The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card are both premium credit cards with distinct features catering to different needs.
The Amex Platinum Card is a versatile luxury card, while the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card is co-branded with Delta Airlines, focusing on travel benefits specific to Delta.
Let's compare them side by side – features, benefits, drawbacks, and protections.
General Comparison: Amex Platinum vs. Delta Platinum
The Amex Platinum card is a premium travel credit card that offers a wide range of benefits, focusing on luxury travel experiences. It provides access to the exclusive American Express Global Lounge Collection, various statement credits, and even Marriott Gold Elite status.
On the other hand, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card is designed for frequent Delta travelers. While the annual fee is much lower and the points rewards ratio is solid, the value of the additional perks is not as high as those offered by the Amex Platinum card.
Here’s a comparison of the main features of each card:
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The Amex Platinum Card | Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | |
Annual Fee | $695. See Rates and Fees. | $350. See Rates and Fees. |
Rewards | 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases. | 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 and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
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Welcome bonus | 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. |
60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Terms Apply.
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0% Intro APR | None | N/A |
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | |
Purchase APR | See Pay Over Time APR | 20.24% – 29.24% Variable |
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Compare Rewards: Which Card Gives More?
It may be surprising, but when comparing point rewards – the difference is not so significant. However, keep in mind that Amex Platinum redemption options are better compared to the Delta card.
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Spend Per Category | The Platinum Card® | Delta SkyMiles Platinum |
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 10,000 points | 20,000 miles |
$5,000 – Restaurants | 5,000 points | 10,000 miles |
$6,000 – Hotels | 30,000 points | 18,000 miles |
$8,000 – Airline
| 40,000 points | 24,000 miles |
$4,000 – Gas | 4,000 points | 4,000 miles |
Total Points | 89,000 points | 76,000 miles |
Estimated Redemption Value | 1 point ~ 0.6 – 1.6 cents | 1 point = ~1.3 cents
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Estimated Annual Value | $534 – $1,424 | $988 |
Travel And Airline Benefits: Comparison
Both the Delta Platinum Card and the Amex Platinum Card offer premium perks, but the Amex Platinum Card provides a wider range of benefits, covering airlines, hotels, digital entertainment, and experience credits.
On the other hand, the Delta Platinum Card focuses more on Delta-related perks, including a $150 Delta credit, rideshare statement credits, Hertz Five Star status, an annual companion certificate, and 20% back on inflight purchases.
The Amex Platinum Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status: Cardholders are eligible for complimentary enrollment in Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, providing access to a range of exclusive hotel perks and benefits.
- Priority Pass: Platinum Card members receive a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide (excluding Priority Pass restaurant lounges).
- Dedicated Service Team: Access a 24/7 customer service team for swift issue resolution and assistance.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy up to $200 in Uber Cash, along with Uber VIP status for top-rated drivers, without the need to meet minimum ride requirements.
- Up to $100 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: The Platinum card offers this reimbursement, one credit for every four years.
- Preferred Seating: Experience preferred seating at sporting and cultural events, subject to availability.
- $100 Experience Credit: Receive a $100 experience credit when booking The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel for stays of at least two nights.
- Extra Cards: Add supplementary cards to your account at no additional cost, allowing others to earn rewards on their purchases.
- Signature Perks at Upscale Hotels: Enjoy exclusive signature perks at upscale hotels within the Amex Hotel Collection when booking through American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credits: Receive up to $200 in hotel credits annually (Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection) when staying for a minimum of two nights through American Express Travel.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Obtain up to $240 per year (or $20 per month) in statement credits for subscriptions to The New York Times, Peacock, or SiriusXM when using your card for payment.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cardholders can receive up to $155 in Walmart+ credits by utilizing their card for monthly Walmart+ membership payments.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Benefit from up to $200 in airline fee credits per year when charging incidental travel fees from selected airlines to your card.
- Equinox Membership Credit: Receive up to $300 in statement credit for eligible Equinox memberships when enrolling and paying with your card, subject to auto-renewal.
- CLEAR® Plus Membership Credit: Get up to $199 back per year when using your card to pay for a CLEAR® Plus membership.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum
- Annual Companion Certificate Benefit: Upon card renewal, you will be entitled to a round-trip companion certificate valid for Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year.
- TakeOff 15: Save 15% on Award Travel when booking Delta flights (excluding partner-operated flights and taxes/fees).
- First Checked Bag Free: Receive complimentary first checked bag on Delta flights.
- Up to $100 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Get reimbursed for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 4 years.
- 20% Back on In–flight Purchases: Receive a 20% statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
- ShopRunner: Enjoy free 2-day shipping at 100+ online stores when you enroll in complimentary ShopRunner membership with your Delta Platinum card.
- $150 Delta Stays Credit: Annually, enjoy a $150 Delta Stays Credit applicable to eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings made on delta.com.
- Hertz Five Star® Status: Enroll in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program and relish the perks of Hertz Five Star Status.
- $120 Resy Credit: Delight in a $120 Resy Credit, earning up to $10 in monthly statement credits on eligible Resy purchases.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Avail a $120 Rideshare Credit, with up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers when using your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
- Complimentary Upgrade List: Even without being a Medallion Member, you will be automatically added to the Complimentary Upgrade list after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members if you hold an eligible ticket.
- MQD Boost: Obtain $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year, bringing you closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
- MQD on Purchases: Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year, providing a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for the next Medallion Year.
Insurance Benefits: Amex Platinum vs. Delta Platinum
Since both cards are part of Amex premium cards, they offer quite similar travel insurance perks and protections:
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you reserve and pay for a rental vehicle with your Card, declining the rental counter's collision damage waiver, you can be protected against damage or theft in specific regions, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.
- Baggage Insurance Plan: When you purchase a common carrier vehicle ticket with your Eligible Card, you can receive coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage.
- Trip Delay Insurance: If your trip faces a delay of more than 6 hours due to a covered reason and you paid for the round-trip with your Eligible Card.
- Purchase Protection: Eligible purchases made with your card can be protected for up to 90 days from the purchase date, offering coverage for theft, accidental damage, or loss.
- Extended Warranty: When you use your card for eligible purchases, you can receive an extra year of warranty coverage for warranties lasting 5 years or less in the United States or its territories.
- Cell Phone Protection: This embedded benefit provides reimbursement for repair or replacement costs after cell phone damage or theft.
However, there is a protection that is available only for the Amex Platinum card:
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Buying a round-trip with your s Card can provide assistance in the event of trip cancellation or interruption, following the specified terms and conditions.
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When You Might Want the Amex Platinum Card?
You might prefer the Amex Platinum card over the Delta SkyMiles Platinum in the following situations:
Versatility in Travel Benefits: If you value a wide range of travel benefits beyond airline, the Amex Platinum Card is a better choice. It offers access to various airport lounges, elite status in Marriot, and an annual airline fee credit, providing a more diverse set of perks compared to the Delta Platinum card.
Flexible Redemption Options: The Amex Platinum Card's Membership Rewards program allows you to transfer points to various airline and hotel partners, providing flexibility in how you redeem your rewards. This versatility is advantageous if you prefer having the option to choose different loyalty programs based on your travel needs, compared to being tied to the Delta SkyMiles program.
Hotel Benefits: With the Amex Platinum you'll get a Marriot Elite Status as well as signature perks when booking through the Amex Hotel Collection. This includes room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and other privileges at upscale hotels, offering a premium hotel experience beyond what the Delta SkyMiles Platinum focuses on.
When You Might Want the Delta Platinum Card?
You might prefer the Delta Platinum card over the Amex Platinum card in the following situations:
Dedicated Delta Flyers: If you are a loyal Delta Air Lines customer and frequently fly with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum is preferable. It offers airline-specific benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and discounted access to Delta Sky Club lounges, enhancing the overall Delta travel experience.
Focused on Delta SkyMiles Rewards: If you prioritize earning and redeeming Delta SkyMiles for flights and upgrades within the Delta network, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum is the better choice. This card aligns with the needs of travelers who want to maximize their rewards specifically with Delta, including the potential for companion certificates and elite qualifying miles.
You Prefer A Lower Annual Fee: If the higher annual fee of the Amex Platinum Card is a concern, and you prioritize Delta-specific benefits over a broader range of travel perks, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card offers a more cost-effective option for Delta-focused travelers.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a premium travel credit card with airline rewards – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:
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Capital One Venture X | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® | |
Annual Fee | $395 | $550 | $99 (waived for the first 12 months)
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Rewards |
1X – 10X
10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases |
1X – 10X
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
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1X – 2X
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
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Welcome bonus |
75,000 miles
75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening |
60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
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50,000 Miles
50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
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Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Purchase APR | 19.99% – 29.74% (Variable) | 21.99% – 28.99% variable APR | 20.74% – 29.74% (Variable) |
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Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
