The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card can offer a lot of value if you make the most of it. Beyond earning SkyMiles for future travel, there are lots of great reasons this card could be worth its $250 annual fee. To decide if this card’s for you, consider the well-known and underrated reasons it can be worthwhile. Terms apply.

The well-known reasons

Here’s a quick look at some well-known benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Terms apply.

Welcome bonus offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Terms Apply. NerdWallet values Delta Air Lines SkyMiles at 1.2 cents apiece, so this makes the welcome bonus offer alone substantial amount.

Bonus miles on purchases: Earn 3x miles on most Delta Air Lines purchases and for reservations and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2x miles at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1x mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. Terms apply.

First checked bag free: The primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation for domestic flights get a free checked bag. That’s a $30 savings per bag in each direction. If a family of five takes one roundtrip, the card’s annual fee is more than covered in bag savings alone. Terms apply.

Earn up to 120,000 bonus points with our favorite American Express cards

Check out our nerdy picks for the best American Express credit cards and find the right card for you.

BROWSE CARDS

Underrated reasons

(Editor's note: Big changes are coming to Delta's SkyMiles program in 2024, including how members can earn elite status. The carrier will also be cutting back Sky Club lounge access. Read more on these upcoming changes here.)

Bonus Medallion Qualification Miles toward elite status

If you spend $25,000 in a calendar year, you get 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles toward the next level of elite status with Delta Air Lines. You can earn this bonus twice, which means you can earn a total of 20,000 MQMs without flying if you put $50,000 in spending on the card. Depending on the Medallion status you reach, you could enjoy perks like bonus miles when you fly or even complimentary upgrades. No other major domestic airline makes it as easy to become an elite member through credit card spending. Terms apply.