Best in Class
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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. It currently offers a 60,000 (current special 80,000)-mile sign-up bonus, although past offers have reached 90,000 miles, so waiting for a higher bonus might be advantageous. Even if you can't wait, the benefits can easily offset the $350 annual fee.
These perks include a yearly companion certificate valid for a main cabin flight within the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America. You'll also receive several statement credits. If you fly Delta at least once a year with someone else, this card may quickly justify its cost.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum card is well-suited for people who fly Delta once or twice per year, especially if they travel with a companion. Its standout feature is an annual companion certificate good for a main cabin flight within the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America. The current 60,000 (current special 80,000)-mile bonus can cover one or two round-trip flights, depending on the route, although previous offers have been as high as 90,000 miles. The $350 annual fee is offset by the companion certificate and additional credits, such as:
- $120 in annual rideshare credits
- A $150 Delta Stay credit
- $120 in Resy credits
- A free checked bag
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- Hertz 5 Star status
- 15% savings on award travel booked with miles
If you fly Delta once or twice a year with a partner, friend, or colleague, this card can deliver substantial ongoing 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
American Express offers four co-branded Delta personal credit cards. For frequent Delta flyers or those who prefer premium seating options, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card deserves consideration. This premium card provides enhanced benefits compared to the Platinum version, though it comes with a higher annual fee of $650. Benefits include a companion certificate valid for first class travel, Delta Sky Club access, and various statement credits to help offset the annual fee. This card is best suited for travelers with strong Delta loyalty.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold card represents a more economical option below the Platinum tier. Its $150 annual fee is waived for the first year, making it an attractive choice for occasional Delta flyers who might not use the airline consistently every year. The welcome offer of 50,000 miles provides excellent initial value.
The Delta SkyMiles Blue card carries no annual fee but offers minimal benefits. While not recommended as a primary application that would occupy a valuable 5/24 position, it serves well as a downgrade option if you wish to avoid annual fees on other Delta cards after the first year without completely canceling your account
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
Bonus Points
80,000
Minimum Spend
$4,000 / 6mo
Point Value
1.2 ¢
Annual Value
Annual Fee
$350
1st Year Value
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Differentiating Perks
Anniversary Companion Certificate
15% Discount on Every Delta Flight
3X on Hotels
3X on Delta Purchases
2X on U.S. Restaurants
2X on U.S. Grocery Stores
Card Extras
Extra
Worth/Fit
Est. Value
Total Annual Value
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No extras to display for this card.
Card Benefits
No benefits are available for this card.
Historical Card Offers
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Average Frequency
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Average Offer Length
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Estimated Next Offer
Start Date
Offer Length
Bonus
Minimum Spend
Spend Categories
3.6¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
3.6¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.4¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
2.4¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
1.2¢
Per Dollar
Spent
Spent
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
Point Transfer Options
+4 Lower Value Transfers Show
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database:
Ranking of Cards Offering Delta SkyMiles
Downgrade Options
Delta SkyMiles Blue
Delta SkyMiles
Delta SkyMiles Gold
Delta SkyMiles