Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Review

Traveling can be both exhilarating and exhausting. For frequent flyers, especially those loyal to Delta Airlines, having the right credit card can make all the difference in enhancing the travel experience. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card stands out as a robust option for those who frequently travel and want to maximize their Delta benefits. In this comprehensive review, I will delve into every aspect of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, providing insights and evaluations based on my extensive experience in the financial sector. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone considering their first travel rewards card, this review will guide you through the pros, cons, and benefits of this card.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Review

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is designed specifically for those who are loyal to Delta Airlines and want to earn miles not just on flights, but also on everyday purchases. With a generous bonus miles offer and a range of travel benefits, this card aims to provide substantial value to its users.

Overview of Key Features

– Earn Miles: Earn 3x Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2x Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x Miles on all other eligible purchases.
– Welcome Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 6 months.
– Annual Fee: $250 annually.
– APR: 20.99% – 29.99% Variable.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: A significant advantage for international travelers.
– Medallion Status Path: Earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $25,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, up to two times.
– Companion Certificate: Receive an annual Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate upon renewal of your card.
– First Checked Bag Free: Save up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight per person.
Let’s explore these features in greater detail to understand how they can benefit you.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Key Takeaways

When evaluating a credit card, it’s crucial to quickly understand its primary benefits and drawbacks. Here are the key takeaways for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card:

Pros:

1. Generous Welcome Bonus: With the potential to earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after meeting the spending requirement, this card offers one of the most lucrative sign-up bonuses in the travel credit card market.
2. High Earning Rates: Earning 3x Miles on Delta purchases and hotel stays, and 2x Miles on dining and supermarket purchases, allows users to accumulate miles rapidly.
3. Travel Perks: Benefits such as the annual companion certificate, first checked bag free on Delta flights, and access to Delta Sky Club at a discounted rate enhance the overall travel experience.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees: This makes the card ideal for international travel, ensuring you can use it abroad without incurring extra charges.
5. Medallion Status Boost: Frequent Delta flyers can earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) to help achieve or maintain elite status with Delta.

Cons:

1. Annual Fee: At $250 annually, the fee might be a deterrent for some users. However, frequent travelers can easily offset this cost through the card’s benefits.
2. No Complimentary Lounge Access: While you get access to Delta Sky Club at a discounted rate, complimentary lounge access is not provided.
3. High APR: With a variable APR ranging from 20.99% to 29.99%, carrying a balance on this card can be expensive.
4. Limited Balance Transfer Options: The card does not offer an introductory balance transfer APR, making it less ideal for those looking to transfer existing credit card debt.
By understanding these key takeaways, you can better assess whether the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card aligns with your travel and financial goals.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Pros and Cons

Every credit card comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break down the pros and cons of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in more detail.

Pros:

1. Generous Welcome Bonus

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers a generous welcome bonus of 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. This can significantly boost your SkyMiles balance, providing ample opportunities for free flights or upgrades.

2. High Earning Rates

– 3x Miles on Delta Purchases: This includes flights, seat upgrades, in-flight purchases, and more, making it easy to rack up miles quickly if you frequently fly with Delta.
– 3x Miles on Hotel Stays: Earn miles on purchases made directly with hotels, which is ideal for business or leisure travelers who often stay in hotels.
– 2x Miles at Restaurants and U.S. Supermarkets: This includes global dining, takeout, and delivery in the U.S., making it easy to earn miles on everyday expenses.
– 1x Miles on Other Purchases: Earn miles on all other eligible purchases, ensuring you earn rewards on every dollar spent.

3. Annual Companion Certificate

One of the standout features of this card is the annual Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate you receive upon renewal. This benefit alone can offset the annual fee, especially if you frequently travel with a companion.

4. First Checked Bag Free

As a cardholder, you can check your first bag for free on Delta flights booked with your card. This can save you up to $60 on a round-trip flight per person, which is particularly valuable for families or those who travel frequently with checked luggage.

5. No Foreign Transaction Fees

For international travelers, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a significant advantage. You can use your card abroad without worrying about additional charges, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for overseas travel.

6. Medallion Status Boost

Frequent Delta flyers can earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $25,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year, up to two times. This can help you achieve or maintain elite status with Delta, which comes with additional travel benefits.

7. Travel Protection Benefits

The card offers several travel protection benefits, including Trip Delay Insurance, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, and a Baggage Insurance Plan. These protections can provide peace of mind and financial security when travel plans go awry.

Cons:

1. Annual Fee

The card’s $250 annual fee is relatively high compared to some other travel rewards cards. While the benefits can easily offset this cost for frequent travelers, it may be a deterrent for those who travel less often.

2. No Complimentary Lounge Access

While cardholders receive a discounted rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club, complimentary lounge access is not included. For those who prioritize lounge access, this might be a drawback.

3. High APR

With a variable APR ranging from 20.99% to 29.99%, carrying a balance on this card can be costly. It’s essential to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid high-interest charges.

4. Limited Balance Transfer Options

The card does not offer an introductory balance transfer APR, making it less suitable for those looking to transfer existing credit card debt. The lack of balance transfer options means you’ll need to look elsewhere if this is a priority for you.

5. Spending Requirement for Welcome Bonus

To earn the welcome bonus, you must spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. While this is achievable for many, it may be challenging for some users, particularly those with lower monthly spending.
By weighing these pros and cons, you can determine whether the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card aligns with your travel habits and financial situation.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Benefits

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers a range of benefits that can enhance your travel experience and provide added value. Let’s explore these benefits in detail.

1. Welcome Bonus

As mentioned earlier, the card offers a generous welcome bonus of 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. This bonus can be used for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel expenses, providing significant value right from the start.

2. Earning Miles

– 3x Miles on Delta Purchases: Earn 3x Miles on Delta flights, seat upgrades, in-flight purchases, and more.
– 3x Miles on Hotel Stays: Earn 3x Miles on purchases made directly with hotels.
– 2x Miles at Restaurants and U.S. Supermarkets: Earn 2x Miles on dining, takeout, delivery, and supermarket purchases.
– 1x Miles on Other Purchases: Earn 1x Miles on all other eligible purchases.

3. Annual Companion Certificate

Receive an annual Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate upon renewal of your card. This certificate can be used for a companion to fly with you on a round-trip Delta flight, providing significant savings and value.

4. First Checked Bag Free

Cardholders can check their first bag for free on Delta flights booked with the card. This benefit can save you up to $60 on a round-trip flight per person, making it particularly valuable for families or frequent travelers.

5. Medallion Status Boost

Earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $25,000 in purchases on your card in