Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Review: A Premium Travel Card for Frequent Delta Flyers

ByThiago SF

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for travelers who frequently fly with Delta Air Lines and want to elevate their travel experience.

Its main purpose is to help members earn miles faster, enjoy priority travel perks, and unlock valuable annual benefits.

This card targets consumers who want more than basic travel rewards. It is not a beginner card.

Instead, it is ideal for travelers seeking accelerated mileage earnings, complimentary travel benefits, and elite-status support.

The card focuses on travel rewards rather than cashback, offering a strategic path to earning Delta SkyMiles and enjoying Delta-specific benefits.

Main Benefits and Rewards

Rewards Structure

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express offers a strong earning rate across key travel categories:

  • 3X Miles on Delta purchases, including airfare and in-flight spending
  • 3X Miles on hotel purchases made directly with hotels
  • 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide
  • 2X Miles at U.S. supermarkets
  • 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases

This structure makes the card highly valuable for travelers and consumers who spend regularly on dining, groceries, hotels, and Delta flights.

Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus varies throughout the year, but it often provides:

  • A large introductory miles bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement in the first few months
  • Potential additional MQD (Medallion Qualification Dollars) boosts that help cardholders progress toward Delta elite status

This bonus can deliver hundreds of dollars in value for new applicants.

Additional Benefits

The card includes several premium travel perks:

  • Annual Companion Certificate: Receive a domestic round-trip Main Cabin companion ticket each year upon card renewal.
  • First Checked Bag Free: Save on baggage fees on Delta flights for you and up to eight companions.
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit: Receive reimbursement every four years for Global Entry or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck.
  • Status Boost opportunities: Earn Medallion Qualification Dollars through spending.
  • Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
  • Trip delay and rental car loss/damage insurance

Competitiveness in the U.S. Market

This card stands out in the U.S. airline card space due to its combination of premium perks, annual companion ticket, elite-status help, and high Delta-specific value.

For loyal Delta flyers, it delivers consistent and measurable rewards.

Annual Fee and Overall Costs

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express has an annual fee of $350 (not waived in the first year).

Although this fee is higher than entry-level travel cards, it can be worth it for frequent Delta travelers.

When the Fee Is Worth It

The fee is justified if you:

  • Use the companion certificate, which can often exceed the cost of the annual fee
  • Check bags regularly on Delta flights
  • Fly Delta multiple times per year and value earning elite-status credits
  • Use the dining, hotel, and travel spending categories to maximize miles

Other Potential Costs

  • Late payment fees
  • Cash advance fees
  • Optional fees for monthly payment plans (Plan It®)

Rates and Fees

  • Regular Purchase APR: Variable, typically around the high teens to mid-20% range (exact rates vary by applicant)
  • Penalty APR: Applies after late or returned payments
  • Balance Transfer Fee: Standard Amex transfer rates apply when available
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None, making the card excellent for international travel
  • Interest Charges: Accrued if the balance is not paid in full each month

Its lack of foreign transaction fees makes it highly suitable for Delta flyers traveling abroad.

Approval Requirements

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express typically requires:

  • Good to Excellent credit (700+)
  • A stable credit history with on-time payments
  • Sufficient income to support a premium revolving credit line

Approval can be moderately difficult for applicants with limited credit history or recent derogatory marks.

Pros and Cons of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express

Pros

  • Annual companion certificate provides high value
  • Strong earning rates on Delta, hotel, restaurant, and supermarket purchases
  • Free first checked bag on Delta flights
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • Helps accelerate Delta elite status

Cons

  • High annual fee
  • Best value only for Delta loyalists
  • Limited airline transfer flexibility compared to general travel cards
  • Rewards tied to Delta SkyMiles, which can fluctuate in value
  • Lounge access not included (unlike higher-tier Delta cards)

Who Should Apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express?

This card is ideal for:

  • Frequent Delta travelers
  • Consumers who value elite status and want to qualify faster
  • Travelers who regularly check luggage
  • U.S. consumers who want premium travel perks without a luxury-tier annual fee
  • People who can take advantage of the companion certificate each year

Students or beginners may not find it as beneficial due to the annual fee and travel-focused rewards.

Competitor Comparison

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express

  • Lower annual fee
  • Fewer elite-status benefits
  • No companion certificate

Choose Gold if you want Delta perks at a lower cost.

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

  • General travel card with flexible points
  • Better for travelers who fly multiple airlines
  • No Delta-specific benefits

Choose Sapphire Preferred® if you want versatility instead of airline loyalty.

Final Thoughts on the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express is an excellent choice for U.S. consumers committed to flying with Delta and maximizing travel benefits.

Its rewards, elite-status boosts, and companion certificate offer meaningful long-term value. For frequent Delta flyers, the card is absolutely worth considering.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with banks, card issuers, or financial institutions.

All fees, rates, and benefit details may change at any time. Always check the official website of the card issuer for the most accurate and updated information before applying.

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