Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Side-by-side comparison · Updated 2026 · Independently reviewed

American Express logo
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
American Express
4.1

Free first checked bag. 2x on Delta, restaurants, supermarkets.

Full review →
Chase logo
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase
4.9

1.5%–5% cash back with no annual fee.

Full review →
WealthSpott Verdict

Chase Freedom Unlimited® wins on more measurable categories — particularly annual cost. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card may still win for your wallet depending on your spending patterns.

Feature
Delta SkyMiles® Gold
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Annual Fee
$150/yr
$0 Best
Sign-up Bonus
40,000 miles
$200
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
1.5%-5%
Rewards Type
Miles
Cash Back
0% Intro APR
N/A
0% intro APR for 15 months
Regular APR
21.49%-29.49% Variable
20.49%-29.24% Variable Best
Foreign Transaction Fee
None Best
Yes
Recommended Credit Score
670-850
670-850
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Pros
  • Free first checked bag on Delta ($60+ per round trip)
  • Priority boarding on Delta flights
  • 2x on Delta, restaurants, and supermarkets
  • No foreign transaction fee
Cons
  • $150 annual fee
  • Miles tied to Delta only
  • Modest everyday earning rate (1x)
Full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Strong bonus categories (dining, drugstores, travel via Chase)
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months
Cons
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Bonus categories require activation
Full review

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