Airline credit cards have a reputation for being complicated. Earn miles on this carrier, unlock status on that one, navigate blackout dates and fuel surcharges. But for the right type of traveler — someone who regularly flies one airline without hitting elite status — these cards can genuinely save money and improve the flying experience without requiring a spreadsheet.
The two most popular mid-tier airline cards right now are the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express and the United Explorer Card. They're both aimed at casual flyers, not road warriors. But they work differently, and choosing the wrong one is an easy mistake to make.
Quick Stats
| Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex | United Explorer Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 | $95 |
| Welcome bonus | 80,000 miles after $2,000 in 3 mo | 50,000 miles after $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Earning rate | 2× Delta, 2× restaurants, 2× U.S. supermarkets, 1× elsewhere | 2× United, 2× restaurants, 2× hotels, 1× elsewhere |
| Free checked bag | Yes (primary cardmember only) | Yes (cardmember + 1 companion) |
| Priority boarding | Yes | Yes |
| Annual companion certificate | Yes, from $35 (main cabin) | No |
| Airport lounge passes | No | 2 United Club passes per year |
| Foreign transaction fees | None | None |
The Annual Fee Gap
The Delta card costs $55 more per year. But the fee gap is mostly explained by the companion certificate — every year, Delta SkyMiles Gold cardholders receive a companion certificate that lets you pay from $35 in taxes and fees to bring a second person on a domestic main cabin ticket you've already purchased.
If you ever travel with a partner, family member, or friend on a domestic Delta route, this certificate is worth whatever the cheapest second ticket would have been. A $150 round-trip to Florida becomes a $35 companion fare. The math changes completely.
The Welcome Bonuses
Delta SkyMiles Gold: 80,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first three months — the larger bonus with the lower spend requirement.
United Explorer: 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
The Delta bonus is 30,000 miles larger and the spending requirement is $1,000 lower. 80,000 Delta miles could cover two or three domestic round trips at off-peak pricing. 50,000 United miles could cover one or two.
Earning Miles on Everyday Spending
Both cards earn 2× miles at restaurants. The Delta card adds 2× on U.S. supermarkets, which is unusual for an airline card. If you grocery shop $300–500/month, that's 7,200–12,000 extra miles per year from groceries alone.
The United Explorer earns 2× on hotel purchases. If you stay in hotels frequently but aren't fiercely loyal to a particular chain, this can add up. For a typical household with meaningful grocery and dining spend, the Delta card earns more miles per year on everyday purchases.
The Perks That Actually Matter at the Airport
Free Checked Bag
Both cards include a free first checked bag. The difference: Delta's benefit applies only to the primary cardholder. United's benefit covers both the cardholder and one companion on the same reservation. If you always travel with one other person, United's bag benefit covers two bags vs. Delta's one — a $140+ savings on a round trip for two.
Lounge Access
United Explorer comes with 2 United Club passes per year. If you have a long layover or a delayed flight, an airport lounge with free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi is genuinely useful. Delta SkyMiles Gold offers no lounge access at this tier.
Delta vs. United: The More Important Question
Before optimizing for card benefits, ask yourself which airline's route network actually serves your life.
Fly Delta if: you live in Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, New York (JFK/LGA), or Boston — or you frequently travel to the Caribbean, Latin America, or Europe via Delta.
Fly United if: you live in Houston (IAH), Chicago (O'Hare), Denver, Newark, San Francisco, or Washington Dulles — or you travel frequently to Asia or South America.
There's no point earning Delta miles if Delta doesn't fly where you need to go. This is the most important decision, and the card comparison is secondary. Explore all airline loyalty programs and transfer partners on CardCompass.
The Verdict for Casual Flyers
Get the Delta SkyMiles Gold if: you fly Delta 3–6 times a year, you travel with a partner or friend at least once (the companion certificate alone covers the extra $55), and you spend meaningfully on groceries.
Get the United Explorer if: you fly United 3–6 times a year, you travel solo or don't value the companion certificate, you'd rather pay $95 than $150, or you travel with one companion who also checks bags. Browse all airline credit cards to compare Delta, United, American, and Southwest options side by side.
Compare these cards side by side or find your best match based on where you actually fly.
Annual fees, bonus offers, and rewards rates are accurate as of 2026. Always verify current offers at the issuer's official website before applying. CardCompass may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site. See our Advertiser Disclosure for details.