IHG One Rewards Premier vs Delta SkyMiles Gold: Which Is Better In 2025?

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we’re fans of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.

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• The card has an introductory annual fee for the first year before a standard annual fee applies (See Rates & Fees), and it waives foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
• Cardholders earn 2X miles on several everyday spending categories, including at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, and can save 15% on Delta award flights with the TakeOff 15 benefit.
• For travelers who check bags, the first free checked bag benefit for you and up to eight companions can easily offset the card's annual fee in just a few flights (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Key travel benefits like a free first checked bag on Delta flights and priority boarding.
• Earns bonus miles on popular spending categories like restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, plus a discount on award flights.
• Opportunity to earn an annual Delta flight credit and no foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.

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Cons

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• Lacks premium travel perks found on higher-tier cards, such as complimentary lounge access, upgrade priority, or a companion certificate.
• The rewards structure is less competitive for non-Delta spending, and some key benefits have notable restrictions or high spending requirements to unlock.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express vs IHG One Rewards Premier

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, the IHG One Rewards Premier or Delta SkyMiles Gold card, it's essential to compare where each card delivers the most value for your spending habits.

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• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is designed for travelers who frequently stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, offering the highest rewards on those purchases, along with accelerated earnings on travel, gas, and dining.
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is ideal for loyal Delta flyers, providing the best value on Delta purchases, as well as extra rewards at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.

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Redemption

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IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Points earned with this card are most valuable when redeemed for free nights at any of the hotels and resorts within the IHG portfolio. You can also use points for other travel-related redemptions or transfer them to partner airline loyalty programs.

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Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: The miles you accumulate are primarily used for booking flights with Delta Air Lines and its extensive network of partner carriers. Other redemption options include seat upgrades, vacation packages, and exclusive experiences through the SkyMiles program.

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Travel Perks

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• Both cards are travel-friendly for trips abroad, as neither charges foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
• The IHG Premier card grants you automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, unlocking hotel perks like complimentary room upgrades. In contrast, the Delta Gold card enhances your flying experience with benefits like a first checked bag free on Delta flights and Main Cabin 1 priority boarding.
• With the IHG card, you receive an Anniversary Free Night each year after your account anniversary. The Delta Gold card offers a flight credit after you reach a specific annual spending amount.
• If airport lounge access is a must-have, you may need to consider more premium cards, as neither the IHG Premier nor the Delta Gold card offers complimentary access.

_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To ensure you're choosing the right card for your wallet, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards in a personalized way.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see personalized reward projections before you apply.
• Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• Receive a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months.
• Track your progress toward sign-up bonuses and monitor your credit score, all in one place.
• Earn extra rewards with Kudos Boost when shopping at your favorite stores.

Who Should Choose the IHG One Rewards Premier?

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The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is tailor-made for travelers who frequently stay at IHG properties like Holiday Inn, InterContinental, or Kimpton. These cardholders will get the most value by leveraging the automatic Platinum Elite status and the annual anniversary free night certificate, which can easily offset the annual fee. Furthermore, those who book longer stays can maximize their points with the fourth reward night free benefit, making the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card a powerful tool for IHG loyalists.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is an excellent choice for Delta loyalists who fly several times a year, as the free checked bag benefit can easily offset the annual fee. It also appeals to those who dine out frequently and want to maximize award travel, offering 2X miles at restaurants and a 15% discount on award flights with the TakeOff 15 benefit. Ultimately, this card is best for casual to semi-frequent Delta flyers seeking valuable perks like priority boarding and bag fee savings without committing to a premium card's higher cost, as detailed in a comprehensive review.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our IHG One Rewards Premier vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold comparison has left you feeling like neither card is the perfect travel companion for your wallet, don't fret. There are plenty of other excellent travel rewards cards on the market that might be a better fit.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending - Ensure you can meet any welcome offer spending requirements without carrying a balance.
• Know the rewards ecosystem - Research how you will use the points or miles to ensure the card aligns with your goals.

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Application Strategy

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• Know the issuer's rules - Be aware of application rules from issuers like Chase or American Express that could affect your approval.
• Align the card with your habits - Choose cards that reward your existing spending and travel patterns for maximum value.
• Time your application - Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet the spending requirement for a welcome offer.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I transfer points between my IHG One Rewards and Delta SkyMiles accounts?

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Generally, you cannot directly transfer points between IHG One Rewards and Delta SkyMiles. These are separate loyalty programs with distinct partnerships and transfer rules.

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Which card is better for non-travel-related purchases?

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The better card for everyday spending depends on your purchasing habits, as each card offers different earning rates for various categories. You should compare their non-bonus rewards to see which aligns with your typical expenses.

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Is it worth getting both the IHG Premier and Delta Gold cards?

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Holding both cards can be a valuable strategy if you frequently stay at IHG properties and fly with Delta. This combination allows you to maximize rewards across both your hotel stays and flights.

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