Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card vs United℠ Explorer℠ Card
It depends on your spending: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card wins Grocery-heavy, United℠ Explorer℠ Card wins . Where you actually spend decides this comparison.
Fees and perks at a glance
Annual fees: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card $150/yr · United℠ Explorer℠ Card $150/yr. Both cards carry the same annual fee.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Credits: Delta Stays credit $100/yr · Rideshare credit $10/mo
United℠ Explorer℠ Card Credits: United Hotels credit $100/yr (2×$50) · Rideshare credit $60/yr ($5/month) · Avis/Budget TravelBank $50/yr (2×$25) and 2 more
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Signup bonus: As high as 80,000 miles + $250 statement credit after $3,000 spend in 6 months (apply-and-find-out offer; ends Nov 4, 2026)
United℠ Explorer℠ Card Signup bonus: 70,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months (+10,000 with authorized user, up to 80,000)
Earn comparison by category
| Category | Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | United℠ Explorer℠ Card |
|---|---|---|
| Dining | 2.40%2x × 1.2¢ | 2.40%2x × 1.2¢ |
| Groceries | 2.40%2x × 1.2¢ | 1.20%1x × 1.2¢ |
| Gas / EV charging | 1.20%1x × 1.2¢ | 1.20%1x × 1.2¢ |
| Travel | 1.20%1x × 1.2¢ | 1.20%1x × 1.2¢ |
| Everything else | 1.20%1x × 1.2¢ | 1.20%1x × 1.2¢ |
| United purchases | 1.20%1x × 1.2¢ | 3.60%3x × 1.2¢ |
| Delta purchases | 2.40%2x × 1.2¢ | 1.20%1x × 1.2¢ |
Verdict by spending profile
| Category | Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | United℠ Explorer℠ Card |
|---|---|---|
| Dining-heavy | 2.40% | 2.40% |
| Grocery-heavy | 2.40% | 1.20% |
| Gas-heavy | 1.20% | 1.20% |
| Travel-heavy | 1.20% | 1.20% |
| Everyday spending | 1.20% | 1.20% |
How is this comparison computed?
Effective return = category earn rate × point value. Example: 4x × 2.0¢ = 8.00% back (estimate).
This page compares the two cards' catalog earn rates only. Signup bonus amounts change over time, so they are not in the table.
Every % here is an estimate: point values are catalog assumptions, and actual value depends on how you redeem.
This page compares two cards only. Inside DanHana, the same math re-ranks by the cards in your own wallet -- so your personal best may differ.
Frequently asked questions
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card vs United℠ Explorer℠ Card: which one is better?
It depends on your spending: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card wins Grocery-heavy, United℠ Explorer℠ Card wins . Where you actually spend decides this comparison.
How do the annual fees compare?
Annual fees: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card $150/yr · United℠ Explorer℠ Card $150/yr. Both cards carry the same annual fee. Catalog credits: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has 2, United℠ Explorer℠ Card has 5.
Where is the biggest gap?
United purchases is where United℠ Explorer℠ Card leads by the most: 1.20% vs 3.60% (1x × 1.2¢ vs 3x × 1.2¢).
Are these returns guaranteed?
No -- every figure here is an estimate. Point values are catalog assumptions (e.g. Membership Rewards 2.0¢, Ultimate Rewards 1.5¢, cash back 1.0¢), and your actual value depends on how you redeem. Bonus rates can have annual caps, and issuers change terms -- check the card's official terms before applying.
Sources
- DanHana data & verification method
- What is DanHana?
- Smart recommendations
- United℠ Explorer℠ Card official page
Page updated: October 28, 2026