If you're a frequent traveler and a fan of American Express, you've probably come across the Delta SkyMiles credit card lineup. Among the options available, the Amex Delta Blue and Delta Gold cards are popular choices. But as your travel habits evolve, you might be wondering whether it's time to upgrade your Amex Delta Blue to Delta Gold.

In this article, we'll explore the key differences between these two credit cards and help you decide if upgrading to the Delta Gold card makes sense for you. Let's dive in!

Before we delve into the upgrade decision, let's start by understanding the core features of both the Amex Delta Blue and Delta Gold cards.

Key Features of Amex Delta Blue

Here are some of its key features:

Annual Fee

The Amex Delta Blue card doesn't come with an annual fee, which means it won't cost you anything to keep and use the card each year. This makes it a cost-effective choice for those who want to enjoy Delta Air Lines benefits without the extra expense of an annual fee.

Earning Miles

With the Amex Delta Blue card, you can earn miles for various types of spending. You'll receive 2x miles on Delta purchases, making it a great option for frequent Delta flyers. Additionally, you earn 2x miles at restaurants worldwide, which can add up if you dine out frequently.

For all other eligible purchases, you'll earn 1x miles. This rewards structure allows you to accumulate miles for your everyday spending, helping you work towards your travel goals.

Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty Coverage

With the Amex Delta Blue Card, your purchases receive enhanced security. It includes purchase protection, so if an eligible item you've bought with the card gets accidentally damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, you could be eligible for reimbursement.

Additionally, the card extends the warranty of eligible items purchased with it, so you can enjoy extended coverage beyond the manufacturer's warranty.

Essential Specs of Amex Delta Gold

Let’s now have a look at some specifications!

Annual Fee

It typically has an annual fee of around $99, but this fee is waived for the first year, providing you an opportunity to try out the card at no cost initially.

Earning Miles

Like the Delta Blue card, the Delta Gold card also allows you to earn 2x miles on Delta purchases. Additionally, you earn 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets and 2x miles at restaurants worldwide, making it a great choice for those who frequently dine out or shop for groceries. For all other eligible purchases, you'll earn 1x miles.

Key Factors to Consider When Upgrading

Now that you know the fundamental differences between these two cards, let's examine the key factors you should consider when deciding whether to upgrade:

Travel Perks

When it comes to travel perks, the Delta Gold card offers more than the Delta Blue card. While the Delta Blue card provides a few basic perks like free checked bags and access to Delta's Pay with Miles, the Delta Gold card goes further. It includes priority boarding, allowing you to board early and access Amex Offers for travel-related discounts.

So, if you travel frequently and want extra benefits, the Delta Gold card is the better choice. But if you travel less often and prefer a no-annual-fee card with basic perks, the Delta Blue card is a budget-friendly option.

Credit Score Considerations

Credit score is a crucial factor when upgrading to the Delta Gold card. The Amex Delta Blue card is more accessible to individuals with fair to good credit scores, making it a suitable choice for a broader range of consumers. On the other hand, the Delta Gold card may require a slightly higher credit score for approval.

Therefore, it's essential to check your credit score before applying. Keep in mind that applying for credit cards can temporarily lower your credit score, so apply judiciously and when you're confident about meeting the requirements.

Welcome Bonus

When it comes to welcome bonuses, the Delta Gold card takes the lead. While the Delta Blue card usually doesn't offer much of a welcome bonus, the Delta Gold card can provide a substantial head start on your SkyMiles with its generous offers, often ranging from 40,000 to 70,000 SkyMiles.

This bonus can easily outweigh the annual fee and boost your mileage balance significantly. So, if you're eyeing a robust welcome bonus, the Delta Gold card is the winner.

When to Upgrade from Delta Blue to Delta Gold?

Now that you've assessed the key factors let's explore scenarios where upgrading from Delta Blue to Delta Gold makes sense:

Frequent Travelers

If you find yourself frequently taking Delta flights, the benefits of Delta Gold can quickly outweigh the annual fee. The free checked bag alone can save you money, especially if you travel with luggage often.

Supermarket Shoppers

If you spend a significant amount on groceries, the 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets offered by Delta Gold can add up quickly. Consider your grocery expenses and calculate the potential miles you could earn with this perk.

Big Spenders

The higher welcome bonus offered by Delta Gold can be particularly appealing to big spenders. If you're confident that you can meet the minimum spending requirement, the extra miles can make the annual fee worthwhile.

Priority and Convenience Seekers

If you value the convenience of priority boarding and want a smoother travel experience, Delta Gold's additional perks can be a significant incentive.

Conclusion

The decision to upgrade from Amex Delta Blue to Delta Gold ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and priorities when evaluating which card aligns better with your needs. Take your time to assess your priorities and make an informed decision that aligns with your travel and spending habits.

Whether you upgrade to Delta Gold or stick with Delta Blue, you'll be on your way to earning valuable SkyMiles and enjoying the perks of an American Express Delta card. Safe travels!