Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card review 2024: Comprehensive rewards for any Delta enthusiast
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
BLUEPRINT
Updated 12:50 p.m. UTC June 6, 2024
Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy.
Some of the offers/benefits in this post have been updated or are no longer available. Please see the issuer site for current product information.
The mid-tier Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (terms apply, rates & fees) offers elevated perks that benefit even the infrequent flyer.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card basics
- Annual fee: $350.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 85,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
- Rewards: Earn 3 miles per $1 on Delta and purchases made directly with hotels, 2 miles per $1 at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.
- APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases.
- Other perks and benefits: Annual domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate, first checked bag free, access to Delta Sky Club® at a rate of $50 per person per visit for you and up to two guests or immediate family when traveling on a Delta flight from now until 12/31/23. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available.
- Does the issuer offer a preapproval tool? Yes.
- Recommended credit score: Good to excellent.
About the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card makes sense for almost any Delta enthusiast. For a $350 annual fee, cardholders can earn 3 miles per $1 on Delta and purchases made directly with hotels, 2 miles per $1 at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases, an annual domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate, a first checked bag free perk for you and up to eight people traveling on your reservation.
These benefits are a big step up from the introductory Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (terms apply, rates & fees), which carries a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 annual fee. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum card could bring a lot of value to even infrequent Delta flyers, as you could potentially recoup the entire annual fee with just the annual companion certificate.
Although this card might not provide some of the luxury benefits that the even pricier $650-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers (terms apply, rates & fees), it’s still an excellent middle of the pack card. Currently on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card, you can earn 85,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This comes to just $500 per month in spending, which is an easily accessible way to earn these bonus miles.
Pros
- Round-trip main cabin companion ticket: Each year, on your account anniversary, you will receive a round-trip main cabin companion ticket. Bring a loved one on your trip and only pay government-imposed taxes and fees not exceeding $80.
- First checked bag free: Checked bags can cost up to $35 each way. If you take four round trip flights each year and check a bag each time, you’ve covered almost your entire annual fee.
- Fee credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry: TSA Precheck and Global Entry can elevate your travel experience and save you time in the airport. Enjoy a statement credit of $100 towards the application fee of Global Entry every 4 years or up to $85 every 4.5 years after applying for a five-year membership for TSA Precheck.
- Pay-per-visit access to the Sky Club: Cardholders have access to Delta Sky Club® at a rate of $50 per person per visit for you and up to two guests or immediate family when traveling on a Delta flight from now until 12/31/23. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available.
Cons
- Annual fee: Although the benefits can certainly outweigh the $350 annual fee, it is still worth considering.
- No automatic medallion status: It would be fantastic if this card offered Silver Medallion Status with membership, but it only offers 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $25,000 in purchases on your Delta Platinum Card, up to two times through 12/31/23. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.
- Somewhat limited international perks: If you want more than one point per dollar on delivery or groceries, you’ll have to be in the U.S. American Express isn’t necessarily accepted everywhere, either.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card rewards
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card rewards
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card offers a tiered earning structure:
- 3 miles per $1 on Delta and purchases made directly with hotels.
- 2 miles per $1 at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
- 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.
It’s important to note that you only earn a bonus point in U.S. supermarkets. Note that American Express does not consider discount or warehouse clubs like Costco as supermarkets, so you will earn just one mile per dollar on these purchases. Also, if you’re traveling internationally and using your card to buy groceries, these purchases will earn just one mile per dollar. However, there are no foreign transaction fees so you’ll see some savings there.
The welcome offer allows you to earn 85,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. That’s a generous window as you’ll need to spend just $500 on your card per month to earn the bonus.
The Medallion program has four tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. To reach each tier, you need to earn medallion qualification dollars (MQDs) and medallion qualification miles (MQMs). To reach the first tier of silver; you need 25,000 MQMs or 30 MQSs and $3,000 MQDs. You can forgo the MQD requirement with a waiver which you get during the first year of having the card if you spend $25,000.
You will earn 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $25,000 in purchases on your Delta Platinum Card, up to two times through 12/31/23. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.
You will likely redeem your miles for Delta flights, but you do have the option to redeem for purchases at SkyClubs, upgrade your seat, book SkyMiles experiences or even get a magazine subscription.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card rewards potential
Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has an annual income of $84,352 and $25,087 in expenses they are likely to be able to charge to a credit card.
| SPENDING CATEGORY | SPENDING AMOUNT | MILE PER DOLLAR | MILES EARNED |
|---|---|---|---|
Delta flights and hotels
| $2,056
| 3 miles
| 6,168 miles
|
Dining and U.S. grocery
| $6,985
| 2 miles
| 13,970 miles
|
Category
| $16,046
| 1 mile
| 16,046 miles
|
TOTAL
| $25,087
| 36,184 miles
|
The value of a point will vary depending on the route and time of year you choose to redeem your points. However, you should certainly be able to get at least one long-haul flight or a couple of short flights out of these points per year.
For example, you could fly nonstop from New York City (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) in Sept. 2023 for just 16,000 miles after the TakeOff 15 card member discount, plus $11.20 in taxes and fees. That’s less than half of what you would earn annually.
Shorter flights would be even less, like a flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Miami (MIA) in Sept. 2023 for as little as 7,600 miles plus $11.20 in taxes and fees.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card APR
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card has an ongoing 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases based on your creditworthiness. There is no introductory APR period with this card as of writing.
How the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card compares to other airline cards
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
The entry-level SkyMiles credit card is the Delta SkyMiles Gold (terms apply, rates & fees), with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 annual fee. Cardholders earn 2 miles per $1 on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases. After spending $10,000 on eligible purchases with your card in a calendar year, you receive a $200 Delta flight credit to use towards future travel.
Both cards give a checked bag free on Delta flights and 15% off award travel redemptions for eligible cardholders. If you only fly Delta a couple of times a year, you might be fine with the SkyMiles Gold, but if you want added benefits and are willing to pay a higher annual fee, the Platinum offers a greater value.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card vs. United Quest℠ Card * The information for the United Quest℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The United Quest Card has a $250 annual fee, just like the SkyMiles Platinum. However, instead of a companion certificate, cardholders receive an annual $125 statement credit on United purchases and two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits. You earn 3 miles per $1 at United, 2 miles per $1 on dining, select streaming services and all other travel and 1 mile on all other purchases. You get your first and second checked bag free when flying on United, which could save you up to $160 for a round trip flight. Currently, you can earn a welcome offer of 70,000 miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
The choice between the SkyMiles Platinum and United Quest cards will depend on which airline you prefer to fly. Each card offers substantial benefits and earnings for reasonable price points given their benefits.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
If you are leaning away from an airline-specific credit card and would rather have one that gives you the ability to fly any airline you’d like, look no further than the Chase Sapphire Reserve. There is a hefty $550 annual fee, but it comes with numerous benefits that can justify that cost. Cardholders automatically receive $300 as a statement credit as reimbursement for travel purchases booked through Chase Travel each year. You also receive an application fee credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry and Priority Pass Select membership with enrollment. Plus you’ll have the ability to transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to more than a dozen different hotel and airline partners.
Cardholders earn 5 points per $1 on flights and 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. Your points are worth 50% more value when redeeming for travel through Chase Travel℠.
These two travel cards are very different, as one allows you to transfer points to multiple airlines, and one is specific to Delta. There could be space for each in your wallet depending on your travel and financial goals.
our partner
Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Should you get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card is a solid option for Delta enthusiasts who want to elevate their travel experience without opting for a premium credit card like the premium-priced SkyMiles Reserve. To get the most value from SkyMiles Platinum card, you will want to use the companion certificate each year and regularly check bags. If you typically fly solo and aren’t sure if you would use the companion certificate, getting the SkyMiles Gold Card might make more sense. On the other hand, if you don’t like to fly in economy and prefer first class adventures, the SkyMiles Reserve could be a better option, as it gives cardholders a first class companion certificate.
Ultimately, if you like to fly on Delta Air Lines, you could indeed find plenty of benefits with the SkyMiles Platinum. But a general travel rewards card will make more sense if you want more flexibility in using your points.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card summary
| DELTA SKYMILES PLATINUM CREDIT CARD DETAILS | |
|---|---|
Annual fee
| $350
|
Rewards
| Earn 3 miles per $1 on Delta and purchases made directly with hotels, 2 miles per $1 at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases
|
Welcome bonus
| Earn 85,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership
|
APR
| 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases
|
Foreign transaction fees
| None
|
Major perks and benefits
| 15% off award travel redemptions for eligible cardholders, annual companion certificate, first checked bag free, fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, trip delay insurance¹, secondary car rental loss coverage & damage insurance², baggage insurance plan³
|
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Your ability to get approved for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum will depend on several factors, including your credit score, income, recent credit inquiries and credit utilization ratio, among others. If you are a qualified applicant, getting approved for the SkyMiles Platinum might not be challenging.
There is no stated income requirement for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, but you should have a steady source of income and demonstrate that you are able to pay the annual fee.
Yes. Upon approval, you will be notified of your credit limit, which will be based on your creditworthiness at the time of your application.
There is not one exact credit score that will guarantee approval for this credit card. However, a good to excellent credit score will increase your odds of getting approved. FICO defines a good credit score as 670 or higher. American Express will consider all aspects of your credit history when determining whether to approve your application, including your credit score, credit utilization ratio, payment history and more.
The exact valuation of your SkyMiles will depend on the route you are flying and the class of service you book. This will vary depending on the time of year, location, distance and more.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card please visit this page.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card please visit this page.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card please visit this page.
¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
²Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
³Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
*The information for the United Quest℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
