Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: A Comprehensive Guide

For frequent travelers, particularly those who fly with Delta Airlines, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers a host of benefits that can enhance your travel experience. From earning valuable SkyMiles® on everyday purchases to enjoying premium travel perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to the Delta Sky Club® lounges, this card is a great choice for those looking to get the most out of their travel rewards. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key features of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, its benefits, fees, and how to apply.

Overview of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a co-branded credit card that offers rewards for spending with Delta and on other everyday purchases. This card offers travelers the opportunity to earn SkyMiles®—the airline’s frequent flyer miles—on every purchase, and there are additional opportunities to earn bonus miles on Delta purchases, dining, and more. With access to valuable travel perks such as priority boarding, a free checked bag, and no foreign transaction fees, this card is perfect for individuals who fly with Delta frequently or who want to maximize their rewards on travel-related purchases.

Additionally, the card provides a robust welcome bonus, annual companion certificate, and many other perks that make it a strong contender in the travel rewards card market.

Key Features of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

1. Earn 3X Miles on Delta Purchases: The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is designed for frequent Delta flyers, offering 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, including flights, Sky Club® access, and in-flight purchases. This is a great way to earn more miles for your travel-related spending.
2. Earn 2X Miles on Restaurants and U.S. Supermarkets: The card also offers 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, as well as at U.S. supermarkets. This makes it a great card for those who spend a lot on dining and grocery purchases, in addition to travel-related expenses.
3. Earn 1X Mile on All Other Purchases: For all other purchases, you earn 1 mile per dollar spent. While this is lower than the rates for Delta purchases, dining, and groceries, it still allows you to accumulate miles on every dollar spent.
4. Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can earn a generous welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus SkyMiles® after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus can go a long way toward your next Delta flight or travel-related expenses. You can use these SkyMiles® to book flights, upgrades, or other rewards through the SkyMiles® program.
5. Annual Companion Certificate: One of the most valuable perks of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is the annual companion certificate. After you renew your card each year, you’ll receive a certificate that allows you to bring a companion on a round-trip flight within the continental U.S. for just the cost of taxes and fees. This certificate can be a significant saving on your next Delta flight.
6. Free Checked Bag: Cardholders receive a free checked bag for themselves and up to 8 companions on the same reservation when traveling on Delta flights. This benefit can save you up to $50 per person per flight, making it particularly valuable for families or groups traveling together.
7. Priority Boarding: The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card also provides priority boarding on Delta flights, which allows you to board earlier and settle into your seat more comfortably. This is a great perk for avoiding long lines at the gate.
8. Access to Delta Sky Club® and Centurion Lounges: While the card itself does not grant complimentary Sky Club® access, cardholders can purchase a Sky Club® membership at a reduced rate. This gives you access to Delta’s premium airport lounges, where you can enjoy comfortable seating, food and beverages, and other amenities before your flight. Additionally, the card provides access to the American Express Centurion Lounges, where available, for an enhanced travel experience.
9. No Foreign Transaction Fees: The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, which makes it an excellent choice for international travelers. When traveling abroad, you can use the card without worrying about additional fees on foreign purchases.
10. Global Assist® Hotline: As a cardholder, you gain access to the Global Assist® Hotline, which provides 24/7 assistance for travel emergencies, such as medical, legal, or financial help when traveling more than 100 miles from home. This benefit can provide peace of mind during international travel.
11. Travel Protections: The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card comes with a variety of travel protections, including trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and car rental insurance. These protections can help you avoid unexpected costs if your travel plans change or if you face delays during your trip.

How the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Works

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card works similarly to other rewards cards but is tailored to the needs of frequent travelers, especially those who fly with Delta. You earn miles on every dollar spent, with accelerated earning rates for Delta purchases, dining, and groceries. These miles are redeemed through the SkyMiles® program, which offers a wide range of options, including flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses.

To redeem your miles, you can visit the Delta SkyMiles® website, where you can check availability for flights and other rewards. You can also use your miles to upgrade to a higher class of service on Delta flights or redeem them for Delta gift cards, travel certificates, and more.

For the annual companion certificate, after you renew your card each year, you can use it for a round-trip flight for a companion traveling within the continental U.S. for just the cost of taxes and fees. This is one of the most sought-after benefits for cardholders, as it provides significant savings on travel.

Fees and Interest Rates

As with most credit cards, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card comes with certain fees and interest rates. These include:

• Annual Fee: $250 (This fee is waived for the first year when you apply through certain promotions or offers.)
• APR: The variable APR for purchases and balance transfers ranges from 20.49% to 29.49%, depending on creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of each transfer amount or $5, whichever is greater.
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None. This makes the card an excellent choice for international travelers.
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.

How to Apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Applying for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a simple process, and you can do it online. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Check Your Credit Score: The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is typically intended for individuals with good to excellent credit (700+). It’s a good idea to check your credit score before applying to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Visit the American Express Website: Go to the official American Express website and navigate to the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card page. Here, you’ll find more details about the card’s features, benefits, and the online application form.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form with your personal information, such as your name, address, income, Social Security number, and employment details. American Express will use this information to assess your creditworthiness.
4. Review the Terms: Before submitting your application, make sure you understand the card’s terms, including the annual fee, interest rates, rewards program, and other benefits.
5. Submit the Application: Once you’ve completed the application and reviewed the terms, submit it online. You’ll typically receive a decision within a few minutes, though it may take longer in some cases.
6. Activate Your Card: If approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within 7-10 business days. Once you receive it, follow the activation instructions and start using it to earn miles and enjoy all the benefits it offers.

Conclusion

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is an excellent choice for frequent Delta flyers and those who want to earn valuable travel rewards. With generous earning rates on Delta purchases, dining, and groceries, along with perks such as a free checked bag, priority boarding, and access to Delta Sky Club® lounges, this card offers plenty of value. The welcome bonus, annual companion certificate, and travel protections make it a top contender in the travel rewards card market.

If you’re someone who regularly flies with Delta Airlines or is looking to earn SkyMiles® on your everyday spending, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a card worth considering. The combination of rewards, benefits, and travel protections makes it an excellent choice for travelers looking to make the most out of their credit card experience.