Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business from American Express® Review

In the ever-evolving world of travel rewards credit cards, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business from American Express® undoubtedly stands out as a compelling choice for business owners and frequent flyers alike. The card offers a blend of attractive rewards, valuable benefits, and a competitive introductory offer that can make it a solid addition to your wallet. As a financial expert, I will delve into the various facets of this card, providing you with an in-depth review that highlights its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business from American Express® Key Takeaways

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, here are some key takeaways that summarize what you can expect from the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business from American Express®:
– Earn Rates: Earn 2x miles at Delta, on U.S. purchases at restaurants, shipping providers, and on advertising purchases in select media, and 1x miles on all other purchases.
– Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership.
– Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 per year.
– APR: 20.99% – 29.99% variable APR on purchases.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Enjoy international travel without incurring additional costs.
– Additional Benefits: Free first checked bag on Delta flights, $100 Delta flight credit, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and auto rental insurance.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business from American Express® Pros and Cons

Pros:

– Welcome Bonus: The 80,000 bonus miles offer is a significant incentive that can provide substantial value, especially if you’re a frequent Delta flyer.
– Various Bonus Categories: The card offers multiple opportunities to earn double miles in key spending categories, making it versatile for business expenses.
– Free First Checked Bag: This benefit can save you and your employees money on baggage fees, enhancing the overall value of the card.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, this feature ensures that you won’t incur extra costs when making purchases abroad.
– $100 Delta Flight Credit: After spending $10,000 in a calendar year, you receive a $100 Delta flight credit, adding further value to the card.

Cons:

– Annual Fee: While the $0 introductory fee for the first year is attractive, the subsequent $99 annual fee might be a downside for some cardholders.
– Limited Miles Redemption Options: The SkyMiles program, while valuable, has limited redemption options compared to some other travel rewards programs.
– Lack of Luxury Benefits: This card doesn’t offer some of the high-end perks found in more premium travel cards, such as airport lounge access or elite status.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business from American Express® Benefits

Rewards Program

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business from American Express® offers a rewards program that can be particularly beneficial for businesses with specific spending patterns. Here’s a closer look:
– 2x Miles at Delta: Every dollar spent directly with Delta earns you 2 miles. This is a substantial earning rate if you frequently fly with Delta.
– 2x Miles on U.S. Purchases at Restaurants: Dining out frequently for business meetings or client dinners? You’ll earn double miles on those expenses.
– 2x Miles on Shipping Providers: For businesses that rely on shipping, earning double miles can lead to significant rewards.
– 2x Miles on Advertising Purchases in Select Media: If your business invests in advertising, you can maximize your rewards in this category.
– 1x Miles on All Other Purchases: All other purchases earn 1 mile per dollar spent, ensuring that every expense contributes to your miles balance.

Welcome Bonus

One of the standout features of this card is the welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. This substantial bonus can be a game-changer, offering significant value that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more.

Travel Perks

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business from American Express® includes several travel perks that enhance the overall experience:
– Free First Checked Bag: Cardholders and their companions (up to 9 people) traveling on the same reservation can check their first bag for free on Delta flights. This benefit alone can save you up to $60 per round trip per person.
– $100 Delta Flight Credit: Spend $10,000 on your card in a calendar year, and you’ll receive a $100 Delta flight credit, adding further value to your travel.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

For businesses with international operations or for those who frequently travel abroad, the lack of foreign transaction fees is a significant advantage. This feature ensures that you can make purchases outside the U.S. without incurring additional costs, making international business travel more cost-effective.

Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty

– Purchase Protection: This benefit covers eligible purchases against damage or theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase, providing peace of mind for business transactions.
– Extended Warranty: This feature extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases by an additional year, adding extra value and protection to your business investments.

Auto Rental Insurance

When you use the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business from American Express® to rent a car, you can benefit from secondary auto rental insurance. This can cover damage or theft of the rental vehicle, potentially saving your business money on additional insurance coverage.

Conclusion

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business from American Express® is a well-rounded travel rewards card that offers a variety of benefits tailored to business owners and frequent Delta flyers. With its lucrative welcome bonus, diverse earning categories, and valuable travel perks, it provides substantial value for the right cardholder.
While the $99 annual fee after the first year and the limited redemption options for SkyMiles may be drawbacks for some, the overall package can be highly beneficial for those who can maximize the card’s features. The absence of foreign transaction fees, combined with purchase protection, extended warranty, and auto rental insurance, further enhances the card’s value proposition.
Ultimately, if your business has significant expenses in the card’s bonus categories and you frequently travel with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business from American Express® can be an excellent addition to your financial toolkit. Its blend of rewards, travel perks, and protections can help you optimize your business spending while enjoying the benefits of the SkyMiles program.