Delta SkyMiles Gold vs United Explorer
Two $95 AF (post-year-1 for Delta) airline co-brands at the same price point but for very different ecosystems. The right pick depends on which airline already dominates your route map — neither card creates loyalty value; it captures it.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express
Travelers who fly Delta 2-4 times a year, want a free checked bag (~$70 saved per round trip per bag), and don't want to commit to a Platinum or Reserve tier annual fee.
United Explorer Card
Travelers loyal to United who fly 2-4 round trips a year, want a free checked bag, and value priority boarding + 2× United-spend earning.
Pick Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express if
Travelers who fly Delta 2-4 round trips a year, especially from Delta-hub airports (ATL, MSP, DTW, SLC)
Free checked bag on Delta-operated flights pays back the AF in 2 round trips with checked bags. SkyMiles redemption is dynamic but the bag math is direct.
Pick United Explorer Card if
Travelers loyal to United, especially Star Alliance partner redemptions (ANA, Lufthansa, Singapore)
Free first checked bag + Star Alliance partner award charts make the card stronger for international redemptions than Delta's dynamic-only system.
Skip both if
Travelers without strong loyalty to one specific airline. A Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X covers ANY airline at lower friction and better award-chart math.
Head-to-head
| Dimension | Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 first year, then $150 | $0 first year, then $95 |
| Free checked bag | Delta-operated flights | United-operated flights |
| Earning rate | 2x at U.S. supermarkets, 2x at restaurants, 2x on Delta | 2x on United, 2x on dining + hotel stays |
| Award chart | Dynamic — sweet spots erode over time | Saver award chart with Star Alliance partners |
| Priority boarding | Group 1 (Delta-operated) | Priority boarding (United-operated) |
Reviewed by the ClearValue Editorial Team · Last updated 6/29/2026. ClearValue Cards may earn a commission when readers take the quiz and match through links on this site. See disclosure.