Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Chase United Explorer
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold wins 1-0. Delta loyalists, free first checked bag pays for the fee with one round trip. Chase United Explorer is still the right call if united loyalists, free checked bag + lounge passes..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold | Chase United Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = $150 | = $150 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | = 2% (travel) | = 2% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months | = 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = None stated | = None stated |
| Min credit score | = 700 | = 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.3/5 | · 4.2/5 |
Benefits compared
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold
- 2x miles on Delta + restaurants + US supermarkets
- $200 Delta flight credit annually
- Free first checked bag (worth ~$60 each way)
- Priority Boarding (Zone 5)
- 15% miles discount on award flights
Chase United Explorer
- 9x total miles on eligible United flights
- 3x miles on all other eligible United purchases
- 2x miles on dining, including eligible delivery services
- 2x miles on hotel stays booked directly with the hotel
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- Free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion on United-operated flights
FAQ
›Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Chase United Explorer: which is better?
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold wins on more dimensions (1 vs 0). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern, see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold for its best categories, Chase United Explorer for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold: 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months. Chase United Explorer: 60,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months.