Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card Review

Welcome to our in-depth review of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card. As a financial expert, I’ve scrutinized this card from various angles, considering its rewards program, benefits, fees, and overall value proposition. Whether you’re a small business owner or a frequent traveler, this review will help you determine if this card aligns with your financial goals and travel habits. Let’s dive into the specifics of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card Key Takeaways

Before we delve into the finer details, here are the key takeaways about the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card:
1. Reward Structure: Earn 3x miles per dollar on purchases made directly with Delta and hotels, 1.5x miles on large purchases of $5,000 or more (up to 50,000 additional miles per calendar year), and 1x miles on all other purchases.
2. Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
3. Annual Fee: $250 annually.
4. APR: 20.99% – 29.99% variable APR.
5. Credit Requirements: Good to Excellent credit (670-799).
6. Additional Perks: Priority boarding, free first checked bag, companion certificate, no foreign transaction fees, Delta Sky Club® per-visit rate, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® fee credit, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance plan, and car rental loss and damage insurance.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Generous Rewards on Travel and Large Purchases: The 3x miles on Delta and hotel purchases and 1.5x miles on large purchases make this card highly beneficial for frequent travelers and business owners with significant expenditures.
2. Valuable Welcome Bonus: The 100,000 bonus miles can significantly boost your SkyMiles account, providing a substantial head start.
3. Travel Perks: Enjoy priority boarding, a free first checked bag, and an annual companion certificate, enhancing your travel experience.
4. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, eliminating the extra cost of foreign transactions.
5. Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage, including trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, and car rental loss and damage insurance.

Cons

1. High Annual Fee: At $250 annually, the fee may be a deterrent for those who don’t travel frequently enough to maximize the benefits.
2. No Balance Transfer Option: This card does not support balance transfers, which can be a drawback for those looking to consolidate credit card debt.
3. Limited Redemption Options: The rewards are primarily geared towards Delta flights, which may limit flexibility in how you use your miles.
4. No Free Delta Sky Club® Access: While you get a discounted per-visit rate, free access to Delta Sky Club® is not included.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card Benefits

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card comes with a plethora of benefits tailored to enhance your travel and business experience. Here’s an in-depth look at what you can expect:

Reward Earnings

– 3x Miles on Delta and Hotel Purchases: Earn triple miles on purchases made directly with Delta and at hotels. This is particularly beneficial for those who frequently fly with Delta or stay in hotels for business or leisure.
– 1.5x Miles on Large Purchases: For large purchases of $5,000 or more, you earn 1.5x miles, up to 50,000 additional miles per calendar year. This is ideal for business expenses that tend to be higher.
– 1x Miles on All Other Purchases: Earn one mile per dollar on all other purchases, ensuring that every expenditure contributes to your SkyMiles balance.

Welcome Bonus

– 100,000 Bonus Miles: After spending $8,000 within the first 6 months, you’ll receive a hefty 100,000 bonus miles. This can be a game-changer, allowing for multiple domestic flights or a round-trip international flight depending on the destination and time of booking.

Travel Perks

– Priority Boarding: Enjoy Main Cabin 1 priority boarding on Delta flights, allowing you to find room for your carry-on bag and settle into your seat sooner.
– First Checked Bag Free: Save up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight with your first checked bag free.
– Companion Certificate: Receive a domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon card renewal, which can significantly offset travel costs.
– 20% In-Flight Savings: Get a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets when using your card.

Additional Benefits

– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Travel internationally without worrying about additional fees on foreign transactions.
– Delta Sky Club® Per-Visit Rate: Access Delta Sky Club® for an exclusive per-visit rate of $39 per person when traveling Delta.
– Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Fee Credit: Receive a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or up to an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck®.
– Trip Delay Insurance: Reimburse certain additional expenses if your trip is delayed more than 12 hours, up to $300 per trip, with a maximum of 2 claims per 12-month period.
– Baggage Insurance Plan: Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage when you purchase the entire fare with your eligible card.
– Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Coverage for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle when you use your card to reserve and pay for the rental.

Rate and Fee Information

– Annual Fee: $250 annually.
– Purchase APR: 20.99% – 29.99% variable APR.
– Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable APR.
– Cash Advance Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
– Penalty Fees: Up to $39 for late payments and returned payments.
– No Balance Transfer APR: Balance transfers are not available with this card.
– No Purchase Intro APR: There is no introductory APR for purchases.

Payment Flexibility

American Express offers flexible payment options, allowing you to choose how you pay your bill. You can manage your account and pay your bill online through the American Express website or mobile app, making it convenient to stay on top of your finances.

Security and Protection

– Purchase Protection: Protects eligible purchases against accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase.
– Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year on eligible purchases.

Conclusion

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card is a powerful tool for frequent travelers and business owners who can leverage its extensive benefits and rewards structure. While the $250 annual fee may seem steep, the card’s perks, including priority boarding, free checked bags, and the companion certificate, can quickly offset this cost for those who travel regularly.
The generous welcome bonus of 100,000 miles after spending $8,000 in the first six months is an attractive feature, providing a significant jump-start on your mileage balance. The lack of foreign transaction fees and the various travel insurances add to the card’s appeal, making it a robust option for international travel.
However, the card does have its drawbacks, including the absence of balance transfer options and the limited flexibility of rewards redemption primarily towards Delta flights. Additionally, the high variable APR and no free access to Delta Sky Club® might be points of contention for some users.
In summary, if you are a frequent Delta flyer or a business owner with substantial travel expenses, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card can offer tremendous value and significant rewards. Its extensive travel perks and insurance protections make it a compelling choice for those who can maximize its benefits, despite the high annual fee. For those who do not fit into these categories, it may be worth considering other cards with a more flexible rewards structure and lower fees.

About the Issuer: American Express®

American Express® is a globally recognized financial services corporation known for its reliable and customer-centric credit card products. They offer various cards catering to different needs, from personal to business, travel to everyday spending. American Express® is renowned for its exceptional customer service, robust security features, and extensive rewards programs.
Managing your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card is straightforward. You can usually pay your bill online via the American Express® website or mobile app, and their customer service is readily available to assist you with any inquiries or concerns.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right credit card involves weighing the benefits against the costs and understanding how well the card fits your lifestyle and financial habits. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card stands out for frequent travelers who can take advantage of its rewards and travel perks.
If the annual fee and specific rewards structure align with your spending and travel patterns, this card can offer substantial value and enhance your travel experience. However, if you prioritize more flexible rewards redemption or lower fees, exploring other options might be beneficial.
Ultimately, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express® Card is a strong contender for those looking to earn significant miles, enjoy travel benefits, and leverage the extensive protections and services offered by American Express®.