Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card vs. Discover it Cash Back
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
Discover it Cash Back
Discover
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and Discover it Cash Back 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 and travel insurance; Discover it Cash Back wins on annual fee and earning ceiling.
Pick the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Discover it Cash Back if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Discover it Cash Back
Discover it Cash Back is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Discover it Cash Back
Discover it Cash Back earns more on its best category (5× vs 2×).
- Travel insurance Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card carries built-in travel insurance.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $960
- —
- First-year net
- +$810
- +$0
- Peak earning rate
- 2×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Dining, U.S. Supermarkets, Airfare
- Rotating Quarterly
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- No
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- Delta SkyMiles
- Discover Cashback
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.