X Miles on U.S. Supermarkets and Restaurants worldwide starting on January 30th, 2020!

No Foreign Transaction Fees

There are no foreign transaction fees from American Express, it’s a travel card after all!

Rental Car Insurance

You know how you never want to pay for the rental car insurance, but you do? When you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental car counter, you can be covered if the car is damaged or stolen. Please read important exclusions and restrictions on their website. (Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, does not include liability coverage.)

Related: 18 Ways to Travel More in 2023

Advantages

As I mentioned above, my favorite perks are: 

• Sign Up Offer
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99
• First checked luggage free
• $100 Delta Yearly Flight Credit

Disadvantages

There are a few things that made me think before I signed up for this card and they include: 

• While the first year is waived, there is a $99 yearly fee 
• APR can be a bit high if you don’t pay in time: 17.24% – 26.24%
• Effective January 30, 2020: Delta Sky Club® Access will no longer be available on the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card

Since I travel quite a bit, for me, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. But because of the high yearly fee, this card may not be for everyone. 

What is your favorite travel credit card? I love travel hacking and saving money when traveling so I would love to hear from you!