The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card pairs solid Delta-specific perks with new status-earning features.
Below is a clear, fact-checked overview of benefits, costs, who it’s for, and how it compares.
What This Card Is (and isn’t)
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum is designed for travelers who fly Delta often.
Give free first checked bag, priority boarding, a Companion Certificate after renewal, and newer status-focused features (MQD Headstart and MQD Boost).
It does not include Delta Sky Club access (more on that below), but it does offer no foreign transaction fees and statement credits tied to travel convenience.
If “Delta Skymiles® Platinum American Express card lounge access” is your priority, note other card options.
Key Costs (rates & fees)
These figures come from the card’s most recent U.S. “Rates & Fees” disclosure (Schumer box).
Always review the live terms before applying, since APRs move with the Prime Rate and your creditworthiness.
- Annual fee: $350.
- Purchase APR: variable Prime Rate + 12.74% to +21.74% (not to exceed 29.99%).
- Cash advance APR: variable Prime Rate + 21.99%; Penalty APR may apply up to Prime + 26.74%.
Core Delta Travel Benefits
Thinking about a mid-tier airline card that can still move the needle on elite status?
This is what you get.
- Free first checked bag for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions on the same reservation when flying Delta (subject to size/weight limits).
- Main Cabin 1 priority boarding (typically ahead of general boarding).
- TakeOff 15™: 15% off the SkyMiles required for many Delta-operated award flights booked at delta.com or in the Fly Delta app (taxes/fees still apply; partner flights excluded).
- Companion Certificate each year after you renew: valid for a round-trip Main Cabin ticket within the contiguous U.S., plus many routes to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, and Central America, excluding Basic Economy; you pay applicable taxes/fees (typically $22–$250). Terms/restrictions apply.
Get Closer to Medallion® Status
Medallion® Status is Delta Air Lines’ elite tier system within the SkyMiles program.
It rewards frequent Delta flyers with priority services, fee waivers, mileage bonuses, and upgrade eligibility that increase with each tier.
- MQD Headstart: $2,500 MQDs deposited each Medallion Qualification Year just for holding the card.
- MQD Boost: earn $1 MQD for each $20 in eligible card purchases.
(Both features help toward the MQD thresholds for status.) - Security fast-track credit: statement credit for Global Entry ($120 every 4 years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4.5 years) when you pay the application fee with your eligible card (enrollment/terms apply).
- Delta Stays credit: the current consumer Platinum page highlights an annual statement credit of up to $150 after using the card for eligible prepaid hotels or vacation rentals booked via Delta Stays on delta.com (terms apply).
- Cell phone protection when you pay your wireless bill with the card (benefit terms/limits apply; e.g., up to $800 per claim per published materials).
How It Compares
Two other Amex cards could be considered beyond this one.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card vs Reserve
The Reserve card charges a higher annual fee (currently $650), but adds Delta Sky Club access (visit-based, with potential to unlock unlimited).
Also, Centurion Lounge access when you buy a Delta flight with the card, and faster MQD earning ($1 MQD per $10 in purchases).
The Platinum keeps costs lower, still offers a Companion Certificate (Main Cabin) and the $2,500 MQD Headstart, but no lounge access.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card vs Amex Platinum
If your goal is the broadest global lounge access and premium travel credits, The Platinum Card® (annual fee $695) is the better lounge product.
(Centurion®/Global Lounge Collection® plus the Sky Club visit limit when flying Delta).
If you primarily fly Delta and want airline-specific benefits, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum is a targeted value at a lower annual fee.
Credit Score & Approval Outlook
American Express does not publish a minimum score for this product. Third-party analysts generally suggest you’ll want good to excellent credit.
The Points Guy, for example, indicates ~690+ is a practical target range for Delta co-branded cards (approval is never guaranteed).
If you’re uncertain, consider the “Apply with confidence” pre-approval flow, which can show approval status with no impact to your credit score.
How to Apply Online (quick steps)
Go to the official American Express product page for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.
Use “Know if you’re approved” (when available) to check eligibility without impacting your score; only accepting an approval can affect your credit.
Apply with accurate personal, income, and contact details; if approved, add the card to your SkyMiles profile to activate traveler benefits.
Competitors: Side-by-Side Comparison
Pick the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex if you want a path to Medallion Status, value an annual Main Cabin Companion Certificate, and don’t need lounge access.
| Card | Annual fee | Lounge access | Status help from card spend | Bags / Companion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Amex | $350 | None (Platinum Amex cards don’t grant Sky Club access) | MQD Headstart: $2,500 MQDs each year; MQD Boost: $1 MQD per $20 in purchases | 1st checked bag free (up to 8 companions on same reservation); Main Cabin Companion Certificate to select regions after renewal |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex | $650 | Delta Sky Club: 15 visits/Medallion Year; unlock unlimited after $75k calendar-year spend; also Centurion/Escape Lounges when booking your Delta flight with the card | MQD Headstart ($2,500) + MQD Boost: $1 MQD per $10 in purchases | 1st checked bag free; Companion Certificate valid for First/Comfort+/Main (select regions) |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 | Global Lounge Collection; Delta Sky Club access limited to 10 visits per Medallion Year when flying Delta (unlock unlimited after $75k spend) | None specific to airline elite status | No airline-specific bag or companion benefit by default |
| United Quest℠ Card (Chase) | $350 | United Club not included | Earn PQP from spend: 1 PQP per $20, up to 18,000 PQP/yr; + 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year | First & second bags free (primary + companion); annual 10,000-mile award discount; $200 United travel credit |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive | $595 | Admirals Club® Membership (primary) | AA status is based on Loyalty Points; this card doesn’t add a special multiplier beyond miles-earning | First checked bag free on AA domestic itineraries; priority airport screening/boarding |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | $95 | None | No airline status boost | No airline-specific bag/companion benefit |
Issuer Contact
American Express Customer Service (U.S.): 1-800-528-4800 (24/7).
American Express National Bank main office address: 115 West Towne Ridge Parkway, Sandy, UT 84070. (Bank regulatory file)
Conclusion: Who Should Choose The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum AmEx?
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card benefits best fit Delta-loyal travelers who can use the Companion Certificate annually.
If you’re focused on Delta value and status progress at a mid-tier annual fee, the Platinum can be worth it.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only, not financial advice. Card terms—including interest rates, fees, perks, eligibility, and lounge rules—change frequently; always verify current details on American Express and Delta’s official pages before applying.
