Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card vs. United℠ Explorer Card
Side-by-side comparison · Updated 2026 · Independently reviewed
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
American Express
4.1
Free first checked bag. 2x on Delta, restaurants, supermarkets.
Full review →
United℠ Explorer Card
Chase
4.2
Free 1st + 2nd checked bags. 60,000-mile bonus. 2x on United, dining, hotel.
Full review →WealthSpott Verdict
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and United℠ Explorer Card are closely matched. The right choice depends on your top spending categories and whether you'll use each card's perks.
Feature
Delta SkyMiles® Gold
United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee
$150/yr
$95/yr Best
Sign-up Bonus
40,000 miles
60,000 miles
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
1x-2x
Rewards Type
Miles
Miles
0% Intro APR
N/A
N/A
Regular APR
21.49%-29.49% Variable Best
22.49%-29.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
None
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)
United℠ Explorer Card
Pros
- Free first and second checked bags on United
- 60,000-mile sign-up bonus
- Two United Club passes per year
- 2x on United, dining, and hotels
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Miles tied to United/Star Alliance
- Standard 1x earning on non-bonus purchases
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