Bottom Line
This card is going to be near the top of list for most business owners. But as with all Amex cards, we strongly suggest you wait till Amex extends a special offer for this Delta card (80,000 points). You're only eligible for a "once in a lifetime" sign-up bonus for each card. So we'd encourage you to wait for a larger offer than the standard 45,000 points. Your annual companion pass and 20,000 anniversary points will more than offset the $250 annual fee.
Why You Might Want This Card
Worth the $250 Annual Fee?
The $250 annual fee is on the high end. But what's included? Delta is wonderful for international and domestic flights -- and your SkyMiles don't expire. You get 3x miles on Delta purchases and hotels, a TSA PreCheck / Global Entry credit, and $100 statement credit after making a Delta purchase in the first 3 months. And after you reach your first anniversary, Amex will give you 20,000 SkyMiles points. So maybe that $250 isn’t looking so bad anymore. Plus as a business card, the fee is generally tax deductable.
Bring A Companion
One of the best things about this card is the annual companion certificate. Every year after your first anniversary, you’ll receive a main cabin round-trip companion certificate, good for a free domestic flight (excluding taxes and fees). Flying perks include free first checked bag for you and up to 8 guests on the same reservation, early boarding, and discounts for in-flight purchases.
Check out our Delta SkyMiles page for more details on how to best use Delta Points.
Exceptions To The Rule
About Delta SkyMiles
Delta SkyMiles are super easy to accumulate with American Express cards, whether they're specific for earning SkyMiles or American Express cards that have completely transferable and instant 1:1 ratio Amex points.
Redeeming SkyMiles isn’t difficult, but you might find that their value isn't as high as you'd think -- especially if you do a side-by-side comparison with our personal favorite, United. Delta’s redeeming quality, however, is the fact that they fly to over 325 locations. So sometimes when you want to go somewhere that United doesn't, you’ll find Delta’s got your back.
When Delta removed its online reward charts in 2015, no one was happy. Now, the more flexible you are, the more value you can squeeze out of your Miles -- especially when Delta runs one of its regular award sales that offer some deep discounts in economy and Delta One.
But the real ace up the sleeve here is booking international Business or First Class using alliances like China Eastern or one of their non-alliance partners like Virgin Atlantic. This can be done for fewer points than if you booked directly through the Delta website -- as long as the flight is operated by Delta, Delta Connections or Virgin Atlantic. Searching around for Delta’s flash sales based on region or utilizing one of their partners can get you a pretty impressive trip.
Where Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Fits In This Point Ecosystem
Personal Experience
