2021 Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card Review

Delta Platinum Amex Review Verdict

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a valuable addition to any frequent Delta flyer’s wallet. In return for the $250 Platinum Delta SkyMiles annual fee, cardholders get an annual Delta companion certificate, a free checked bag on Delta flights, and a fee credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, among other benefits.

The Platinum Delta SkyMiles Card’s generous initial bonus - 40,000 miles for spending $2,000 in the first 3 months - will cover several years of the annual fee right out the door. The card gives ongoing bonus rewards in multiple categories, too, including 3 miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases and hotel purchases, 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else.

If you aren’t sure whether the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card is up your alley, here’s a breakdown of its important features and flaws. Spoiler alert: Like many rewards and travel credit cards, the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card isn’t a smart option for carrying a balance, due to its potential for a high interest rate.

Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Highlights

Very Valuable Initial Bonus

The initial bonus - 40,000 miles + 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) for spending $2,000 in the first 3 months - will more than pay for the card’s annual fee, especially when redeemed for Delta airfare. The extra MQMs don’t have any monetary value, but they give cardholders a head-start to earning Medallion status in the SkyMiles loyalty program.

Valuable Ongoing Rewards

Cardholders are rewarded with 1 - 3 miles per $1 spent, depending on the spending category. You’ll get 3 miles per $1 spent with Delta and directly with hotels, 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else.

Savings and Perks for Delta Loyalists

Platinum Delta SkyMiles offers reimbursement for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry once every 4 to 4.5 years. In addition, cardholders get discounted day passes ($39 each) for Delta Sky Club airport lounges on the day of a departing Delta flight, along with up to 2 guests at the same rate. Plus, cardholders earn an annual Delta companion certificate (good for Main Cabin fare) every year they renew their card.

Faster Path to Delta Medallion Status

The easiest Medallion status to get is Silver, which requires 25,000 MQMs and $3,000 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) in a year. Platinum Delta SkyMiles cardholders get 5,000 MQMs with their initial bonus, and spending $25,000-$50,000 on the card in a calendar year will net another 10,000-20,000 bonus MQMs. Plus, throughout 2021 you can earn an additional 2,500 MQMs each time you spend $25,000, up to 2 times. After those bonuses, all you have left to do is spend $3,000 on Delta airfare to reach Silver Medallion status.

No Foreign Fee

Platinum Delta SkyMiles has a foreign transaction fee of 0%. Credit cards that charge foreign fees charge an average of 2.7% on every purchase made or processed abroad. A lack of foreign transaction fees is common with travel credit cards.

Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Lowlights

Above-Average Annual Fee

Platinum Delta SkyMiles isn’t exactly cheap – its $250 annual fee is far above the market average. But for regular Delta travelers, its perks will outweigh the cost, especially in the first year.

Potential for High APR

Steer clear of carrying balances on the Platinum Delta SkyMiles American Express Card. The regular APR range is 15.74% - 24.74% (V), and paying interest will quickly eat away at the card’s overall value.

Other Things to Consider About the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card

Limited Acceptance Abroad

Cards on the American Express network are not as widely-accepted abroad as Mastercard or Visa but maintain wide acceptance in the U.S.

High WalletHub User Ratings

Over 50% of the user reviews on WalletHub give the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card at least 4 out of 5 stars.

Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card vs. Popular Competitors