Delta Platinum Card Changes: New Benefits and Higher Fees

Delta Platinum Card holders can expect some changes to their benefits and fees. The airline is introducing a new benefit that allows cardholders to earn an additional 10% of their Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) when they book award travel on delta.com.

Cardholders will also have access to a new airport lounge benefit, which grants them entry to Delta Sky Clubs for themselves and up to two guests. This is a nice perk, especially for travelers who value having a quiet space to work or relax before their flight.

The changes also include higher fees, with the annual fee increasing to $550. This is a significant jump from the previous annual fee of $450.

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The Delta Platinum Card has undergone some significant changes, and one of the most notable is the increase in annual fees. For new applicants, the personal and business versions of the Delta Platinum Card now have an annual fee of $350, up from $250.

The annual fee increase affects new cardmembers immediately, while existing cardmembers will see the new fees kick in on their first renewal date on May 1, 2024, or later. This means if you applied for the card before February 1, 2024, you won't feel the pinch until your next renewal.

Here's a quick rundown of the annual fee changes for the Delta Platinum Card lineup:

These changes are part of a broader trend of increasing annual fees across the Delta credit card lineup, but the Platinum Card's fee hike is one of the most notable.

Delta Amex card annual fees are increasing for new cardmembers as of February 1, 2024.

The personal and business versions of the Delta Amex Gold Card will have an annual fee of $150, up from $99, with the first year still being $0. The business version of the Delta Amex Platinum Card will have an annual fee of $350, up from $250. The personal and business versions of the Delta Amex Reserve Card will have an annual fee of $650, up from $550.

For existing cardmembers, the new fees will apply on the first renewal date on May 1, 2024, or later.

Here are the increased annual fees for each card:

The Delta Amex cards are getting new statement credits, and it's worth paying attention to. The details differ with each card type, with business cards getting more rewards than personal cards.

The personal version of the Delta Amex Gold Card will get up to a $100 annual Delta Stays credit. This is a decent amount, especially if you use it to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta's hotel travel portal.

The business version of the Delta Amex Gold Card will get up to a $150 annual Delta Stays credit, which is a nice bonus for frequent business travelers. This credit can be applied towards prepaid hotels and vacation rentals, making it a valuable perk.

Here's a breakdown of the new statement credits for each Delta Amex card:

These new statement credits can add up to some significant rewards, especially for frequent Delta flyers and business travelers.

The Delta Amex Gold Card has seen some notable changes, particularly with its Delta flight credit. The card now offers a $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.

This is a significant boost from the previous $100 credit, making the card a more attractive option for frequent Delta flyers.

The Delta Amex business cards are getting new spending bonus categories, which is a welcome change for cardholders.

The business version of the Delta Amex Gold Card will earn 2x miles per dollar spent on shopping and advertising, on up to $50,000 of spending annually.

The business version of the Delta Platinum Card will earn 1.5x miles per dollar spent on transit, U.S. shipping, and purchases greater than $5,000, on up to $100,000 of spending annually.

The business version of the Delta Reserve Card will earn 1.5x miles per dollar spent on transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply stores, with no limits on spending.

Here's a breakdown of the new bonus categories for each card:

These new bonus categories can help cardholders earn more miles and rewards, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card has some amazing perks, but it also comes with a higher annual fee.

The card offers a main cabin round-trip companion certificate to destinations throughout the U.S. and many international locations each year upon card renewal.

You'll also get a 15% discount on SkyMiles award tickets when booking on delta.com or through the Fly Delta app, known as TakeOff 15.

The card also offers a $150 Delta Stays credit, a $120 Rideshare Credit, and a $120 Resy Credit, which can be used for various travel-related expenses.

Here's a breakdown of the benefits and the new annual fee:

The new annual fee applies to new cardmembers immediately, while existing cardmembers will see the new fee on their first renewal date on May 1, 2024, or later.

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The card also offers a MQD Headstart, giving you a head start on earning Medallion status with an automatic 2,500 Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) each year.

You'll also get a $350 annual fee, which is a significant increase from the previous fee.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a great option for frequent Delta flyers who want to earn rewards and enjoy travel perks.

The SkyMiles program has undergone significant changes, affecting how you earn Medallion status. Delta is introducing a new system where you earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent on a Delta Reserve card, but only 1 MQD for every $20 spent on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card.

The impact is substantial, making the Reserve card a better choice for those chasing status. For example, if you want to earn $5,000 in MQDs, you'll need to spend $25,000 on the Reserve card, but $50,000 on the Platinum card.

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Delta is also introducing an MQD boost, giving 2,500 MQDs each year to travelers with certain co-branded cards, including the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card. This boost can be stacked for up to 10,000 MQDs with multiple cards, but it's still not enough to make up for the difference in earning rates between the two cards.

Delta's business cards are getting a much-needed update with the introduction of new earning categories.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card will earn 2x miles per dollar spent on eligible U.S. shipping purchases and eligible U.S. purchases for advertising in select media, but only up to $50,000 annually.

The new categories are a welcome change for business owners who want to earn more miles on their everyday expenses.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card will earn 1.5x miles per dollar spent on transit, eligible U.S. shipping purchases, and eligible purchases greater than $5,000, but only up to $100,000 annually.

On the other hand, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card will earn 1.5x miles per dollar spent on transit, U.S. shipping purchases, and at U.S. office supply stores, with no limits on spending.

Here's a summary of the new earning categories for each card:

These new categories will help business owners earn more miles on their everyday expenses, making their loyalty program more rewarding.

The Delta SkyMiles program has undergone significant changes, affecting various credit cards and earning categories.

Annual fees for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card have increased to $350, up from $250.

New rebates, perks, and improved companion tickets are now available on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card.

Delta's business cards now feature bonus categories for spending on advertising, shipping, and other eligible purchases.

Here's a breakdown of the new earning categories for Delta's business cards:

Delta Platinum Cardholders will receive 2,500 MQDs each year, which can be stacked for up to 10,000 MQDs if multiple cards are held.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold cards are getting a makeover. The annual fee for both the personal and business versions has increased to $150, up from $99.

This change affects the value proposition of holding these cards, especially for those who were previously drawn to the lower fee. If you're considering applying for the Delta SkyMiles Gold card, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the higher cost.

Here are the key changes to the Delta SkyMiles Gold cards:

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve cards have seen some significant changes. The annual fee for both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card has increased to $650.

These cards now offer multiple new rebates and new perks. The companion tickets earned each year upon renewal have also been greatly improved.

Here's a breakdown of the changes:

If you currently hold a Delta Platinum card, you'll have a decision to make about what to do with your card on your next renewal date starting next year.

The card's annual companion certificate, which provides a BOGO flight, is still a valuable perk if you can use it no problem each year.

You'll also get free baggage, which is another benefit that might justify keeping the card open for another $350 annual fee.

However, if getting into Sky Club or status is a top priority, the Delta Platinum Card might not be as valuable as it was before.

The Delta Reserve card is a better option for travelers on the hunt for Medallion Status, as it makes all of your spending more valuable, combined with complimentary Sky Club access.

The Delta Gold Card is a cheaper alternative to the Delta Platinum Card, with a $0 introductory annual fee and then $150 each year after that.

It provides key benefits like free checked bags and a 15% discount when redeeming Delta SkyMiles on any Delta award ticket.

You won't get the $120 credit to cover the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck with the Gold Card, but many other travel credit cards offer that benefit too.

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The Delta Reserve card also offers both of those benefits, including an even more valuable companion certificate that can be used for first class seats.

It has an annual fee of $650, but provides much more in terms of benefits like Sky Club access and an easier path to spending your way towards Delta Medallion status.

The changes to the SkyMiles program have left many travelers scratching their heads, especially when it comes to earning status. Holding a Delta Platinum Card just doesn't make sense anymore.

Delta is introducing a new system to earn MQDs for everyday spending on select credit cards, and the Platinum Card is taking the biggest hit. You'll earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card.

Spending $25,000 a year on the Platinum Card would previously earn you Delta Gold Medallion status. But now, you'll need to spend as much as $200,000 on that same card to earn the same status. That's a huge increase in spending required.

The Delta Reserve Card, on the other hand, makes spending towards status twice as valuable. You'll earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card. This makes it a far better choice for travelers chasing status in 2024.

Here's a comparison of the MQD earning rates on the Delta Reserve and Platinum Cards:

If you're aiming for any level of Delta Medallion status, holding the Delta Platinum Card probably doesn't make sense. The Reserve Card is a much better choice, despite its higher annual fee.

The MQD boost is a new benefit that Delta is introducing to help travelers earn Medallion status. You'll receive 2,500 MQDs each and every year with the Delta Platinum Card, the Skymiles Business Platinum, the Delta Reserve Card, and the Delta Reserve Business Card.

This boost is a welcome change, especially for those who hold multiple cards. You can stack these head-start bonuses for up to 10,000 MQDs, which is a significant advantage.

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However, it's essential to note that this boost alone won't be enough to reach Medallion status. You'll still need to make up the difference through flying with Delta, spending a lot on your card, or a combination of both.

The MQD boost is a valuable benefit, but it's not a game-changer on its own. To give you a better idea, here's a breakdown of the MQD boost and how it can help:

Keep in mind that this boost is just one aspect of the changes to the SkyMiles program. It's essential to consider the overall impact of these changes on your travel habits and spending habits.

The MQD boost is a step in the right direction, but it's not enough to make the Delta Platinum Card a great choice for those chasing status. The Reserve Card is still the better option for earning Medallion status, despite its higher annual fee.

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