Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Amex
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Chase
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins on first-year math; Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card wins on annual fee.
Pick the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
1 vs 1 (1 tie)- First-year math Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is $51 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Tie
Same peak earning rate.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- $99
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $960
- —
- First-year net
- +$810
- $-99
- Peak earning rate
- 2×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Dining, U.S. Supermarkets, Airfare
- Airfare, Gas, Groceries
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Delta SkyMiles
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.