An attractive rewards credit card for frequent Delta flyers.
Partner OfferWhile some American Express rewards cards offer great perks, like complimentary access to its exclusive network of airport lounges, you won’t get that perk with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (lounge access costs $ 39 per visit). However, you will get attractive rewards rates on several types of travel-related purchases along with other valuable travel benefits.
This card offers you the highest reward rate when you make purchases with Delta or spend on hotel bookings, which is great for those who regularly fly and stay out of town. However, it also offers elevated rewards at restaurants and U.S.supermarkets, which can help you rack up miles whether you’re away or at home. Further, purchases that don’t qualify for the higher reward rates still earn you miles. You can also get a great welcome bonus if you meet the spending requirement and will enjoy perks like a free checked bag and an annual companion pass. Overall, this will be a great card for many who fly Delta as their airline of choice.
To help you decide if it’s the best travel rewards card for you, here’s a more detailed look at its major pros and cons and how it compares to other offers.
What we like about the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- High rewards rate. With this card, you’ll be able to earn 3X miles on hotels and Delta purchases, 2X miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets and 1X miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Good welcome bonus. Earn 40,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $ 2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Plus, earn a $ 100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
- No foreign transaction fees. Frequent international travelers will love the fact there are no foreign transaction fees, which will help them save money while abroad. (See Rates & Fees)
- Lots of travel perks. You’ll get benefits like priority boarding, a free checked bag on Delta flights booked with your card, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance and more.
- Terms Apply
Things to consider
- Large annual fee. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card has a $ 250 (See Rates & Fees) annual fee, which will cut into your rewards.
- No intro APR offer. This card doesn’t have an interest-free period, so it isn’t ideal for balance transfers.
- No complimentary lounge access. To get access to the Delta Sky Club lounge, you’ll have to pay $ 39 per visit. If you like to hang out in airport lounges before your flights, you may want to find a card that lets you get in for free.
Travel rewards details
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers 3X miles on bookings made directly with hotels. It also offers 3X miles on Delta purchases, including flights and trips booked through the Delta Vacations platform. To maximize your rewards, make sure all of your travel purchases qualify for 3X miles. Flying with a different airline or making your reservation on a hotel booking site will earn you a much lower rewards rate of 1X miles.
With this card, you’ll also be able to earn 2X miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, plus 1X miles on everything else. And if you spend $ 25,000 in a calendar year, you’ll get 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). These are special points to help you qualify for Delta’s Medallion Status, which comes with perks like complimentary upgrades and priority boarding. You can qualify for this reward up to two times per year and earn a total of 20,000 MQMs.
Fee details
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card has a pretty big annual fee of $ 250 (See Rates & Fees). But it offers enough perks to justify the fee, such as an annual companion certificate for a round-trip domestic flight, which could be worth several hundred dollars depending on where you fly. You’ll also get a free checked bag on Delta tickets booked with your card (a $ 60 value), 20% back on in-flight purchases, priority boarding and more. Between these perks and the high rewards rate of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, the $ 250 (See Rates & Fees) annual fee seems worth it.
In addition, fees for late and returned payments can go up to $ 40, cash advances cost $ 10 per advance or 5% (whichever is greater) and balance transfers cost $ 5 per transfer or 3% of the amount (whichever is greater). But the card doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees, which is a definite plus for those planning to travel overseas (See Rates & Fees).
How does it compare to other travel rewards cards?
If you’re looking for a card allowing you to earn rewards on hotels, then the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a great option. But travelers who spend more on flights may want to go with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. You’ll earn 3X miles on Delta flights and 15,000 MQMs if you spend $ 30,000 in a calendar year (up to four times per year). If you prefer a card with a low annual fee and don’t mind missing out on MQMs, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card may suit you better.
| Card Name | APR | Annual Fee | Intro Bonus | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | 15.74% – 24.74% Variable See Rates & Fees | $ 250 (See Rates & Fees) | 40,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $ 2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Plus, earn a $ 100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months. |
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| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | 15.74% – 24.74% Variable (See Rates & Fees) | $ 0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $ 99 (See Rates & Fees) | 35,000 bonus miles after you spend $ 1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. |
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| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | 15.74% – 24.74% Variable See Rates & Fees | $ 550 (See Rates & Fees) | Earn 40,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $ 3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months |
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