Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
If you fly Delta annually with a companion, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card can be a solid choice. Its biggest benefit is the annual companion certificate, which is valid for a main cabin flight within the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America. The card also offers a 60,000 (current special 80,000)-mile sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 (currently $4,000) in six months. We generally recommend waiting for an elevated offer because of Amex's 1/7 Rule, but even at the standard offer, the companion certificate and statement credits can help offset the $350 annual fee.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum card is well-suited for travelers who fly Delta once or twice per year, especially with a companion. Its standout feature is an annual companion certificate, valid for a main cabin flight within the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America. For many cardholders, this benefit alone can offset a large portion of the $350 annual fee.
The card also comes with a 60,000 (current special 80,000)-mile sign-up bonus, which can cover one or two round-trip flights depending on the route.
Additional benefits include:
- $120 in annual rideshare credits
- $150 Delta Stays credit
- $120 in Resy credits
- First checked bag free on Delta flights for the primary cardholder and up to 8 additional companions on the same reservation.
- Eligible Basic Card Members also get a second checked bag free on qualifying domestic Delta itineraries, but companions do not receive the second bag free unless they also have an eligible Delta Amex.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- Hertz Five Star status
- 15% savings on Delta award travel booked with miles
If you fly Delta once or twice a year with a partner, friend, or family member, the combination of the companion certificate and ongoing credits can provide substantial long-term value.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:
- If you fly Delta more than a few times per year, you might get more value from the higher-fee Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.
- If you usually fly alone, the companion certificate might not be worth the cost.
What to Know About Delta SkyMiles
Delta is a good point system for both domestic and international flights.
- Delta offers many cards, making initial collection relatively easy. But the Amex 1/7 Rule limits that ability over time.
- Delta is part of the Amex partner reward system and is a decent transfer value.
- We save Delta points for specific flights, perhaps direct domestic or best value international.
- We use easier-to-collect point systems such as Southwest and American ahead of Delta.
How The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card Fits In The Delta SkyMiles Ecosystem
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum sits in the middle of Delta's personal card lineup and is often the sweet spot for travelers who fly Delta regularly but don't need premium lounge access. Before applying for multiple Delta cards, be sure you understand the Delta Family Rule, which can affect your eligibility for future welcome offers.
- Delta SkyMiles Gold: A better fit for occasional Delta flyers who want a lower annual fee. Its $150 annual fee is waived in the first year, and it still offers a strong, 50,000-mile welcome bonus.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve: The premium option for frequent Delta travelers that comes with a 70,000-mile signup bonus. It offers Delta Sky Club access, a companion certificate that can be used for First Class travel, and additional statement credits, though it comes with a much higher $650 annual fee.
- Delta SkyMiles Blue: Delta's no-annual-fee card. We generally don't recommend using a 5/24 slot on it, but it can be a useful downgrade option if you want to avoid annual fees while keeping your account open.
The Platinum is often the best long-term fit for Delta flyers who travel with a companion. Its annual companion certificate and statement credits provide meaningful value without requiring the higher commitment of the Reserve card.
My Experience, No Filter
I’m not a fan of American Express Delta cards, but this one ended up being a win for my husband and me for two very specific perks.
First, the Delta Stay Credit was great. I booked a night at the Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort through the Delta Stays platform and saw a $150 credit on my next statement, which made the stay completely free. Everyone, myself included, love bragging rights of a free night at a luxury hotel.
Second, the flight to Aruba. I upgraded my Delta SkyMiles Gold card to Platinum near my renewal date, which moved the companion pass to my Gold anniversary and let me use it after only two months. With the companion pass, we got two tickets to Aruba for the price of one. I also used Delta points to book my mom’s flight, so we all got free checked bags.
I “loved” this card because it fit that specific trip perfectly. Now that it’s over, I’ll focus on more flexible cards.
Card Information
Differentiating Perks
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Historical Card Offers
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Estimated Next Offer
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Application Rules
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days
Amex will decline your application if you already have 5 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a sixth
When applying for Delta personal cards, start with the lowest tiered card in the family to be eligible for the signup bonus on each remaining card
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card)
After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
