Delta Air Lines frequent flyers have a variety of great co-branded credit cards, all of which offer the opportunity to earn Delta SkyMiles for everyday purchases. With both small business and consumer card options (with a wide range of annual fees), choosing a Delta credit card can be a good choice for airline loyalists.
But perhaps you’re hoping to earn points across a wider range of purchases. Or perhaps you travel on other airlines from time to time and need a more versatile card. Good news: There is another great option for Delta passengers. Platinum Card® by American Express is a premium rewards card designed for the luxury traveller, and also provides benefits designed for Delta loyalists.
Read on to learn more about the benefits that make Amex Platinum a great choice for Delta frequent flyers.
American Express Platinum Card at a Glance
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Platinum Card® by American Express |
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Why get this card? You can’t beat Amex Platinum’s extensive list of luxury perks, including access to exclusive Centurion Lounges. Read full review |
What else do you need to know:
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Transferring Points to SkyMiles
Delta Air Lines is an American Express transfer partner, which means you can transfer Membership Rewards points earned on your Platinum card to your Delta SkyMiles balance. Points are usually converted at a 1:1 ratio and are immediately available in your Delta account.
This is great news for Delta passengers for several reasons. First, it’s easy to top up your SkyMiles balance to book the flight you’ve been looking forward to. without the need to fly to earn miles. Because Amex Platinum allows you to earn points on all types of spending, it’s easy to accumulate a wealth of rewards to spend on purchases or future travel.
Second, SkyMiles have a high potential value depending on how you use them. According to our estimates, the cost of SkyMile is about 1.6 cents on average.
In most cases, this is more than what you will receive from Membership Rewards points (unless you transfer them). This way, not only will you be able to use your Amex Platinum rewards to redeem your Delta, but you will also increase your points by doing so.
Access to the Delta Sky Club
The American Express Platinum Card is well known for its lounge access and boasts best-in-class memberships in thousands of luxury airport lounges around the world. In addition to Priority Pass Select membership and access to luxury Centurion lounges, Amex Platinum cardholders can access Delta Sky Clubs when flying with Delta.
If you already prefer to fly with Delta, you can access these convenient escape spots whenever you travel. Over 30 major cities have Sky Club Lounges offering perks such as free Wi-Fi, free snacks and drinks, flight assistance and meeting rooms.
Airline commission credit
Amex Platinum offers a number of different loans that can help offset its annual fees, one of which covers up to $200 a year for airline contingencies.
Each year you can choose the airline that will claim the commission – Delta is one of many acceptable options. You will then automatically receive a credit statement to cover unexpected purchases such as baggage fees and in-flight meals.
Special offers on American Express Travel
American Express and Delta Air Lines have a special partnership, and there’s no shortage of great Delta deals on American Express Travel, the issuer’s booking portal. If you choose not to transfer your Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles, you can still use your Rewards to book Delta flights.
You can often find the lowest available price for a Delta flight without even leaving the American Express Travel portal. Plus, booking flights this way is the best way to redeem your Amex Platinum rewards.
Other Credit Card Options for Delta Travelers
If you are touring the delta and feel Amex Platinum is not for you, there is nothing to worry about. There are other solid Delta credit card options that still allow you to earn Delta SkyMiles and other benefits and perks. There is a business version for each of the cards below.
Keep reading to decide which Delta Shared Card can bring you the most value for your upcoming travels.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
If you’re not sure if you should carry a credit card with the same high annual fee as an American Express Platinum card, Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card could be a great alternative. This card does not charge an annual fee, but allows you to earn miles for future travel. You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on Delta and restaurant purchases worldwide, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. As for the welcome bonus, you can earn 10,000 miles by spending $500 in the first three months after opening an account.
American Express Delta SkyMiles Gold Card
For Delta travelers who don’t fly very often, Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card good option to consider. Not only will you earn 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and at restaurants around the world such as Delta SkyMiles Blue, but you will also earn 2 miles per dollar at US supermarkets (plus 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases).
You can also earn 40,000 Bonus Miles by spending $1,000 within the first three months, and receive up to $50 in statement credits on qualifying purchases at US restaurants during the first three months. While this welcome bonus is certainly not as high as Amex Platinum, you will only pay the $99 annual fee (which is not charged for the first year).
Delta SkyMiles American Express Backup Card
Do you often travel the delta? That Delta SkyMiles® American Express Backup Card may be the right card for you. This Delta credit card will help you quickly climb the Delta Medallion ladder and offers exclusive benefits such as unlimited seat upgrades and one accompanying person ticket each year after card renewal.
In terms of rewards, you’ll earn 3 miles per dollar on qualifying Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. There is also a welcome bonus of 50,000 miles. as well as 10,000 Medallion® Qualifying Miles (MQM) if you spend $3,000 within the first three months. As with Delta SkyMiles Gold, you also receive up to $100 in your statement on qualifying US restaurant purchases for the first three months.
The main downside to this card is that you won’t get significant rewards outside of Delta purchases, and the annual fee is $550.
bottom line
The American Express Platinum Card has long been a favorite with frequent travelers for its extensive list of stress-relieving benefits while traveling. But there is one type of traveler for whom Amex Platinum can be especially useful: Delta frequent flyers.
Amex Platinum offers many compelling perks for Delta members, from access to Delta Sky Club lounges to instant point transfers.
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The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective judgment of our contributors and is not based on advertising. It was not provided or ordered by credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to our partners’ products.