Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs US Bank Cash+
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
US Bank Cash+ wins 4-1. 5% on 2 chosen categories + 2% on 1 chosen, fully customizable. Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold is still the right call if delta loyalists, free first checked bag pays for the fee with one round trip..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold | US Bank Cash+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $150 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (travel) | 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 40,000 SkyMiles after $2,000 spend in 6 months | = $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = None stated | = None stated |
| Min credit score | · 700 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
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
US Bank Cash+
- 5% on 2 categories you choose ($2,000 quarterly cap)
- 2% on 1 chosen everyday category (gas, grocery, restaurants)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Quarterly category swap
FAQ
›Amex Delta SkyMiles Gold vs US Bank Cash+: which is better?
US Bank Cash+ wins on more dimensions (4 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›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, US Bank Cash+ 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. US Bank Cash+: $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days.