Delta Skymiles Platinum
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a premium airline credit card tailored for frequent Delta Air Lines travelers seeking to enhance their travel experience and accelerate their progress toward Medallion Status. With a suite of benefits ranging from an annual companion certificate to various travel credits, this card offers substantial value for those aligned with Delta’s services.
Key Features:
• Rewards Structure:
• Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on eligible hotel purchases.
• Earn 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Earn 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
• Annual Fee: $350.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Additional Benefits:
• Annual Companion Certificate: Upon card renewal each year, receive a companion certificate valid for a round-trip Main Cabin flight within the U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, or Central America. Taxes and fees apply.
• Travel Credits:
• Delta Stays Credit: Up to $150 annually in statement credits for prepaid hotel or vacation rental bookings through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Resy Credit: Up to $120 annually (up to $10 monthly) in statement credits for eligible U.S. Resy restaurant purchases. Enrollment required.
• Rideshare Credit: Up to $120 annually (up to $10 monthly) in statement credits for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• First Checked Bag Free: Enjoy a free first checked bag on Delta flights for yourself and up to eight companions on the same reservation, potentially saving up to $70 per person on a round-trip flight.
• Priority Boarding: Receive Zone 5 priority boarding on Delta flights, allowing earlier access to overhead bin space and a more relaxed boarding process.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry or up to $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck application fees when charged to your card.
• Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) Boost: Receive a $2,500 MQD head start each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for every $20 spent on the card, aiding in achieving elevated Medallion Status.
Pros:
• Valuable Travel Perks: The combination of the annual companion certificate, free checked bags, and priority boarding can lead to significant savings and enhanced travel comfort for Delta flyers.
• Generous Welcome Offer: The substantial welcome bonus can be a significant boost toward future award travel with Delta.
• Credits Offset Annual Fee: Utilizing the Delta Stays, Resy, and rideshare credits can effectively offset the $350 annual fee, making the card more cost-effective for those who can maximize these benefits.
Cons:
• High Annual Fee: The $350 annual fee may be a deterrent for some, especially if they cannot fully utilize the card’s credits and benefits.
• Limited Lounge Access: This card does not offer complimentary Delta Sky Club access, which may be a drawback for travelers seeking lounge amenities.
• Complex Credit Structure: The various credits come with specific monthly limits and enrollment requirements, necessitating careful management to maximize their value.
Considerations:
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is well-suited for individuals who frequently fly with Delta Air Lines and can take full advantage of its travel perks and rewards structure. The benefits, such as the annual companion certificate and various travel credits, can offset the annual fee for those who travel with Delta multiple times a year. However, for travelers who do not frequently fly with Delta or who seek more comprehensive travel benefits, such as lounge access, exploring other credit card options may be advisable.