United℠ Explorer vs Delta SkyMiles® Gold
Side-by-side comparison
| United℠ Explorer | Delta SkyMiles® Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 | $150 |
| Welcome offer | Up to 60,000 bonus miles | |
| Dining | 2x | 2x |
| Groceries | 1x | 2x |
| Gas | 1x | 1x |
| Travel | 1x | 1x |
| Streaming | 1x | 1x |
| Everything else | 1x | 1x |
| Est. yearly rewards* | $322 | $382 |
| Points type | Locked to United MileagePlus | Locked to Delta SkyMiles |
| Network | Visa | Amex |
*Estimated yearly rewards on typical household spending, every point valued at a flat 1 cent. Verified June 2026. See your own numbers in the calculator.
The verdict
On a typical year of household spending, the United℠ Explorer earns about $322 a year in rewards and the Delta SkyMiles® Gold about $382, valuing every point at a flat 1 cent. The United℠ Explorer charges $150, which you clear through its rewards and perks. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold charges $150, but carries about $200 in annual statement credits that offset it for anyone who uses them. Counting rewards, fees, and any credits, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold delivers more total value, about $160 a year more for a typical spender, mostly because it earns more where you spend most, on groceries. Neither leans on transferable points, so the deciding factors are the welcome offer, the card network, and which everyday perks you will actually use. On the sign-up bonus, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold currently has the larger welcome offer (a limited-time offer above its usual amount, so treat it as a one-time boost). A welcome bonus is a one-time event, so weigh it apart from the ongoing rewards.
Pick the Delta SkyMiles® Gold if your spending leans toward groceries.