Bottom Line

If you fly Delta annually with a companion, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card can be a solid choice. It currently offers a 60,000-mile sign-up bonus (though past offers have reached 90,000 miles), so waiting for a higher bonus can 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 U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America, plus several statement credits. If you fly Delta at least once a year with a companion, this card may quickly justify its cost.

Why You Might Want This Card

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-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.

Exceptions To The Rule

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.

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 Fits In This Point Ecosystem

Of American Express’s four Delta-branded personal credit cards, Delta SkyMiles Platinum strikes a good balance of perks for its $350 annual fee. It’s ideal if you fly Delta once or twice a year with another person. If you fly more often or prefer First Class or Comfort+, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card has more benefits but carries a $650 annual fee.

If you’re an infrequent Delta flyer, consider the Delta SkyMiles Gold card. Its $150 annual fee is waived in the first year, and even though its sign-up bonus is currently 50,000 miles (previously as high as 80,000), it may still be enough if you only fly Delta occasionally. For a no-fee option, the Delta SkyMiles Blue card has minimal perks but can be a good downgrade path if you want to avoid annual fees without closing your account.

Personal Experience