Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Review
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Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Review

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex offer premium travel benefits such as annual companion certificate, free checked bags and Sky Club access
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 20, 2023
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Interest Rates Last Update: November 1, 2023

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan

1X – 3X 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

Welcome Bonus

50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months

Credit Rating

Good – Excellent

0% Intro

N/A

Annual Fee

$250

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan

1X – 3X 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

Welcome Bonus

50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months

0% Intro

N/A

PROS

CONS

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable

Annual Fee

$250

Balance Transfer Fee

N/A

Credit Requirements

Good - Excellent

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card is a mid-premium airline travel rewards credit card that is designed for frequent flyers of Delta Airlines. 

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card offers a generous rewards program that allows you to earn SkyMiles for every dollar spent on purchases. You can earn 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.

The card also offers a variety of travel-related benefits, such as a free checked bag on Delta flights and priority boarding. You can also get a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. 

One potential drawback of the Delta  Platinum card is the annual fee, which is $250. Also, the miles rewards ratio is lower compared to other airline cards.

  • Annual Companion Certificate
  • Decent Rewards Program
  • Free Checked Bags
  • Delta Sky Club Access
  • Global Entry or TSA Precheck
  • Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs)
  • No Foreign Transaction Fee
  • High Annual Fee
  • Co-branded Card
  • Companion Certificate Restrictions

In this Review

Estimating Your Rewards: A Practical Simulation

The rewards simulation table below shows the potential benefits of using the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex card. It provides an overview of your estimated rewards based on general usage and spending across various categories.

While this simulation can help you better understand the potential benefits of this card, it's important to remember that the figures shown are only estimates and actual rewards may vary depending on your individual spending habits and other factors.

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Spend Per Category
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets
10,000 miles
$3,000 – Restaurants
6,000 miles
$5,000 – Airline
15,000 miles
$3,000 – Hotels
9,000 miles
$4,000 – Gas
4,000 miles
Estimated Total Annual Miles
44,000 Miles

Pros and Cons

Just like any other credit card, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum has some advantages and disadvantages:

Pros
Cons
Welcome Bonus
High Annual Fee
Annual Companion Certificate
Co-branded Card
Decent Rewards Program
Companion Certificate Restrictions
Free Checked Bags
Delta Sky Club Access
Global Entry or TSA Precheck
Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs)

Cardholders receive an annual companion certificate, which can be used for a round-trip domestic flight.

Similar to most Delta cards, new cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

The card offers 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.

Cardholders and up to 8 companions on the same reservation receive the first checked bag for free on Delta flights.

Cardholders can purchase Delta Sky Club access for a reduced fee of $50 per person. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available.

You can receive a statement credit of either $100 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck® through any Authorized Enrollment Provider for a 5-year plan.

 

Editorial Note: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollments may be required for select benefits. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more

Cardholders can earn MQMs, which count towards elite status on Delta, based on their spending with the card.

You can earn up to 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $25,000 in purchases on your Card, up to two times, within a calendar year.

Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card.

Like most premium airline cards, there is no foreign transaction fee with the Delta Platinum card.

The card has an annual fee of $250.

As a co-branded credit card, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is only useful for those who fly Delta frequently and can take advantage of the Delta-specific benefits.

If you don't fly Delta often, this card may not be as valuable to you.

The companion certificate has restrictions, such as limited availability and blackout dates, which may make it difficult to use for some cardholders.

How To Redeem My Miles?

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card points can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and more. Here's an overview of the different redemption options and how they compare to other travel rewards programs:

  • Flights: You can redeem your points for Delta Air Lines flights, with redemption options starting at 10,000 points for one-way flights within the United States. Delta Air Lines uses a dynamic pricing model, so the number of points required for a flight can vary depending on the time of year, demand, and other factors. In general, the value of Delta SkyMiles for flights is competitive with other airlines' frequent flyer programs.

  • Transfer to Airline Partners: If you're a Delta customer, you have access to a wide range of partner airlines through the SkyTeam alliance. With over 20 partners, including Air Europa, Aeromexico, Air France, Hawaiian Airlines, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and Westjet, you can easily access a range of destinations and travel more easily.
  • Upgrades: In addition to flights, you can also use your SkyMiles to upgrade your experience when you're traveling. When you book an eligible Delta flight within the US through Delta Reservations or Delta.com, you can use your miles to pay for an upgrade. If you've already booked your flight, you can still upgrade using miles on Delta.com or the Fly Delta app for almost all Delta-operated flights. 
  • Gift cards: Another way to redeem your SkyMiles is by purchasing gift cards. Delta offers a range of gift card options that can be redeemed for flights, vacation packages, and other travel-related expenses. While redemption values typically range from 0.8 to 0.9 cents per mile, the gift cards do not expire and can be used by the recipient or gifted to someone else. 
  • Hotels/Car Rentals: If you prefer not to use your Delta SkyMiles for flights, you can still get great value by using them for other travel-related costs. One option is to redeem your miles through the Delta Vacations platform, which allows you to easily search for and book flight and hotel, flight and car, and hotel and car packages.
Delta Sky Club at Detroit Airport
Delta Sky Club at Detroit Airport (Photo by LukeandKarla.Travel/Shutterstock)

When You May Want To Consider It?

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card is a great choice for frequent travelers who fly with Delta Airlines. Here are some situations when you may want to consider this card:

  • You're a frequent Delta traveler: If you fly with Delta Airlines regularly, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card can help you earn rewards for your spending and enjoy a variety of travel-related benefits such as a free checked bag on Delta flights, priority boarding, and access to the Delta Sky Club lounges.

  • You want to earn bonus rewards on everyday and dining purchases: besides miles on Delta purchases, you can also earn miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1X mile on all other eligible purchases. This can be a great way to maximize your rewards for your spending.

  • You can't apply for premium credit cards: If you have a former relationship with Amex but you're not  eligible for the most premium travel cards, you may still be able to get approved for the Delta Platinum card.

  • You don't mind paying an annual fee: The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card has a $250 annual fee, so it's best for those who are comfortable paying an annual fee in exchange for the card's rewards and benefits.

Overall, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card is a great choice for frequent Delta travelers who want to earn rewards for their spending and enjoy a variety of travel-related benefits.

Card
Rewards
Welcome Bonus
Annual Fee

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Review

1X – 2X 2X miles on delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide (including take-out and delivery in the U.S) and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases
40,000 Miles 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months
$99, $0 intro first year (Rates & Fees)

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express

1X – 2X 2X miles for every dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and Delta purchases and 1X miles for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases
10,000 miles 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

1X – 3X 3X miles per dollar on eligible Delta flights and Delta Vacations® with 1X miles on all other purchases
60,000 miles 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
1X – 3X 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
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months

How To Apply For The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card?

Here are the steps to apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card:

  1. Visit the American Express website: Go to the American Express website and navigate to the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card page.

  2. Click “Apply now”: Click the “Apply now” button to begin the application process.

  3. Fill out the application: Fill out the application with your personal and financial information, employment status, and income.

  4. Submit the application: Submit the application and wait for a decision from American Express. If approved, you will receive your new card in the mail in 7-10 business days.

It's important to note that you'll need to have a good credit score to be approved for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card.

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann's areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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