Is the Delta Platinum Amex worth the annual fee?
Editor's Note
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a mid-tier card with a $350 annual fee (see rates and fees).
When annual fees reach the $300-plus range, you start to question whether the benefits and perks make the fee worthwhile.
So, let's dive in and see if the Delta Platinum Amex is worth its annual fee.
Welcome offer
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum card offers new cardmembers to earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.
TPG's January 2025 valuations peg Delta SkyMiles at 1.2 cents per point, which makes this offer worth $1,080.
You might not be eligible for this welcome offer if you have or have had other SkyMiles Amex cards. If you want to upgrade or downgrade, you should check your Amex account and see if there are any offers.
American Express may consider other factors when determining your welcome offer eligibility. Make sure to pay attention to any messages that pop up during the application process.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular American Express cards based on offer history
Earning rates
The Delta Platinum Amex is limited to only earning Delta SkyMiles. This card earns 3 miles per dollar on all Delta purchases and hotels booked directly, 2 miles per dollar on dining (restaurants, takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Based on TPG's October 2024 valuations, these rates equate to a 3.6%, 2.4% and 1.2% return on spending, respectively.
Other cards have a higher return on spending than 1.2% on everyday purchases, but if you are a Delta loyalist, the airline-specific benefits and other perks make this a solid option.
Related: Best airline credit cards
Complimentary upgrades
Cardmembers who don't have Delta SkyMiles Medallion status are eligible to receive complimentary upgrades to Delta One (within the 50 United States), first class and Delta Comfort+ after Medallion members.
It is important to note that upgrades from just being a cardmember are unlikely as all Medallion elite and upgrade certificates will take higher precedence in the upgrade queue.
That said, even receiving just one upgrade in a calendar year can help offset the Delta Platinum Amex's annual fee.
Related: Secure a better seat: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Delta flights
Appealing credits
Ride-hailing statement credits
Users of ride-hailing services will value the fact that the Delta Platinum Amex has a monthly up-to-$10 statement credit (up to $120 every calendar year) after you use your card to pay for an eligible ride-hailing service. This credit is valid on select ride-hailing services in the U.S. Enrollment is required; terms apply.
Related: Uber unveils new family, group features to simplify the travel experience
Resy statement credits
Foodies can rejoice, as the Delta Platinum Amex has monthly up-to-$10 Resy credits. Cardmembers can receive up to $10 monthly in statement credits on eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants (up to $120 per calendar year).
Any restaurant on Resy is eligible for the credit if you pay using your Delta Platinum Amex. Enrollment is required; terms apply.
Amex states: "Eligible Resy purchases include purchases at U.S. restaurants that offer reservations on Resy.com and the Resy app, purchases made directly on Resy.com or in the Resy app, and purchases made via Resy Pay. Restaurants must be live on Resy.com or the Resy app at time of purchase to be eligible for the statement credit and are subject to change at any time. Purchases of Resy OS restaurant management software are not eligible."
This credit is valuable to me as I always eat out, and many restaurants are listed on Resy, so this can be treated as $10 off my meal price.
Delta Stays statement credit
Delta Platinum Amex cardmembers receive an annual up-to-$150 credit each calendar year on Delta Stays. To receive the credit, you must book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through the Delta Stays website.
This can add great value as, in some cities, you can easily find hotels or vacation rentals for under $150 a night, essentially netting you a free night that helps offset the cost of the annual fee.
Related: 16 ways to earn more Delta SkyMiles
Hertz status
Delta Platinum Amex cardmembers receive complimentary Hertz Five Star status. This status is mid-tier, with a one-car-class upgrade (if available) and up to an extra 25% points earned on each rental. Enrollment in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program is required; terms apply.
This benefit is useful if you book a smaller car but want a bigger one. Hertz is my go-to car rental company, and I have had Five Star status for years. I tend to get an upgrade every time I rent; in most cases, the upgrade is more than one class.
Related: Save money on your next trip! Use these tips to never pay full price for a rental car
Status boost
The Delta Platinum Amex comes with a much-needed way to jump-start qualification toward Medallion status. For every $20 you spend, you will earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar.
Additionally, cardmembers receive a head start of 2,500 MQDs deposited into their SkyMiles account every Medallion qualification year.
Earning MQDs through credit card spending means you can fly less and still earn coveted Medallion status.
Companion certificate
Cardmembers of the Delta Platinum Amex get an annual companion certificate each card year anniversary. This companion certificate allows you to buy two round-trip tickets for the price of one plus the taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights.
This companion certificate is valid on Main Cabin domestic (including Alaska and Hawaii), Mexico, Caribbean and Central American round-trip routes.
Related: How to save money with an annual Delta companion ticket
Other benefits
The Delta Platinum Amex card comes with a variety of other useful benefits, such as:
- 15% off all Delta-operated award flights in any cabin of service (I use this perk frequently when I am looking to book last-minute domestic transcontinental flights)
- Priority boarding
- Free checked bags (first bag free for the cardmember and up to eight people traveling on the same reservation)
- A $120 credit for Global Entry every four years or up to an $85 credit for TSA PreCheck every 4½ years
- 20% back on inflight purchases of food and drink (inflight Wi-Fi purchases not included)
- Travel protections
- Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply
Related: Your complete guide to travel protections on American Express cards
Bottom line
The Delta Platinum Amex card is a mid-tier credit card in the SkyMiles Amex family and offers solid monthly credits and a decent earning rate to help offset the annual fee.
If you utilize all the credits, you can easily come out ahead. This card option is good for Delta loyalists looking to achieve or maintain Medallion status. However, if you don't utilize these credits or fly Delta frequently, there are better options with lower annual fees.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta Platinum card.
Apple here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum
Related: How to pick the right travel credit card for you
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, click here.