United Gateway vs Delta SkyMiles Platinum: Which Is Better In 2025?

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at what makes the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card a strong contender for frequent flyers.

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• Cardholders can earn accelerated miles on Delta purchases, hotels, restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Despite its annual fee (See Rates & Fees), the card provides valuable travel perks like a free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights.
• The annual companion certificate for a domestic main cabin round-trip flight can easily offset the card's annual cost. (publisher-formulated estimate)

_{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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Pros

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• A valuable welcome offer for new cardholders after meeting spending requirements.
• Annual statement credits for select dining and rideshare services, plus a discount on award travel booked with miles on Delta.
• Complimentary Hertz Five Star® status and a suite of travel protections, including trip delay and baggage insurance.

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Cons

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• Carries a significant annual fee that is not waived for the first year.
• Lacks complimentary access to Delta Sky Club® lounges.
• The companion certificate is limited to domestic travel, and the card’s overall value is best for frequent Delta flyers.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express vs United Gateway

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Categories

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Choosing between airline co-branded credit cards can be tough. To help you decide which is better, United Gateway or Delta SkyMiles Platinum, let's look at who each card is designed for.

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• United Gateway℠ Card: This is an entry-level option ideal for occasional United Airlines flyers, credit card beginners, or budget-conscious travelers who want to earn miles without an annual commitment.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: This card is designed for frequent Delta travelers and status seekers who can take full advantage of its premium travel benefits. It's a strong choice for couples and families who are loyal to the airline.

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Redemption

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United Gateway℠ Card: Miles can be redeemed for flights on United and its partner airlines, as well as for things like seat upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals. The program provides straightforward options for using miles to cover various travel expenses.

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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: You can use your miles for flights on Delta and its large network of global partners, providing extensive travel options. Miles can also be redeemed for upgrades to premium cabins, Delta Vacations packages, and other exclusive travel experiences.

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Travel Perks

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• United Gateway℠ Card: This card operates within the United and Star Alliance ecosystem. It comes with a foreign transaction fee, making it less suitable for purchases abroad. The card does not include airport lounge access, but members can book travel through the United portal.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: As part of the Delta Air Lines and SkyTeam network, this card provides a more premium travel ecosystem. It has no foreign transaction fees (Terms Apply). Cardholders also receive access to the Delta Sky Club lounge network when flying with Delta (Terms Apply).

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make a data-driven decision, a financial companion like Kudos can help you compare nearly 3,000 credit cards to find the best fit for your spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to see potential earnings before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
• Receive personalized card recommendations based on your actual spending history, not generic advice.
• Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Earn extra rewards with Kudos Boost when you shop at participating stores.

Who Should Choose the United Gateway?

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The United Gateway℠ Card is an excellent choice for occasional United Airlines flyers and beginners in the travel rewards world who want to earn miles without committing to an annual fee. It's also a strong contender for budget-conscious travelers, particularly those who venture abroad, as it carries no foreign transaction fees. Overall, this card serves as a great entry-level option for anyone looking to dip their toes into the United MileagePlus program and earn rewards on everyday spending.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card is tailor-made for loyal Delta flyers who travel several times a year. It's especially beneficial for status seekers aiming for Medallion status and couples or families who can maximize the value of the annual companion certificate. With additional benefits like a free checked bag and statement credits for dining and rideshares (Terms apply), the card offers a robust package for the right kind of traveler, as detailed in this comprehensive review.

Alternatives to Consider

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If this United Gateway vs Delta SkyMiles Platinum comparison has left you feeling that neither card is the right choice, don't fret. The world of travel rewards cards is vast, and there are other excellent options that might be a better fit for your wallet.

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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 travel rewards cards, like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending: Make sure you can naturally meet the minimum spending requirement for the welcome offer without overextending your budget.
• Know the rules: Be aware of issuer-specific application policies, such as Chase's 5/24 rule or American Express's restrictions on welcome offers for previous cardholders.

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Application Strategy

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• Research the card's ecosystem: Make sure the benefits align with your travel and spending habits before you commit.
• Time your application: Apply before a planned large purchase to help you naturally meet the spending requirement for a welcome offer.
• Look for elevated offers: Use different browsers or tools to find the best possible welcome offer, as they can often vary.

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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Which card is better for a frequent United flyer?

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If you primarily fly with United Airlines and its Star Alliance partners, the United Gateway Card is the logical choice as it is designed to reward loyalty within the United ecosystem.

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What are the annual fees for these cards?

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The United Gateway Card is known for having no annual fee, which is a major draw for budget-conscious travelers. In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card carries an annual fee that is justified by its extensive list of premium travel perks.

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Can I transfer points from other programs to United or Delta?

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Yes, both airlines are transfer partners with major credit card rewards programs. You can often transfer points from programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards® to United MileagePlus and American Express Membership Rewards® to Delta SkyMiles.

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