Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex overview
For frequent Delta flyers and hub-dwellers alike, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers a potent mix of value and perks. Beyond a tempting welcome bonus, this card tempts with a juicy annual companion certificate, triple miles on Delta purchases, and a gateway to the luxurious Delta Sky Club. But is the $350 annual fee worth the ride? Let’s dive in and explore why this card might just be your passport to Delta paradise.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex welcome bonus
The current welcome offer for the Delta Platinum Amex is 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within your first six months. Valued at 1.2 cents per mile, this translates to a sweet $900 travel boost!
While historical offers have been even more generous, reaching up to 90,000 miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) for specific spending requirements, the current bonus still packs a punch. Remember, I snagged a juicy 60,000-mile offer back when I added this card to my wallet, but keep in mind that past offers don’t guarantee future ones.
One important caveat: if you already hold (or have previously held) the Delta Amex Platinum, you might not be eligible for the current welcome offer. American Express also considers factors like your Amex card history and overall credit profile when determining offer eligibility. Don’t worry, they’ll promptly notify you before finalizing your application if you’re not eligible. So, keep an eye out for any messages after hitting submit to avoid disappointment.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex benefits
Travel Together, Save Big:
- Annual Companion Certificate: Enjoy a free main cabin round-trip flight to all 52 US States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America for a companion each year after your renewal. This essentially offsets the $350 annual fee, making it a fantastic value proposition for couples who travel frequently.
Elevate Your Status:
- Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs): Earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent on your card, with no annual limit. This helps you climb the Delta Medallion status ladder and unlock exclusive perks like priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and reduced award flight fees.
- MQD Boost: Starting February 2024, receive an additional $2,500 MQD bonus each year, giving you a head start on reaching higher Medallion tiers.
Travel Smarter and Smoother:
- 15% Award Flight Discount: Save 15% on Delta award flight redemptions (excluding taxes and fees) when you book with miles, making your travel budget stretch further.
- Free Checked Bag: Enjoy one free checked bag for yourself and up to eight traveling companions on every Delta flight, saving you hundreds on baggage fees.
- Priority Boarding: Skip the line with priority boarding in Main Cabin 1, ensuring you get the best overhead bin space and settle in quickly.
- 20% Inflight Discount: Get 20% statement credit on eligible in-flight purchases like snacks, drinks, and entertainment, making your onboard experience more affordable.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Get up to $100 statement credit towards the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, streamlining your airport security experience.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after using your enrolled Card for U.S. Rideshare purchases with select providers
- $120 Resy Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after using your enrolled Card for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants
- $150 Delta Stays Credit: Earn up to $150 back annually as a statement credit on eligible prepaid Delta Stays (hotels & vacation rentals) booked with your card on delta.com/stays
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Avoid pesky foreign transaction fees when using your card abroad, allowing you to budget more accurately for international travel.
Bonus Perks:
- Delta Sky Club Access: Enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs for you and up to two guests, offering comfortable lounge areas, refreshments, and Wi-Fi while you wait for your flight.
- Complimentary Upgrade List: Delta Skymiles Platinum Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta Skymiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members
- Complimentary Hertz Five Star Status: Transform your car rental experience with Hertz Five Star Status
- Shoprunner Membership: Get free 2-day shipping on eligible items from a network of over 100 online stores, making your online shopping experience more convenient.
- Travel Insurance: Receive complimentary travel insurance coverage for eligible trips booked with your card, providing peace of mind in case of unexpected events.
Remember:
- These benefits are tied to your Delta SkyMiles account, so you don’t need to book flights with your Delta Platinum Amex to enjoy them.
- Consider your travel habits and weigh the annual fee against the value you expect to get from these perks to determine if this card is the right fit for you.
Earning rewards
The Delta Platinum Amex turns your everyday spending into travel adventures with its flexible earning rates:
- Soar to new heights: Earn a generous 3 miles per dollar on every Delta purchase, from flights to hotels, making your travel budget stretch further.
- Dine and Dash: Savor delicious rewards with 2 miles per dollar at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, plus U.S. supermarkets. Fuel up for your next trip or treat yourself to a culinary escape.
- Everyday Earning: Every dollar spent on other eligible purchases earns you 1 mile, adding a sprinkle of travel magic to your daily routine.
Think of it like this: every dollar spent with Delta and at hotels translates to an effective return of 3.6% in Delta SkyMiles, while dining and supermarket purchases rack up 2.4% rewards. Even your daily expenses contribute with a 1.2% return. So, start swiping and watch your travel dreams take flight!
Redeeming rewards
Delta SkyMiles: Not As Scary As They Seem
Delta’s SkyMiles program often gets a bad rap among travel enthusiasts. Devaluations and the lack of a published award chart have tarnished its reputation. However, that doesn’t mean the program is entirely worthless. In fact, with a little know-how, you can still squeeze significant value out of your Delta miles.
Flash Sales Are Your Friend:
One of the best ways to snag incredible deals is by keeping an eye out for Delta’s frequent flash sales. These surprise offers can appear seemingly out of nowhere, slashing award prices down to incredibly low levels. In the past, we’ve seen:
- Domestic one-way awards starting at 2,000 SkyMiles
- Round-trip flights to Alaska for as little as 5,000 SkyMiles
- Transcontinental round-trips for just 10,000 SkyMiles
- European adventures at 16,000 SkyMiles round-trip
These flash sales are often time-sensitive, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant. Follow Delta’s social media channels and subscribe to email alerts to ensure you don’t miss out on these golden opportunities.
Be Flexible, Be Spontaneous:
The key to maximizing value with Delta SkyMiles lies in flexibility. Being open to different destinations and travel dates opens up a wider range of potentially lucrative deals. Consider alternative airports, explore shoulder seasons, and be willing to adjust your travel plans slightly to capitalize on flash sales.
Remember, even small award redemptions can be worthwhile. Using miles for domestic upgrades or short regional flights can be a savvy way to stretch your balance and elevate your travel experience.
So, while Delta SkyMiles might not be perfect, they still hold the potential for fantastic travel adventures. By embracing flash sales, flexibility, and strategic redemption, you can unlock hidden value and make the most of your Delta miles.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum worth having?
For four years, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card was my trusty travel companion. As a frequent Delta flyer and resident near a hub, its benefits easily outweighed the $250 annual fee. The annual companion certificate was a game-changer, often covering the cost of a round-trip flight for my partner, effectively turning the fee into a bonus.
However, travel tides have shifted. Reaching my nearest Delta hub has become increasingly cumbersome, dampening the card’s appeal. Additionally, the earning rates on my Amex Platinum and Amex Gold cards have proven more versatile and rewarding for our current travel needs.
That said, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card still holds a special place in my travel toolkit. The companion certificate, when paired with strategic flight choices, retains its power to unlock significant value. If not for the travel logistics, I would gladly keep this card in my wallet just for that perk.
So, is the Delta Platinum Amex worth it? It depends. For frequent Delta flyers with easy access to hubs, the card remains a potent travel weapon. But for those facing similar challenges, exploring alternative cards with broader earning and redemption options might be the wiser choice.
Ultimately, the Delta Platinum Amex is a card best judged by your individual travel habits and priorities. If you’re a Delta loyalist with convenient hub access, it can be a fantastic investment. But if your travel landscape has shifted, consider other cards that better align with your current needs.
Remember, the ideal travel card is like the perfect travel partner: it should complement your journey, not complicate it.
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