Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card Review 2025
Overview
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card (terms apply, see rates & fees) targets small business owners who fly Delta sporadically but want to enhance their travel experience with perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. With a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $150), it’s a low-cost entry into Delta’s co-branded card lineup, offering a generous welcome bonus and credits that can offset the fee for moderate spenders. However, its rewards earning is limited outside Delta purchases, and it lacks premium benefits like lounge access. Below, we dive into the card’s details, pros, cons, and who it suits best, based on information available as of September 9, 2025.
Key Features and Benefits
Welcome Offer
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Offer ends October 29, 2025.
- Value: Based on The Points Guy’s September 2025 valuations (1.15 cents per mile), the bonus is worth ~$1,035, ideal for businesses with moderate expenses like advertising or supplies.
Earning Rates
- 2 miles per dollar on:
- Eligible purchases directly with Delta Air Lines.
- U.S. purchases at shipping providers (up to $50,000 per category, per year).
- U.S. providers for advertising in select media (up to $50,000 per category, per year).
- Eligible restaurant purchases (including U.S. takeout and delivery).
- 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
- Note: The capped bonus categories reset annually, but the lack of broader business categories (e.g., telecom) limits earning potential compared to cards like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (3x on travel/shipping).
Annual Fee and Rates
- Annual Fee: $0 introductory fee for the first year, then $150.
- Regular APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None, making it great for international business travel.
- Cash Advance Fee: $5 or 3% of each transaction, whichever is greater.
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable for late/returned payments ($39 fee).
- No Intro APR: Not ideal for carrying balances.
Statement Credits and Perks (Up to $510+ in Value)
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: Earn after spending $10,000 in a calendar year, easily covering the annual fee if achieved.
- $150 Delta Stays Credit: Up to $150 annually as a statement credit for prepaid hotels or vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays on delta.com/stays.
- 15% Off Award Travel: Save 15% when booking Delta flights with miles via delta.com or the Fly Delta app (excludes partner flights, taxes, fees).
- Total Potential Value: Up to $350 in credits, plus ~$160 from free checked bags for a family of 4 round-trip ($40 per bag).
Travel and Delta Perks
- Free Checked Bag: First bag free for you and up to 8 companions on Delta flights, saving ~$40 per person round-trip.
- Priority Boarding: Zone 5 (Main Cabin 1) for you and up to 8 companions, ensuring overhead bin space.
- 20% In-Flight Savings: Statement credit on Delta in-flight purchases (food, drinks, entertainment).
- Amex Offers: Access to rotating discounts, e.g., $25 back on $75+ Amazon spend or $5 back on $15+ Walmart spend (varies by user).
- No Lounge Access: Unlike the Delta Reserve Business, no Sky Club or Centurion Lounge entry.
Protections
- Baggage Insurance: Up to $1,250 for carry-on, $500 for checked bags (terms apply).
- Car Rental Coverage: Secondary, up to $50,000 for damage/theft (excludes some countries).
- Purchase Protection: Covers damage/theft up to $1,000 per item, $50,000/year.
- Extended Warranty: Adds 1 year to eligible warranties of 5 years or less.
- Return Protection: Up to $300/item, $1,000/year if merchant refuses returns.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| $0 intro annual fee (then $150), offset by up to $350 in credits. | Limited earning rates outside Delta and capped categories. |
| Generous 90,000-mile welcome bonus (~$1,035 value). | No lounge access or elite status boosts. |
| Free checked bag and priority boarding for up to 9 travelers. | $10,000 spend for flight credit is steep for small businesses. |
| No foreign transaction fees; solid travel protections. | No intro APR; high penalty APR for late payments. |
Who Should Get This Card?
- Ideal For: Small business owners who fly Delta 3–6 times annually, spend moderately ($6,000–$10,000/year), and value perks like free bags and priority boarding. The $350 in credits can exceed the $150 fee, especially with the Delta Stays credit and flight credit after $10,000 spend. Perfect for those with Delta hubs (e.g., Atlanta, NYC, Detroit).
- Example: A consultant flying Delta quarterly, spending $10,000 annually, could recoup $510+ (credits + bag savings), plus ~$1,035 from the welcome bonus, far outweighing the fee.
Who Should Skip It?
- Not For: Non-Delta flyers or those seeking flexible rewards. Cards like the American Express® Business Gold Card ($375 fee, 4x on select categories) or Ink Business Preferred ($95 fee, 3x on travel) offer better earning rates for diverse business expenses.
- Also Skip If: You rarely hit $10,000 in annual spend or don’t use Delta Stays, as the fee may not justify the benefits.
Application Tips
- Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670–850).
- Amex Rules: Welcome bonus is once-per-lifetime per card; you may not qualify if you’ve held this card before. Only one Amex credit card approval per day, and Amex is lenient with hard pulls if you have 6+ months of credit history.
- Timing: Apply before October 29, 2025, for the 90,000-mile offer, one of the best historically.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: $350 fee, $100,000-mile bonus, companion certificate, and MQD boosts for status seekers. Better for frequent Delta flyers chasing Medallion tiers.
- American Express® Business Gold Card: $375 fee, 100,000-point bonus, 4x on top business categories (up to $150,000/year). Suits diverse spenders not tied to Delta.
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: $95 fee, 90,000-point bonus, 3x on travel/shipping/advertising (up to $150,000/year). Best for flexible points transferable to multiple airlines.
Final Verdict
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card earns a 4.3/5 for small business owners who fly Delta occasionally and can leverage its $350+ in credits and free bag perk to offset the $150 fee. The 90,000-mile bonus is a standout, but modest earning rates and no lounge access limit its appeal for non-Delta loyalists. Apply by October 29, 2025, to maximize value—terms apply. Always pay in full to avoid high APR.
For more details, visit American Express’s website or contact their support at 1-800-528-4800.