Overview of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is an excellent option for frequent Delta flyers looking to enhance their journey towards elite status. This card includes premium benefits such as an annual companion certificate, priority boarding, and a complimentary checked bag on Delta flights. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
*The card rating reflects the opinions of Flying Frugal’s editors and is not swayed by the card issuer.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is highly recommended for those who frequently travel with Delta.
For an annual fee of $350 (check rates and fees), cardholders can enjoy beneficial features like an annual companion certificate and competitive earning rates.
This card is particularly suitable for individuals aiming for Delta Medallion elite status, thanks to its structure for earning Medallion Qualification Dollars.
Flying Frugal suggests that applicants generally possess a good to excellent credit score.
Let’s delve deeper into the Delta Platinum Amex to see if it aligns with your financial needs.
Pros and Cons of Delta Platinum Amex
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Welcome Offer for Delta Platinum Amex
New cardmembers of the Delta Platinum Amex can earn 90,000 bonus miles by spending $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months. This offer expires on October 29.
According to Flying Frugal’s September 2025 valuation, Delta miles are worth approximately 1.15 cents each, making this bonus worth around $1,035. It represents one of the highest bonuses typically available for this card.
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Note that previous holders of this card are generally ineligible for this welcome offer. American Express may also evaluate your overall card history when determining eligibility.
Delta’s credit cards are subject to family restrictions for bonus offers. If you’ve previously held a higher-tier Delta Amex, you might not qualify for this welcome bonus.
Fortunately, Amex will inform you if you are ineligible upon submitting your application, so pay attention to any notifications that appear afterwards.
Related: What credit score is required for Delta SkyMiles American Express cards?
Benefits of the Delta Platinum Amex
The Delta Platinum Amex offers numerous advantages for Delta travelers; let’s explore its key features and benefits. (Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.)
Elite Status Benefits
By utilizing Delta credit cards, cardmembers can earn elite status through MQDs. Delta Platinum Amex users accumulate 1 MQD for every $20 spent, with no ceiling on MQD earnings through card purchases.
Additionally, they receive a boost of 2,500 MQDs at the beginning of each Medallion Qualification Year.
Annual Companion Certificate
A key advantage of the Delta Platinum Amex is the annual companion certificate, which is awarded after each account renewal.
The companion certificate is applicable for round-trip domestic travel in the main cabin (valid for fare classes L, T, U, V, or X). You only need to cover taxes and fees for the companion ticket. However, basic economy fares (class E) and high-priced economy tiers are excluded.
This certificate is valid for travel across all 50 U.S. states, including Hawaii and Alaska, as well as destinations in the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico.
Utilizing this certificate for pricier flights can offset much (or all) of the card’s annual fee.
Additional Travel Benefits
The Delta Platinum Amex includes various extra perks that may be advantageous, including:
(Enrollment for select benefits is required; terms apply.)
*Registration in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program is necessary; terms apply.
Benefits like checked baggage and priority boarding are tied to your Delta SkyMiles account, allowing access even if you don’t book directly with your Delta Platinum Amex.
Moreover, non-SkyMiles Medallion Members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to Delta One (within the U.S.), first class, and Delta Comfort+ after Medallion Members and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders.
Related: 4 reasons the Amex Platinum might be the perfect card for Delta flyers
Earning Miles with the Delta Platinum Amex
Cardholders earn Delta SkyMiles on eligible purchases made with the Delta Platinum Amex. Specifically, mile earnings are as follows:
- 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and worldwide hotel stays
- 2 miles per dollar on dining purchases at restaurants globally (including U.S. takeout and delivery) and at U.S. supermarkets
- 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases
With Flying Frugal’s September 2025 valuation placing Delta SkyMiles at 1.15 cents, you’d effectively receive a return of 3.5% on Delta and hotel purchases, 2.3% on dining and supermarket purchases, and 1.2% on other purchases.
Although a dedicated Delta traveler may find earning bonus SkyMiles appealing, these returns aren’t particularly competitive when compared to other cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (check rates and fees).
Related: Best credit cards for everyday spending
Redeeming Miles with the Delta Platinum Amex
Delta’s SkyMiles program has faced criticism for its frequent devaluation of miles. Additionally, without a published award chart, redemption costs can be high.
Nevertheless, there are effective strategies for extracting value from the Delta SkyMiles program.
Delta frequently offers flash sales, with past promotions including one-way awards starting at as low as 2,000 SkyMiles and round-trip international flights for just 10,000 miles.
Taking advantage of stellar opportunities with SkyMiles for travel on Delta partner airlines can provide great value. This includes awards on SkyTeam partners like Air France and Korean Air, along with some non-alliance partnerships.
However, be aware that some partner awards may not appear on Delta’s website. Utilizing tools like ExpertFlyer (owned by Flying Frugal’s parent company, Red Ventures) or other SkyTeam resources like Flying Blue can help uncover availability prior to making a call for booking.
Flying Frugal spokesperson Clint Henderson recently redeemed over 73,000 SkyMiles for a flight from Mexico City to Brisbane, securing a lie-flat Delta One seat from Los Angeles to Brisbane.
Related: How to maximize your Delta SkyMiles redemptions
Alternative Card Options to the Delta Platinum Amex
If your interest in the Delta Platinum Amex stems from frequent Delta travels, you may also find these alternatives appealing:
Check our comprehensive lists for the best airline credit cards and top American Express options for additional choices.
Related: Delta Gold Amex vs. Delta Platinum Amex
Final Thoughts
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is potentially a valuable addition if Delta is your airline of choice. Although its $350 annual fee seems steep compared to the Delta Gold Amex, the card imparts considerable benefits, including an annual companion certificate that can yield substantial value.
However, if you don’t fly Delta often enough to fully leverage the card’s features, justifying the expense may be challenging.
To optimize your travel rewards, consider pairing the Delta Platinum Amex with another card that offers better earning potential in various categories.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, click here.
