Head to head 
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card vs. United Explorer Card
On the criteria below, Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins 1 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Amex
United Explorer Card
Chase
At a glance
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins 1 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card leads on first-year math, while United Explorer Card only ties the rest.
Pick the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card if year-one math is your priority.
Who wins what
1 vs 0 (2 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 Tie
Same annual fee.
- Earning ceiling Tie
Same peak earning rate.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $960
- $910
- First-year net
- +$810
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 2×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Dining, U.S. Supermarkets, Airfare
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Delta SkyMiles
- United MileagePlus
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.