Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Review 2025: Worth the $350 Fee?
Frequent Delta flyers, listen up: the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card promises premium perks, but its $350 annual fee raises eyebrows. Is it worth it? This 2025 review dives into the card’s rewards, benefits, and drawbacks to help U.S. travelers decide if it’s a sky-high deal or a grounded disappointment.
Welcome Offer: A Strong Start for Delta Loyalists
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Amex offers a solid welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months. This offer ends October 29, 2025. Based on The Points Guy’s September 2025 valuations, these miles are worth $1,035 at 1.15 cents each. Bankrate pegs them at 1.2 cents, boosting the value to $1,080.
This bonus suits businesses or travelers with upfront costs, like booking flights or hotel stays. However, Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule applies: if you’ve held this card before, you may not qualify for the bonus. Check eligibility during application to avoid a credit hit.
Rewards Structure: Tailored for Delta and Everyday Spending
The card’s rewards focus on Delta and common expenses:
- 3X miles on Delta purchases (flights, Delta Vacations, seat upgrades) and direct hotel bookings.
- 2X miles at restaurants worldwide (including U.S. takeout/delivery) and U.S. supermarkets.
- 1X miles on all other eligible purchases.
With TPG’s valuation, this translates to a 3.5% return on Delta/hotel spending, 2.3% on restaurants/supermarkets, and 1.15% elsewhere. Eligible purchases exclude cash advances, gift cards, and peer-to-peer transactions.
For example, spending $5,000 annually on Delta flights earns 15,000 miles ($172.50 value), while $10,000 at supermarkets adds 20,000 miles ($230). Combined with the welcome bonus, a small business or frequent traveler can rack up significant rewards.
Key Benefits: Perks That Offset the Fee
The card’s benefits aim to justify its $350 annual fee. Here’s what stands out:
Annual Companion Certificate
Each year after renewal, you get a Companion Certificate for a round-trip Main Cabin flight in the U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, or Central America. Taxes and fees range from $22 to $250 for up to four segments. This can save hundreds—potentially $500 or more—making it a fee-offsetting perk for couples or business travelers. Delta Basic Economy fares don’t qualify.
Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs)
Cardholders receive 2,500 MQDs annually via the MQD Headstart program, plus $1 MQD per $20 spent. This helps achieve Delta Medallion status, unlocking upgrades and priority perks. For example, $20,000 in annual spending earns 1,000 MQDs, advancing you toward Silver status (5,000 MQDs needed).
Statement Credits
- Up to $150 Delta Stays credit for prepaid hotel or vacation rental bookings via delta.com/stays.
- Up to $120 Resy credit ($10 monthly) for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants.
- Up to $120 rideshare credit ($10 monthly) with select U.S. providers like Uber.
- Up to $120 Global Entry (every 4 years) or $85 TSA PreCheck (every 4.5 years) credit.
These credits total nearly $400 if fully used, covering the annual fee. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Travel Perks
- Free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same Delta reservation, saving $70 per round-trip per person.
- Zone 5 priority boarding for early overhead bin access.
- 15% off Award Travel when booking Delta flights with miles via delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
- Complimentary upgrades to Delta One (U.S. domestic), First Class, or Delta Comfort+, after Medallion and Reserve cardholders.
Additional perks include 20% back on in-flight purchases, Hertz Five Star status, and cell phone protection (up to $800 per claim, $50 deductible, max two claims per year).
Fees and Rates: What to Watch For
The card’s $350 annual fee is steep, up from $250 in recent years. There’s no introductory APR, and the variable APR ranges from 20.99% to 29.99%, based on creditworthiness. Other fees include:
- Cash advance: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater.
- Late payment: Up to $40.
- Foreign transaction fees: None, ideal for international travelers.
You need good to excellent credit (FICO 670+) for approval. Amex lets you check eligibility without a hard credit pull.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Value
Pros
- Generous welcome bonus worth over $1,000 in travel.
- Companion Certificate can offset the annual fee.
- Up to $390 in statement credits for Delta, dining, and rideshares.
- Free checked bags and priority boarding enhance travel.
- No foreign transaction fees for global use.
Cons
- High $350 annual fee, tough to justify without maximizing perks.
- Rewards limited to Delta SkyMiles, less flexible than transferable points.
- No Delta Sky Club lounge access, unlike the Reserve card.
- Companion Certificate limited to Main Cabin, not premium cabins.
- Bonus categories capped at Delta, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets.
Public and Expert Reactions
Reddit users on r/delta have mixed feelings. Some praise the Companion Certificate, saying it saves $400-$600 yearly on family trips. Others call the $350 fee “a scam,” citing limited companion pass availability and devalued miles. One user canceled after finding cheaper flights on other airlines.
Experts are cautiously optimistic. The Points Guy rates it 3.5/5, calling it “a good choice for Delta loyalists” chasing status. NerdWallet highlights the certificate’s value but warns it’s not for occasional flyers. Forbes notes the card’s appeal for frequent Delta travelers but suggests alternatives like the Amex Gold for flexibility.
Who Should Get This Card?
This card shines for Delta loyalists, especially those near hubs like Atlanta, Minneapolis, or New York. If you fly Delta 5+ times yearly, the free checked bag and Companion Certificate can save hundreds. Small businesses booking Delta flights or hotels benefit from 3X miles. Those chasing Medallion status get a boost with MQDs.
It’s not ideal for casual travelers or those preferring flexibility. The Amex Gold Card ($325 fee) offers transferable Membership Rewards points, earning 4X at restaurants and supermarkets (up to $25,000/year). The Chase Sapphire Preferred® ($95 fee) provides broader travel rewards. If lounge access matters, consider the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex ($650 fee).
Tips to Maximize Value
- Use the Companion Certificate annually for high-value routes like U.S. to Caribbean.
- Maximize credits: Book Delta Stays, dine at Resy restaurants, and use rideshares to hit $390 in credits.
- Leverage 15% off Award Travel for Delta flights booked with miles.
- Spend for MQDs: Aim for $20,000-$40,000 yearly to climb Medallion tiers.
- Apply before October 29, 2025, to secure the 90,000-mile bonus.
Final Verdict: A Solid Pick for Delta Devotees
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Amex earns a 4/5 for 2025. Its Companion Certificate, credits, and travel perks can outweigh the $350 fee for frequent Delta flyers. The welcome bonus and MQD boosts sweeten the deal for status-seekers. However, casual travelers or those wanting flexible rewards may find better value elsewhere. If Delta’s your airline, this card delivers—but crunch the numbers to ensure the perks fit your travel habits.