Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum Review: Ideal for Frequent Delta Travelers

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.

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.

50,000 Bonus Miles bonus miles

You'll earn a welcome offer of 50,000 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 ($100) 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: The Ascent'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

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.

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.

Our credit card methodology

At The Motley Fool Ascent, 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 The Ascent rates credit cards.