Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Rating
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a compelling option for frequent Delta flyers looking to elevate their travel experience without breaking the bank. Positioned between the entry-level Gold and premium Reserve cards, it balances valuable perks and a manageable annual fee.
Key Features
Rewards Structure:
- 3X miles on Delta purchases and hotels
- 2X miles at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets
- 1X mile on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Offer: 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.
Annual Fee: $350
A Closer Look at the Benefits
For the savvy traveler, this card packs a punch with its array of benefits:
- Annual companion certificate for domestic Main Cabin round-trip flight
- First checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions on Delta flights
- Priority boarding
- 20% savings on in-flight purchases
- Up to $150 Delta Stays statement credit annually
- Up to $120 annual ride-hailing credit
- 5% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit
- No foreign transaction fees
The annual companion certificate is undoubtedly the star of the show, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars each year. Imagine whisking away your significant other or a friend on a domestic getaway, paying only taxes and fees for their ticket. It’s like getting a buy-one-get-one-free deal on flights!
Is It Worth the Annual Fee?
At $350, the annual fee isn’t insignificant. However, for frequent Delta flyers, the math often works out in their favor. Let’s break it down:
- The companion certificate alone can easily surpass the annual fee in value.
- Free checked bags for you and up to 8 companions can save a family of four $240 on a single round-trip flight.
- The $150 Delta Stays credit and $120 ride-hailing credit combine to potentially offset $270 of the annual fee.
Add priority boarding, in-flight savings, and the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and you’re looking at a package that can deliver significant value for the right user.
Who Should Consider This Card?
This card is ideal for:
- Frequent Delta flyers who don’t quite need the premium perks of the Reserve card
- Couples or friends who travel together at least once a year domestically
- Travelers aiming to boost their Medallion status
- Those who appreciate travel perks but don’t necessarily need lounge access
Pros
Annual companion certificate: Potentially saves hundreds of dollars on a round-trip domestic flight
Elevated earning rates on travel and dining: Earns 3X miles on Delta and hotel purchases and 2X miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
Status boost potential: Cardholders receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) each year and can earn additional MQDs through spending
Cons
High annual fee: At $350, it may be challenging to justify for infrequent Delta travelers
Limited luxury perks: Lacks premium benefits like lounge access offered by higher-tier cards
SkyMiles’ variable redemption value: Delta’s dynamic pricing for award flights can make it challenging to maximize mile value
