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Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum Review: Ideal for Frequent Delta Travelers

Review Updated
Lyle Daly
Author: Lyle Daly
Lyle Daly
Lyle Daly
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Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. His work with Motley Fool Money and The Motley Fool has appeared syndicated in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.

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Of the four credit cards Delta and American Express offer, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is one of the premium options. It has a competitive welcome offer and an annual companion certificate, so it offers great value both upfront and on a year-to-year basis. Terms apply. There is, however, a $350 annual fee (see rates and fees). Learn whether this is the best Delta card for you in our Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card review.

Ratings Methodology

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Apply Now for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: n/a

Balance Transfers: n/a

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

1X-3X Miles

Annual Fee

$350

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000

  • The welcome offer, bonus miles categories, and Delta perks make this card's annual fee worth it if you fly on the carrier regularly.

    • Welcome offer
    • Free checked bag
    • Companion certificate
    • Travel credit
    • Annual fee
    • No complimentary airport lounge access
    • Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
    • Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
    • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
    • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
    • Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
    • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
    • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
    • Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
    • $120 Resy Credit: When you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $10 back each month in statement credits.
    • $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
    • You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
    • Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
    • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
    • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
    • $350 Annual Fee.
    • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
    • Terms Apply.
• Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. • If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. • Cell phone protection, purchase protection, baggage insurance, and car rental loss & damage insurance underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
 • Extended warranty underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

Offer Our Rating Welcome Offer Rewards Program APR Learn More
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash back on rotating categories 		Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. 1% - 5% Cashback Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro:

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024.

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for cash rewards on everyday spending 		$200 cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. 2% cash rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular: 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best for unlimited rewards on purchases 		25,000 points Circle with letter I in it. 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases 1.5 points per dollar Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.

Intro: Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular: 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Full Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum review

This credit card is a good fit for: Frequent flyers with Delta Airlines looking to save money and improve their travels. Couples, in particular, can get significant value from this card's companion certificate.

Top perks

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers a variety of useful benefits.

60,000 bonus miles

You'll earn a welcome offer of 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. That could cover multiple free flights with Delta, and it's a solid welcome offer for an airline credit card.

MORE OPTIONS: Best Sign-Up Bonus Credit Cards

Up to 3 miles per $1

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card has several bonus categories to boost your rewards. It earns:

  • 3x miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta
  • 3x miles on purchases made directly with hotels
  • 2x miles at restaurants, including U.S. takeout and delivery
  • 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets
  • 1x miles on all other eligible purchases
  • Terms apply

Free checked bag

You get your first checked bag free on Delta flights. The cost of your first checked bag with Delta is $30, so this benefit can add up quickly.

Annual companion certificate

Each year that you renew your card, you'll receive a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate. This allows one companion to join you without paying for a ticket. Payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of not more than $80 is required. Terms apply.

This is one of the card's most valuable perks, especially for couples. It can easily be worth over $500 if you use the companion certificate for expensive airfare.

Save on in-flight purchases

You'll receive 20% back in the form of a statement credit when you use this card for eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets. Terms apply.

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card will cover the cost of a membership with Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®. Receive either a statement credit available every four years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit available every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership through any Authorized Enrollment Provider for TSA Pre✓® (up to $85).

If you get this card, go with the Global Entry membership, as that includes a membership to TSA PreCheck. Terms apply.

No foreign transaction fee

Travel credit cards usually don't have foreign transaction fees, and this one is no exception (see rates and fees).

READ MORE: Motley Fool Money's Guide to the Best American Express Credit Cards.

What could be improved

Most credit cards have at least one or two areas where they could improve, and that's the case with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

Annual fee

With a $350 annual fee, this is one of Delta's more expensive credit cards. (See rates and fees.) Like all airline credit cards, the value you get is dependent on how much you travel. But it isn't hard to get your money's worth if you fly with Delta often and take advantage of this card's benefits.

If you have a regular travel companion, the annual companion certificate alone can make up for the fee. There's also the free checked bag, savings on in-flight purchases, and the miles you'll earn on purchases. If you're not confident this card is the right fit, then it's a good idea to look at other credit card reviews to see what else is out there.

No complimentary Delta Sky Club® access

As a Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card member, you and up to two guests or immediate family can purchase passes to visit Delta Sky Club® at a rate of $50 per person. You must be traveling on a same-day flight with Delta or a partner airline to qualify. Terms apply. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available.

On the one hand, this gives you the opportunity to visit Delta Sky Club®, as passes aren't sold to the general public. But I'm lukewarm about a credit card "perk" that simply gives you the right to buy something. If you're interested in airport lounge access, there are many cards that are better for that.

OTHER OPTIONS: Best Rewards Credit Cards

Find the best credit card for your needs
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Suggested credit score

A FICO® Score of 670 or above is recommended before applying for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. It is possible to get approved with a lower credit score, but it's an uphill battle. Consumers with good and excellent credit are the target market for top credit cards like this one.

The Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum is right for you if:

You fly with Delta often and you have a travel companion for at least one trip per year. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card has quite a few features, but making the most of it really depends on using the annual companion certificate. That's why it's best for couples and travelers who fly with someone else regularly. Terms apply.

Since Delta has multiple credit card options, you may want to check out the rest of its lineup if you're looking for a lower annual fee or more benefits. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card occupies the middle ground, offering significant value without a huge annual fee.

Apply now for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Terms apply

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Our credit card methodology

At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and 0% intro APR offers to evaluate our ratings.

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best card recommendations. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

FAQs

  • The credit limit for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card varies significantly for each card member based on their income and credit history. Credit limits can range from $1,000 to over $20,000.

  • The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card isn't hard to get for qualified applicants. The most important factor is your credit score. Most applicants who are approved have good credit, which is a FICO® Score of 670 or more.

  • No, Delta miles don't expire.