The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card is a credit card designed for frequent flyers of Delta Airlines. With its bonus categories of three miles per dollar spent on hotels and Delta purchases, this card offers a range of perks that make it worth considering, despite its $350 annual fee.
One of the standout features of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Amex is its welcome offer. New cardmembers have the opportunity to earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 on their new card within the first six months of membership. This is a generous offer, valued at $1,200 according to TPG’s valuation of SkyMiles.
In addition to the welcome offer, the Delta Platinum Business Amex provides a suite of benefits that enhance the passenger experience. These include a 15% discount on award flight redemptions for Delta flights, an annual companion certificate that allows for a round-trip flight in the main cabin, and automatic Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) headstart of 2,500 MQDs each calendar year. Cardholders also have the opportunity to earn 1 MQD per $20 spent, helping them on their way to elite status.
Other valuable benefits include complimentary seat upgrades on eligible flights, a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, priority boarding, a 20% statement credit on in-flight purchases, and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment. Cardholders can also enjoy up to $120 in credits for Resy, an online restaurant reservation service, and up to $120 in ride-hailing credits.
When it comes to earning miles, the Delta Platinum Business Amex offers 3 miles per dollar spent directly with hotels and on eligible Delta purchases. Cardholders also earn 1.5 miles per dollar on transit and eligible U.S. shipping, as well as on all purchases over $5,000 (up to $100,000 spent per year). All other purchases earn 1 mile per dollar.
In terms of redeeming miles, the best option is typically for air travel. SkyMiles can be used not only on Delta flights but also on Delta’s SkyTeam airline partners, as well as non-alliance carriers like Virgin Atlantic and WestJet. While it may take some effort to find the best redemption options, there are often deep discounts available on round-trip tickets in economy or Delta One.
It’s worth noting that the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card does not come with Delta Sky Club airport lounge access. However, cardholders can redeem their miles for lounge access if desired, although this generally provides poor value.
When comparing the Delta Platinum Business Amex to other cards on the market, it’s important to consider individual needs and preferences. For those looking for a low annual fee or airport lounge access, other cards may be a better fit. However, if you frequently fly with Delta and can take advantage of the card’s benefits, the annual fee may be justified.
In conclusion, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card offers a range of valuable perks for Delta loyalists. While the $350 annual fee may seem steep, the benefits provided, such as the annual companion certificate and free checked bag, can make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re a frequent flyer with Delta and want to maximize your rewards and travel experience, this card may be a solid choice for you.