Head to head

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card vs. Citi Diamond Preferred Card

On the criteria below, Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins 4 of 5. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Amex

Citi Diamond Preferred Card

Citi

At a glance

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins 4 of 5 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, travel insurance, and foreign transactions; Citi Diamond Preferred Card wins on annual fee.

Pick the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Citi Diamond Preferred Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

4 vs 1
  • First-year math Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

    Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Citi Diamond Preferred Card

    Citi Diamond Preferred Card is $150 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

    Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card earns more on its best category (2× vs 0×).

  • Travel insurance Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

    Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card carries built-in travel insurance.

  • Foreign transactions Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

    Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$150
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
$960
First-year net
+$810
+$0
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Dining, U.S. Supermarkets, Airfare
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
No
Elite status
No
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
3.00%
Reward currency
Delta SkyMiles

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.