American Express launched a gold card version of its Delta SkyMiles credit card.
Cardholders receive 10,000 bonus points for signing up, which Inside Flyer magazine said is higher than the standard enrollment bonus.
Most frequent-flier programs offer new customers between 2,500 and 5,000 bonus miles, said Steven Lincoln, associate editor of the publication. Delta SkyMiles customers who upgrade to a gold card receive 5,000 bonus miles.
Other enhancements include a yearend summary of charges and free American Express travelers checks. There is a 100,000 point cap with the gold card compared with the 60,000 limit on the standard card.
Gold cardholders earn 2 points per dollar for purchases from Delta Airlines versus the 1 mile per $1 earned on Delta purchases with the classic card.
There is a $75 annual fee and an introductory rate of 8.9% for six months; thereafter, the rate jumps to 17.65%. A study by BAI Mail Monitor said the average gold card interest rate is just above 16%
"For most people who use their cards a lot, $75 is not a big deal," said Mr. Lincoln.
The New York-based company charges its gold and platinum cardholders $20 for the Delta Gold card.
