Delta Platinum Card Annual Fee: Weighing the Pros and Cons

The Delta Platinum Card annual fee is a significant expense, but it's worth considering the benefits it offers. The fee is $550 per year.

One of the main advantages of the card is the 3X points earned on Delta purchases, which can add up quickly. This can help offset the cost of the annual fee.

The card also comes with a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can save you time and hassle when traveling. This credit can be a valuable perk for frequent travelers.

To break even on the annual fee, you'll need to earn at least 12,500 miles in a year, assuming a redemption value of 1 cent per mile.

The Delta Platinum Card offers an Annual Companion Certificate, which allows you to add a passenger to your flight for a low fee, not exceeding $80 in government-imposed taxes or fees. This perk alone can quickly recoup the annual fee cost and then some.

You'll also get a Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) headstart and boost, earning $1 MQD for every $20 you spend on your card throughout the year, plus an annual bonus of $2,500 MQDs. This is especially helpful if you're trying to chase elite status with Delta.

Cardholders can receive up to $150 per year in statement credits for purchases made through Delta Stays, US rideshare purchases, and Resy restaurants. You'll also get a fee credit to enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

The card makes your life easier at the airport, with your first checked bag free on all Delta flights, no matter the fare. You'll also be added to the complimentary upgrade list and get 20 percent back on purchases.

If you rent a car, you'll enjoy Hertz Five Star status, which qualifies you for upgrades as available. And with the TakeOff 15 feature, you can save 15 percent when booking award travel on Delta-operated flights.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card also offers some standard perks, including priority boarding and a free checked bag. These perks can be quite valuable if you fly a lot and prefer to check a bag or want to make sure you can stow your carry-on luggage overhead.

The card's annual fee may deter some, but the BOGO deal you get from the Annual Companion Certificate could easily offset the card's hefty annual fee. Without considering the Delta SkyMiles you can get from the card, its travel perks alone can save you hundreds of dollars annually.

To earn Delta SkyMiles, you'll earn 3X SkyMiles on Delta purchases and hotel bookings. This can be a great way to accumulate miles for future flights.

The Delta Platinum Card annual fee is a significant aspect to consider when deciding whether to apply for the card. It's $350, which is higher than the average airline credit card.

One of the benefits of the card is the welcome bonus, which can provide a fast-track to award flights. However, this benefit comes with a catch - the card has no Delta SkyClub lounge access, which can be a drawback for some users.

The card also offers a companion certificate, which can cut the cost of flying with friends and family. This can be a huge perk for frequent flyers or those who travel with others.

Here are some of the key pros and cons of the Delta Platinum Card:

Overall, the Delta Platinum Card has a lot to offer, but it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

The annual fee for the Delta Platinum Card is a significant expense. It charges a $350 annual fee.

The fee is not the most expensive among Delta credit cards, but it's still a lot of money. You'll want to take advantage of the companion certificate each year to help recoup that value.

The card doesn't offer many high-end perks, so you'll need to weigh the benefits against the cost.

The Delta Platinum Card comes with a generous rewards program, offering 3X miles on Delta purchases, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other merchandise.

The card also features a SkyMiles program, which allows you to earn miles on all Delta flights, as well as select hotel stays and car rentals.

With the Delta Platinum Card, you'll get a free checked bag for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation, saving you up to $60 per person per trip.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a metal credit card. This means you'll be carrying a premium card that's both stylish and durable.

To qualify for this card, you'll need good to excellent credit, which is generally considered a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Using your Delta SkyMiles points can be incredibly rewarding, and I've learned that firsthand. I once booked a one-way plane ticket from Charlotte to Chiang Mai for just 35,000 miles in 2020.

To maximize your points, keep an eye out for good deals, and be flexible with your travel plans. I booked a nonstop one-way flight from Atlanta to Buenos Aires in Delta Comfort+ for just 60,000 miles in February 2022.

You can earn miles on various purchases, including Delta-related spending, with the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. Cardholders can earn 3X SkyMiles on Delta purchases and hotel bookings.

I've also used my points for domestic flights, like a round-trip from Raleigh to New York City for just 15,000 miles. You can get a great valuation out of your miles if you're strategic with your redemption.

Here's a breakdown of the earning rates on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card:

Remember, the key to using your points effectively is to stay informed about available deals and redemption options.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card comes with a companion certificate that's a game-changer for frequent travelers.

This valuable benefit allows a friend or family member to fly with you at a low cost, no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights.

After you pay for your own ticket, you'll only have to pay the taxes and fees on theirs.

You can use this benefit after your account anniversary, so you won't be able to use one during your first year with the card.

The companion certificate's value depends on the cost of the flight, so be sure to factor that in when planning your trip.

We evaluated the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card by reviewing 98 cards and focusing on key features.

Our scoring weights to generate rankings are as follows:

If you're not sold on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, there are other options worth considering. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has a lower annual fee, but still offers perks like a free checked bag.

You can also look into the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, which has a higher annual fee but offers better perks, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance. This card also comes with complimentary Sky Club access.

The Platinum Card from American Express is another option, offering rewards beyond travel and a more versatile card. It's worth considering if you want a card that can help you earn rewards in various areas.

If you're on a tight budget, the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is an option to explore. However, keep in mind that it may not offer the same level of perks and rewards as the other cards.

Here are some alternative cards to consider:

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is a good choice if you want better perks, but the high annual fee may be a drawback. The Platinum Card from American Express is worth considering if you want a more versatile travel card.

The Delta Platinum Card's annual fee is $350, which may seem steep at first, but it's actually a small price to pay for the benefits you get.

The card earns 3X SkyMiles on Delta purchases and hotel bookings, which is a great way to rack up miles quickly.

With the Annual Companion Certificate, you can bring a guest on a round-trip flight for a low fee, essentially getting a free ticket.

This deal alone can easily offset the card's annual fee, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent Delta travelers.

The card's travel perks can save you hundreds of dollars annually, making it a great value for those who use it frequently.