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At a glance
- Best for: Luxury Perks
- Annual Fee: $695
- APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1X-3X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles
Offer Details:
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Why we like it
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is an excellent choice for frequent Delta travelers who want to maximize their flying experience and earn rewards. It offers valuable perks such as a free checked bag on Delta flights, priority boarding and an annual companion certificate which allows cardholders to bring a guest on a domestic flight (and some international destinations) for just the cost of taxes and fees.
Additionally, cardholders can earn miles not only on Delta purchases but also on everyday spending, which can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, or vacation packages. Plus, if you’re chasing elite status, you can earn a $2,500 MQD head start just for holding the card in addition to the ability to earn more MQD while spending. While it does come with an annual fee, the benefits can easily outweigh the cost for those who fly frequently with Delta.
Reward details
3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets
1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
The 90,000-mile intro bonus is earned by spending an extremely achievable $4,000 in six months—well within a realistic budget for many.
The card’s annual companion pass can be a huge money saver if maximized correctly.
Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
$120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
$120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
You can earn up to $150 as a statement credit each year after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals with your card through Delta Stays on delta.com.
You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
A simple 2X miles on dining at restaurants (including U.S. takeout and delivery), and U.S. supermarket transactions make earning points simple.
Card members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. The discount is not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Cons
$350 annual fee
Mileage earning rates for spending aren’t amazing
Overview
Whether you think it’s justified or not, Delta is America’s favorite airline. As such, its SkyMiles program and associated SkyClub lounges are the default choice for many customers trying their hand at reward travel.
To match that demand, Delta and American Express launched several co-branded credit cards allowing customers to earn SkyMiles, enjoy some perks and, in theory, take the fast track to elite status or upgrades.
The airline’s mid-tier option is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. It’s an interesting card, boasting some incredibly valuable perks but, as with many Delta products, can quickly turn into a pricey mistake for the wrong person.
Let’s take a look at the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card.
Who is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum best for:
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card is built for regular Delta customers. As there’s a range of Delta cards, it’s important to determine which one compliments your relationship with the airline best. With a $350 annual fee (see Rates and Fees), you need to ensure the perks and benefits can be maximized. Those looking for more luxury should move up, while more casual flyers may find the cheaper options more suitable.
The Bottom Line:
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum is a solid co-branded card with a good intro bonus and boasting one super-value perk capable of recouping the $350 annual fee. But those with allegiances to other airlines or not fussed about loyalty may find a general card more useful.
Intro Bonus
The card is currently offering an elevated 90,000 SkyMiles introductory offer earned by spending $4,000 within six months of opening the card. The offer will end on April 2nd, 2025.
It’s an approachable offer for most, but it’s important to remember those miles can only be redeemed with Delta and its partners. In recent years, Delta has severely devalued its miles with a brutally temperamental dynamic system. That’s not to say SkyMiles aren’t valuable but, if you’re on the fence between this and a general credit card with a similar bonus, you may find more value there.
Pros & Cons
No card is ever perfect, so let’s take a look at the good and bad sides of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card.
Pros
- Free checked bag
- Good introductory bonus
- Solid earnings on daily purchases
- Outstanding companion fare perk
- Elite status boosts
- Useful monthly credits
Cons
- High $350 annual fee for a mid-tier card
- Non-Delta flyers will struggle to get value
- No lounge access
Benefits & Perks
Annual Companion Certificate
By far the Platinum’s strongest perk, the Annual Companion Certificate offers cardholders the chance to recoup some serious value lost in the annual fee. If used effectively, this benefit can be worth far more than the fee.
The perk allows the cardholder to include a companion on one round-trip booking per year for no charge beyond the applicable taxes and fees. Those fees are capped at $80 for domestic flights and $250 for international routes. Redemptions are limited to the US, the Caribbean, and Central America.
You’ll receive the benefit after paying the annual fee for each cardholder anniversary. It’s best to be considered in your timing if you’re flying with Delta multiple times. Opt to use the benefit on the most expensive flight, maybe during peak times.
Free Checked Bag
Cardholders also enjoy a first free checked bag perk for themselves and anyone else on the booking. Considering Delta checked prices cost around $35 each way, there’s the potential to save as much as $280 on a roundtrip with a family of four.
$150 Delta stays credit
The card also gifts customers with an annual $150 Delta Stays credit. Operating similarly to most travel credits, hotel bookings must be made on Delta’s travel portal. No sign-up is required, and the credit will be applied automatically until the limit is met.
$120 Rideshare Credit
After enrolling cardholders enjoy up to $120 a year in credit statements when using the card for select U.S rideshare services. It’s possible to earn up to $10 a month, making it a practical benefit for those who use services like Uber even occasionally.
MQD Boost
Hitting elite status with Delta requires earning a lot of MQDs. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum earns cardholders $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for every $20 spent on the card. Depending on your spending habits, this could be a significant boost to your hopes of earning status.
Cardholders get a $2,500 MQD headstart every qualification year.
$120 Resy Credit
While fairly location-dependent, the card offers up to $120 in Resy credits each year. The restaurant reservation app has thousands of outlets registered in its system, and frequent users will get up to $10 a month when using the app to book a reservation.
$120 Global Entry, TSAPrecheck, or NEXUS statement credit
Similarly to other cards, this card offers up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry, TSAPrecheck, or Nexus. The credit is applied every four years after paying for the application on one of the services. It’s good to note that successfully applying for Global Entry can also grant you a TSAPrecheck membership.
Any of these services can expedite your travel days considerably by cutting down on the time you have to wait in security or customs.
Complimentary Upgrade List
Take this one with a pinch of salt. Cardholders with an eligible ticket who aren’t already Medallion members will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list on Delta flights. While this is nice in theory, the likelihood of getting an upgrade is still low. Medallion members and Reserve Card members are ahead of Platinum cardholders, so all you can do is cross your fingers and pray to the Delta gods.
TakeOff 15
One of the more underrated perks of a Delta is the TakeOff 15 benefit. It’s simple, if you own the card you get 15% off award travel bookings through Delta. This is a big deal for those still trying to squeeze value out of SkyMiles. With some rewards soaring past 100,000 miles, that would represent 15,000 miles in savings.
Best of the rest
On top of all this, the cardholder is also entitled to:
- 20% back on in-flight purchases
- Hertz Five Star Status
- Trip Delay Insurance*
- Car rental loss and damage insurance*
- Baggage insurance*
- The Global Assist Hotline*
- Purchase protection*
- Extended warranty*
- Amex Events*
- Cell phone protection*
Earning rewards & redeeming points
While opting for a more varied strategy may reap more value than sticking solely to SkyMiles, the Platinum card still offers a lot of scope. If you’re set on filling your SkyMile reserves, you can expect these earning rates.
Earning rewards
3x miles per dollar on hotels and Delta purchases
The Platinum card offers 3x miles per dollar spent on hotels and Delta purchases. In this case, the hotel rate requires a direct booking with the property. This is generous, as opting to book via Delta may not provide as cheap a rate.
2x miles per dollar on dining and groceries
The card also offers 2x miles per dollar on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the US as well as U.S supermarkets.
Anything else will earn 1x mile per dollar.
A note on earning choices
While these rates may seem good, it’s worth noting that opening a card like the American Express® Gold Card would be a better option. That card earns 4x points per dollar on dining (up to $50,000 per year, then 1x) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) and allows the holder to transfer those points to Delta. Similarly, the American Express® Green Card offers 3x points per dollar on all travel, including hotels, Airbnb, flights, and other aspects of travel. It’s even got 3x points per dollar on dining too.**
Redeeming points
Redeeming SkyMiles is fairly straightforward but does require patience and acceptance when it comes to finding value. Delta’s dynamic system makes it tough to find cheap award flights, while its top-end rates are insane—seriously, think 300,000 SkyMiles and beyond.
With that said, your miles can grab your flights with Delta and any of its partners, like KLM, Air France, Air Korea, and Virgin. Both domestic and international rates will vary drastically, with short flights going for as low as 5,000 SkyMiles one day and 20,000 the next.
The best way to maximize your SkyMiles is to check in on SkyMiles deals regularly. The deals page utilizes city pairs, offering high-value redemptions for a limited time. On occasion, these are truly epic, while others simply offer higher value and stability than normal.
And remember, if you have another Amex card, you can bolster your points by transferring some in as needed—just keep a lookout for transfer bonuses.
Is this card right for you?
If you’re a semi-regular Delta customer who flies at least once or twice a year and can take full advantage of the strong perks, the card makes a lot of sense. Others may find it a little frustrating as it lacks any high-end lounge access and doesn’t earn miles at a higher rate than some general travel cards.
- Best for: Luxury Perks
- Annual Fee: $695
- APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1X-3X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles
Offer Details:
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Why we like it
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is an excellent choice for frequent Delta travelers who want to maximize their flying experience and earn rewards. It offers valuable perks such as a free checked bag on Delta flights, priority boarding and an annual companion certificate which allows cardholders to bring a guest on a domestic flight (and some international destinations) for just the cost of taxes and fees.
Additionally, cardholders can earn miles not only on Delta purchases but also on everyday spending, which can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, or vacation packages. Plus, if you’re chasing elite status, you can earn a $2,500 MQD head start just for holding the card in addition to the ability to earn more MQD while spending. While it does come with an annual fee, the benefits can easily outweigh the cost for those who fly frequently with Delta.
Reward details
3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets
1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
The 90,000-mile intro bonus is earned by spending an extremely achievable $4,000 in six months—well within a realistic budget for many.
The card’s annual companion pass can be a huge money saver if maximized correctly.
Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
$120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
$120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
You can earn up to $150 as a statement credit each year after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals with your card through Delta Stays on delta.com.
You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
A simple 2X miles on dining at restaurants (including U.S. takeout and delivery), and U.S. supermarket transactions make earning points simple.
Card members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. The discount is not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Cons
$350 annual fee
Mileage earning rates for spending aren’t amazing
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/
**The information for the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Daily Navigator. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
