AIRLINE PARTNERS:

Delta

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CURRENT OFFER:  No current sign up offer                                                          

ANNUAL FEE: No annual fee    

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For years, American Express led the premium card market with attractive benefits that provided genuine value. However, new competitors have demonstrated that these benefits are neither exclusive nor as challenging to offer to customers. Here are some of the benefits offered by the American Express Gold card that the bank unnecessarily complicates.

                                                                                                                              $120 Flight credit                                                                                            

Take Off 15

First checked bag free

2X miles at Restaurants Worldwide

2X miles at U.S. Supermarkets

2X miles on Delta purchases

1X miles on all other purchases

                                                                                     

1. $200 Flight credit:  Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.‡

2. Take Off 15:

• Take 15% off when booking Award Travel with miles.[1] Here's how:

• Visit delta.com or the Fly Delta app and log in to your Delta SkyMiles account

• Choose “Shop with Miles” when searching for Delta flights for your itinerary

• The 15% miles discount will automatically be reflected.

• [1] Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees

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3.  4X points/miles at Restaurants Worldwide:  plus takeout and delivery in      the U.S.‡

4.  4X points/miles at U.S. Supermarkets: on up to $25,000 per calendar            year in purchases, then 1X points for the rest of the year.

5.  1X points/miles: on all other purchases.

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American Express's approach to these benefits contrasts sharply with competitors like Chase and Capital One, which offer simpler and more flexible perks without the need for enrollment or restrictive conditions. While American Express continues to offer significant value, particularly for frequent travelers, its complex benefit structure can frustrate cardholders seeking straightforward rewards.