The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a mid-tier credit card in the Delta SkyMiles Amex family. With an annual fee of $350, it’s important to evaluate whether the benefits and perks of the card make it worth the cost. In this article, we will analyze the card’s features to determine its value.
The welcome offer for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card is 90,000 bonus Delta Air Lines SkyMiles after spending $4,000 within the first six months of card membership. According to The Points Guy (TPG), Delta SkyMiles are valued at 1.2 cents per point, making this offer worth $1,080. It’s worth noting that this offer ends on March 27. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you cannot receive this welcome offer if you are upgrading or downgrading from other SkyMiles Amex cards.
When it comes to earning rates, the Delta Platinum card is limited to earning Delta SkyMiles. Cardholders earn 3 miles per dollar on all Delta purchases and hotels booked directly, 2 miles per dollar on dining (restaurants, takeout, and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. These rates translate to a 3.6%, 2.4%, and 1.2% return on spending, respectively. While other cards may offer higher returns on everyday purchases, if you are a Delta loyalist, the airline-specific benefits and credits make this card a solid option.
Complimentary upgrades are available to cardmembers who do not have Delta SkyMiles Medallion status. These upgrades include Delta One (within the 50 United States), first class, and Delta Comfort+. However, it’s important to note that upgrades from being a cardmember alone are unlikely, as Medallion elite and upgrade certificates take precedence in the upgrade queue.
The Delta Platinum card offers several statement credits that can add value to cardholders. Firstly, there is a monthly up-to-$10 credit for ride-hailing services when paying with the card. This credit is valid for select ride-hailing services in the U.S. Enrollment is required. Additionally, cardholders receive monthly up-to-$10 Resy credits, which can be used at eligible U.S. Resy restaurants. Finally, the Delta Stays credit provides an annual up-to-$150 credit on Delta Stays, which can offset the cost of the annual fee.
Cardmembers also receive complimentary Hertz Five Star status, which includes a one-car-class upgrade (if available) and an extra 25% points earned on each rental. This benefit is useful for those who prefer Hertz as their car rental company.
The Delta Platinum card offers a way to jump-start qualification toward Medallion status. For every $20 spent, cardholders earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD). Additionally, cardmembers receive a head start of 2,500 MQDs deposited into their SkyMiles account every Medallion qualification year. Earning MQDs through credit card spending can help you achieve Medallion status without having to fly as frequently.
Another valuable benefit of the Delta Platinum card is the annual companion certificate. Cardmembers receive this certificate on their card year anniversary, which allows them to buy two round-trip tickets for the price of one plus taxes and fees. The companion certificate is valid on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, and Central American routes.
The Delta Platinum card also offers other benefits such as 15% off all Delta-operated award flights, priority boarding, free checked bags, a credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, 20% back on inflight purchases of food and drink, and travel protections.
In conclusion, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers solid monthly credits and a decent earning rate to help offset the $350 annual fee. If you make use of all the credits and fly Delta frequently, this card can be a valuable option, especially for Delta loyalists looking to achieve or maintain Medallion status. However, if you don’t utilize these credits or fly Delta often, there may be better options with lower annual fees.