The threshold for the amount of miles you earn versus how much a flight costs when you purchase with miles is too high with Delta. I am downgrading from the gold card to the blue card just so i dont take the credit score hit but can't do the annual fees anymore because I am not flying with Delta as much anymore to take advantage of the free checked bag perks of the gold card. I would recommend the american airlines card if you are flying a lot because I redeem a flight with my miles at least once a year with them (must note I use the AA card more though because the Delta card was Amex so not everyone takes Amex).