The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the top earners in airfare.
However, besides earning, there are several other reasons why the Amex Platinum Card is a great option for all types of air travelers. And it’s a particularly good option for Delta fliers.
Thanks to Delta’s close partnership with Amex, semi-regular travelers of the airline have more reasons than most to consider adding this card to their wallet. Here’s what you need to know.
Maximize your airline ticket purchases
As mentioned above, most other cards can’t beat the Amex Platinum when it comes to the return you get on your airfares.
The card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, for up to $500,000 spent on these purchases per calendar year (1 point per dollar spent thereafter). TPG values American Express Membership Rewards at 2 cents each, so that’s like getting 10% back on your spend.
In the case of Delta specifically, keep in mind that Amex points immediately transfer to Delta SkyMiles on a 1:1 basis. So earning 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar is the same as earning 5 Delta SkyMiles per dollar of airfare.
That’s better than what you can earn on Delta purchases with a cobranded Delta credit card.
Related: Why this TPG staffer is chasing Delta elite status
Earn valuable points
Speaking of transfers, the Amex Platinum earns Membership Rewards points that can be converted into miles or points at various airline frequent flyer and hotel points partner programs.
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While you can transfer your Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio, you don’t necessarily have to focus on the program like you would if you were earning Delta SkyMiles with one of the airline’s cobranded credit cards.
In short, it’s the best of both worlds: you can still use your Amex points for Delta awards, but you have many more options.
While Delta may be your airline of choice, having transferable points can help you for a number of reasons:
Transferable points like Membership Rewards points can even provide a financial safety net for unplanned expenses and emergencies.
As long as you have Membership Rewards, you’ll have Delta Miles when you need them. But if another opportunity presents itself, you are ready for that too.
Related: Travel is back. Now there will (probably) be devaluations of points and miles
Transfer to Delta and partners
As mentioned, you can immediately transfer the Amex Membership Rewards points you earn with the Amex Platinum (and other eligible cards) to Delta at a 1:1 ratio. This is a great way to top up your Delta SkyMiles balance if you need extra miles for a particular redemption.
American Express is also Delta’s exclusive partner for its range of cobranded credit cards, so it’s a good bet you’ll be able to enjoy this benefit for years to come.
However, one of the biggest reasons to earn points with Amex instead of just directly with Delta is so you can leverage the power of airline partnerships beyond Delta’s SkyMiles program. For example, you can transfer Membership Rewards points not only to Delta, but also to Virgin Atlantic.
As with any transferable currency, you should only transfer if you are confident that reward supply is available. Transfers can only go one way: you can’t redeem Delta Miles for Amex Membership Rewards points if you change your mind.
Related: 6 Delta SkyMiles sweet spots worth saving for
Access to lounges
In addition to earning, the Amex Platinum has several travel day benefits that can save you time and money.
Many Delta loyalists will opt for the airline’s personal card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, to gain access to Sky Clubs when flying Delta. Delta Reserve gives you unlimited access to the Delta Sky Club when you fly Delta through January 31, 2025; this will be limited to 15 visits per year from February 1, 2025, unless you spend $75,000 on your card in a calendar year.
Conversely, the Amex Platinum still gives you unlimited access to Sky Clubs if you fly Delta through January 31, 2025; although starting February 1, 2025, you’ll get five fewer visits (10 total) per year unless you spend $75,000 on your card in a calendar year.
With both cards you also have access to Centurion Lounges. The difference is that you can only access this with Delta Reserve if you fly Delta and purchased your ticket with an American Amex-issued card. With the Amex Platinum, you have access no matter which carrier you fly.
Finally, there is a credit of up to $200 per calendar year on the Amex Platinum, which can cover checked baggage fees with the airline you select each calendar year.
If you’re flying Delta (or another US-based airline) and don’t want to pay for the airline’s cobranded card with a checked baggage perk, you can offset the cost through your Platinum Card. Registration is required.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
A reason to still consider Delta cobranded cards
While the Amex Platinum is an excellent all-around choice for Delta flyers, there is one area where four Delta cobranded cards have the advantage.
As you work towards Delta Medallion elite status, you can collect Medallion Qualifying Dollars by spending on any of the following cards:
You’ll also receive an annual MQD Headstart that allows you to automatically deposit 2,500 MQDs into each of these cards each year.
Those are benefits that Amex Platinum can’t offer, so if you’re determined to earn Delta elite status, you may want to consider one of the cobranded offers.
In short
The Amex Platinum has a hefty annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees), but the cost can easily be justified if you take advantage of the many benefits available. The Platinum Card earns our top spot as the best luxury card for Delta flyers thanks to benefits like Sky Club access when flying Delta, earning points that can be transferred to SkyMiles, and a useful airline fee credit.
However, if you specifically want to earn MQMs for elite status through spending and a welcome offer, you may still want to consider the other Delta cobranded options.
Submit your application here: The Platinum Card from American Expressor check the CardMatch Tool to see if you have been selected for an increased welcome offer.
For rates and costs of the Amex Platinum card, click here.
