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Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card vs United℠ Explorer Card

Choose between two mid-tier airline credit cards with valuable perks.

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Megan Horner
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Aside from being part of different airline programs, the biggest difference between these two cards comes down to the welcome offer. The United Explorer card lets you earn 60,000 miles after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months.

The Delta Gold offers 40,000 miles after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. You’ll also earn up to $50 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at US restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership of membership.

The redemption value per mile is roughly equal between each loyalty program, as are flight prices. For example, a roundtrip flight between Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK) requires 24,000 Delta miles and 25,000 United miles on the lowest fare. This makes the Delta card’s signup bonus worth at least twice as much than what you get with the United card – at least until the limited time offer ends.

Compare the additional perks offered by these cards to find the right fit for your travel preferences.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Terms apply, see rates & fees

Unitedâ„  Explorer Card

Unitedâ„  Explorer Card

Terms apply, see rates & fees
Finder rating
Finder rating

★★★★★

4.0 / 5.0

★★★★★

4.4 / 5.0
Best for
Best for
  • Delta rewards and perks with a low annual fee
  • Earning miles in multiple ways for United Airlines
Welcome offer
Welcome offer

40,000 miles after spending $1,000 in your first 3 months.
Plus, earn up to $50 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Rewards
Rewards

2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants and at US supermarkets and 1x miles on other eligible purchases

2x miles at restaurants, hotels and United and 1.5x miles on all other purchases
Purchase APR
Purchase APR

15.74% to 24.74% variable

16.49% to 23.49% variable

Annual fee
Annual fee $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $99 $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95
Balance transfer APR
Balance transfer APR

N/A

 16.49% to 23.49% variable
Cash advance
Cash advance

APR: 25.24% variable

Fee: $10 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater

APR: 24.99% variable

Fee: $10 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction fee
Foreign transaction fee None None
Late payment fee
Late payment fee Up to $40 Up to $39
Additional cardholder fee
Additional cardholder fee $0
Interest-free period
Interest-free period 25 days 21 days
Minimum interest
Minimum interest $0
Minimum credit score
Minimum credit score 670 670
Card type
Card type Credit Credit
Learn more
Learn more

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