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If you fly Delta Air Lines with some frequency, you’re probably aware that there are a variety of Delta-branded credit cards available. American Express issues this range of cards and has done an exceptional job of marketing it to Delta flyers.
Amex has also made sure the collection includes a card match for any type of Delta traveler, from the infrequent flyer to the Delta loyalist.
Today we’re going to look at the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. It’s not as packed full of benefits as the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, but it does offer great value for the frequent Delta traveler with a lower annual fee.
In this article, we’ll cover the earning potential of the card, your redemption options, any Delta-associated benefits that come with the card, how the card helps you reach elite status faster, and the card’s travel/shopping benefits and protections.
Let’s dig in!
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesFrequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.
A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning free flights and other valuable rewards.
There are a lot of ways to earn Delta SkyMiles, especially when you take advantage of the bonus categories available on its co-branded cards — here’s how:
Welcome bonuses vary depending on when you apply for a Delta-branded card. However, you can expect to receive tens of thousands of Delta SkyMiles for meeting minimum spending requirements on your Delta Platinum card within the first 3 months after card approval.
Hot Tip: See how you might be eligible for an 80,000- or even 100,000-point welcome bonus for the Delta Platinum card — it only takes about 60 seconds to check online.
Use your card for Delta purchases and receive 3 miles for every dollar you spend.
When you fly, you may need a hotel room at your destination. Fortunately, you’ll also earn 3 miles for every dollar you spend directly with hotels worldwide. Prepaid hotel nights and nights booked with third parties do not qualify.
Use your card to pay when dining at restaurants worldwide and earn 2 miles for every dollar spent. Back at home, you’ll not only be earning at restaurants — you’ll also earn 2 miles per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets.
You’ll be earning at least 1 mile per dollar on every eligible purchase you make with the card.
There is no set limit on how many miles you can earn each year by spending on your card.
Log in to your Delta Platinum card account and refer a friend to receive 10,000 to 20,000 SkyMiles once your friend is approved for a Delta-branded credit card.
There’s no additional charge to add an authorized user to your card. Their purchases earn SkyMiles that will be deposited into your SkyMiles account.
Bottom Line: Enjoy elevated earnings of 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and at hotels worldwide. Your dining and U.S. supermarket purchases also receive elevated earnings of 2 miles per dollar spent. Every purchase you make earns at least 1 mile per dollar spent and there is no limit on how many miles you can earn.
Delta Platinum card members and additional card users can receive access to Sky Club lounges when traveling on a same-day Delta or partner airline flight. Delta Platinum card members will pay just $50 per person, with up to 2 guests per visit. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available.
Cardmembers and up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation will enjoy Main Cabin 1 priority boarding. The reservation must be paid for with the Delta Platinum card.
Pay for your Delta flight with your eligible card and receive a free checked bag for you and up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation.
Each year on your card anniversary, you’ll receive a Main Cabin companion certificate. Purchase your round-trip domestic flight ticket and you’ll get a companion ticket for just the cost of the taxes and fees, which cannot exceed $75.
Select itineraries within the contiguous 48 states are eligible.
Use your card for inflight purchases and receive a 20% statement credit. Examples of eligible purchases include headsets, pre-purchased meals, inflight food, and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages.
Use your Delta Platinum card to pay for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee and receive a statement credit of up to $100 every 4 years for Global Entry or $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck.
You’ll earn a lot more miles by spending on the Delta Platinum card and, as a result, have a lot more SkyMiles to redeem.
Not all of these redemption options are exclusive to the Delta Platinum card, but we’re including them to illustrate the multitude of ways to redeem miles earned on the card.
Delta Platinum cardmembers can enjoy the option of paying for specific Delta flights using miles. You’ll receive $50 off the price of the ticket for every 5,000 miles redeemed.
Tickets purchased via Pay with Miles earn redeemable SkyMiles and the portion of the ticket paid for in cash will earn Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) toward elite status.
While Delta does not publish an award chart, you can still find good value using your Delta SkyMiles for award flights. Flights normally start at 10,000 miles but Delta runs flash sales where flights can be even less.
Just note that you’ll typically pay much more for international award flights, especially in premium classes.
Not only can you redeem your SkyMiles for Delta flights, but you can also purchase award tickets on several Delta partner airlines and SkyTeam Alliance member airlines.
Hot Tip: For tips on getting the best value for your SkyMiles with Delta and partner airlines, we’ve put together this list of redemption possibilities.
Use your SkyMiles to upgrade your seat during the booking process or on an existing reservation. You can also use your miles to pay for same-day confirmed flight fees, redeposit fees on award miles, or change fees.
Learn more about upgrading to business or first class with Delta.
If you fly frequently on Delta, the Sky Club just may be your home away from home. Did you know you can pay for your Sky Club membership using Delta SkyMiles?
To purchase an annual Executive Sky Club membership that allows unlimited complimentary access for you and up to 2 guests, you’ll need to spend 149,500 miles. Individual memberships cost 69,500 miles and allow up to 2 guests for $39 each per visit.
You can enjoy a glass of premium Dom Pérignon Champagne at the Sky Club for 2,600 SkyMiles (or $39), while the whole bottle will set you back a reasonable 13,000 SkyMiles (or $195). You can also use miles to purchase other premium drinks.
While the value you receive may not be as strong as when you redeem for flights or Sky Club drinks, there are several additional redemption options for your SkyMiles, including Delta Vacations and Delta Experiences.
You can also use your miles to purchase gift cards, magazines, or to make a charitable donation.
Bottom Line: There are several ways to redeem your SkyMiles, including award flights on Delta and partner airlines, upgraded seating, change fees, Sky Club membership, Sky Club premium drinks, charity donations, gift cards, and Delta Vacations/Experiences.
To earn Medallion status with Delta, you must fly the required amount of Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) or flight segments (MQSs) and meet certain qualifying spending requirements for flights (MQDs). **Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available.
Spending on your Delta Platinum card, however, can help you earn extra MQMs and even waive the MQD requirement to help expedite your path to Delta elite status.
Delta Platinum cardholders can earn valuable MQMs by spending on their card.
With Delta Status Boost, you can earn 10,000 MQMs 2 times per year after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year. MQMs count toward elite status and are different from the redeemable SkyMiles used to purchase award flights. 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.
Once you’ve spent $25,000 on your Delta Platinum card in a calendar year, the MQD requirement for Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medallion elite status is waived. To waive the MQD requirement for Diamond Medallion status, you must spend $250,000 on the card in a calendar year. 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.
Waiving either MQD requirement by spending on your card also gives you priority for a complimentary upgraded seat over those who have not met the requirement in the current calendar year, all else being equal.
Bottom Line: Delta Platinum card members can enjoy a faster path to qualifying for Medallion Elite status by spending on the card. Cardmembers can earn up to 20,000 MQMs and waive the annual MQD requirement in each calendar year.
If your flight is delayed 12 hours or more, you could receive up to $300 for reimbursement of eligible expenses.
Receive up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage per person, per trip, that is lost, stolen, or damaged. Checked luggage has a benefit limit of $500 per person, per trip. Coverage is secondary to any other coverage that might apply, including coverage with the airline.
Tickets on the common carrier must be paid for with your eligible card.
Reserve and pay for your rental car with your card, decline the rental agency’s CDW or LDW coverage, and receive coverage of up to $50,000 if the car is damaged or stolen. Coverage is secondary to any other car insurance that would otherwise cover the loss.
Use the hotline 24/7 when you’re 100 miles or more away from home. Receive assistance with lost luggage, translation services, passport replacement, and more.
Your Delta Platinum card can join you on your international travels as there will be no foreign transaction fees incurred when using your card.
Purchase an eligible item with your card and receive up to $10,000 in coverage if the item is damaged or stolen. Coverage is limited to 90 days from the date of purchase and the benefit limit is $50,000 a year.
The manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or less will be extended for an additional year when the eligible item is purchased with your card.
Use your card to charge at least $2,000 of the purchase price and receive up to $2,000 in post-purchase benefits. You’ll also receive competitive (or even discounted) pricing on your purchase.
The Delta Platinum card is issued by American Express who offers statement credits and additional earning opportunities to its cardholders in the form of Amex Offers.
You’ll find these offers posted to your online card account. Simply add the offer to your card, make the eligible purchase, and receive a rebate or extra earnings.
Hot Tip: You could save hundreds of dollars each year using Amex Offers. See our guide to the best current Amex Offers, covering travel, dining, entertainment, and shopping offers.
Delta Platinum cardholders now receive up to $1,600 in cell phone protection (2 claims per year with up to $800 for each claim) against theft and damage, including cosmetic damage (like a cracked phone screen). Each claim has a $50 deductible and your monthly phone bill should be paid with your Delta Platinum card to receive coverage.
If you’re flying frequently with Delta, having a Delta-branded credit card makes a lot of sense, especially if you don’t have elite status. The Delta Platinum card features elite-like perks including free checked bags, priority boarding, discounts for lounge access, and more. All of these make the card worthy of your consideration if you’re a Delta flyer.
If you’re currently paying for Delta Sky Club membership, however, you should consider the Delta Reserve card, which includes complimentary lounge access. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 10 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
Although the Delta Reserve card has a higher annual fee than the Delta Platinum card, perks like Sky Club membership and a first class companion certificate make it a worthwhile choice if you can use those benefits.
If you’re a business owner and fly Delta, you’ll also want to review the benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card and/or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here.
Yes, the Delta Platinum card is worth it if you fly Delta often and can utilize the benefits.
For example, you can save plenty by having a free checked bag for you and your traveling companions each trip. If you normally pay for Delta Sky Club access or you can utilize the companion ticket certificate, you’ll save even more.
Being able to pay for your flights with miles, having priority boarding, and the ability to reach Delta elite status faster are all additional benefits that provide value to the Delta flyer.
While you cannot transfer your Delta SkyMiles to other airlines, you can book award flights on partner airlines and on other SkyTeam alliance airlines.
This effectively allows you to book flights to over 1,000 destinations using your Delta SkyMiles.
Normally it takes at least 10,000 SkyMiles to book a one-way award ticket but most flights will cost you much more. Delta also runs flash sales where ticket prices are reduced.
The “Pay with Miles” benefit that comes with your Delta Platinum card allows you to use a minimum of 5,000 SkyMiles towards the purchase of an eligible flight.
You’ll receive $50 off the price of the ticket for every 5,000 miles redeemed, and you can cover just a portion or the entire cost of the ticket.
The Delta Platinum card does not come with complimentary Delta Sky Club Access.
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Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
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9 comments
Barbara Nagel
August 17, 2020
How do I get my 1 year free round trip companion ticket on my Platinum card?
Christine Krzyszton
August 17, 2020
Hi Barbara. You can log in to your Delta SkyMiles account online at Delta.com and it will be located in the section titled “Certificates and eCredits” under your SkyMiles section. You can just click on the cert to redeem it yourself online or you can also call Delta and they can find and redeem it for you.
Dennis Dorr
September 08, 2020
I had a Delta companion flight ticket to use before April 2020 so I booked a flight to Vegas. Then Covid shutdown Vegas, I canceled and was told my companion flight would be good until 12-31-2020. I then booked another flight to Vegas for late August I needed to cancel because of not feeling it’s safe yet. Again the companion flight was reinstated good until 12-31-2020. If the covid isn’t any better by then will American Express extend the expiration date of my companion flight ?
Christine Krzyszton
September 08, 2020
Hi Dennis. It is possible. Currently, all companion tickets that were due to expire March 1 through June 30, 2020, were extended through 12/31/2020. Companion tickets that were due to expire July 1, 2020, through April 1, 2021, were extended by 6 months. We will have to wait and see if more extensions will be granted.
Anthony C
April 06, 2023
Delta bumped up the SkyClub day pass fee to $50 per person for Delta Platinum Amex cardholders and up to two guests.
Christine Krzyszton
April 07, 2023
Hi Anthony. You are correct, the fee was increased in February 2023. I have updated the article. Thanks for the heads up.
Belinda Pagaduan
May 21, 2023
Hi Christine. Are authorized users for Delta Amex Platinum also eligible for the Global Entry credit – even if the primary card holder has applied for it already? Thank you!
Christine Krzyszton
May 21, 2023
Hi Belinda. Unfortunately, only 1 credit applies. American Express clarifies in the terms/conditions: “Card Members will receive a statement credit for the first program (either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck) to which they apply and pay for with an eligible Card. The charge for the application fee can be made by the Basic Card Member or any Additional Card Members on a single Card account. Card Members can receive no more than one credit for up to $85 for TSA PreCheck or $100 credit for Global Entry (but not both programs), depending on the program for which the Card Member first applies”.
Peter Farrell
July 01, 2023
I see above they do not get TSA credit, but can they take advantage of other benefits like priority boarding and first bag free? Thank You
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