Amex Platinum Card vs. Delta Platinum Card [Detailed Comparison]

With similar-sounding names, it’s easy to confuse The Platinum Card^® from American Express, a popular premier travel rewards card, with the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, the airline-branded rewards card offering benefits for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers.

The 2 cards are distinctively different, yet both offer unique value for the ideal cardholder. However, it may come as a surprise that there are some similarities between the 2 cards, especially for Delta frequent flyers.

Whether you’re an avid traveler who appreciates premium travel benefits or a frequent Delta flyer looking for some of the same, you’ll find our take on the Amex Platinum card versus the Delta Platinum card of interest as we look at these cards from this slightly different perspective.

Let’s move forward with all the information you need to determine the value of each card.

Amex Platinum Card vs. Delta Platinum Card — Overview

Before we dive into the details of each card, we’ve put together an overview of each product so you can easily review the attributes of both featured cards side-by-side.

Note that terms and conditions apply to all benefits and protections. Some benefits require registration, have minimum purchase requirements, or require you to add your eligible card to an associated merchant account for payment (such as Uber, etc.).

Additionally, this is not an all-encompassing list of every benefit available on these 2 cards, only a summary of core benefits. You’ll want to access each card’s Guide to Benefits for a full description and the terms and conditions for each benefit or protection.

The Value of a Welcome Offer

A welcome offer allows you to earn a lot of rewards in the first 3 months after card approval by meeting minimum spending requirements.

The Amex Platinum card and the Delta Platinum card each have a generous welcome offer. The Amex Platinum card, however, earns Membership Rewards points whereas the Delta Platinum card earns Delta SkyMiles. We estimate the value of Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents apiece, almost double the value we assign Delta SkyMiles at around 1.2 cents each.

Depending on how you redeem those rewards, the total value of each card’s welcome bonus will differ.

Here are the current welcome offerings for our 2 featured cards:

Amex Platinum

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck^® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck^® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Delta Platinum

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

50,000 Bonus Miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$600

Annual Fee

$350

APR

20.99%-29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.

A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning a handful of valuable benefits with the airline.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases made directly with hotels
• 2x SkyMiles per $1 spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets

Cons

• $350 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn $1 Medallion^® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Resy Credit: When you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $10 each month in statement credits.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $350 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Bottom Line: Welcome offers allow you to accumulate a large number of rewards after you’re approved for a card and have met the minimum required spending requirements. The value of any welcome offer will vary based on how you ultimately redeem your rewards. Both of our featured cards offer generous welcome bonuses.

Amex Membership Rewards Points vs. Delta SkyMiles

When we look at earning and redemption options for the Amex Platinum card and the Delta Platinum card, we find that while the cards earn different types of rewards, you may still accomplish similar travel objectives with either currency, especially if you’re a Delta frequent flyer.

Let’s compare the earning and redemption options for our 2 cards:

Earning Potential

As we mentioned previously, the Amex Platinum card and Delta Platinum card earn entirely different types of reward currencies.

We’ll discuss how each type of reward can be redeemed next, but here’s how you can expect to earn rewards with each of our featured cards:

Redemption Options

Earning points and miles is exciting, but the real fun happens at redemption time. Regardless of which card you select, you’ll have several opportunities to redeem your rewards for travel and more.

Let’s look at the redemption possibilities with these 2 cards:

Hot Tip: You can redeem Membership Rewards points earned on the Amex Platinum card to book Delta flights via AmexTravel.com and earn SkyMiles when you fly. You can also transfer Membership Rewards points to Delta and book award flights directly.

Delta Air Lines Benefits

It’s natural to assume the Delta Platinum card would come with Delta-related benefits, but you’ll also find that the Amex Platinum card delivers its share of Delta-centric benefits.

Here are the Delta-related benefits that come with each of our featured cards:

Bottom Line: If you’re a Delta Medallion elite member and already have access to some of the perks and benefits that would be offered on the Delta Platinum card, you may want to consider the additional premium travel benefits and Delta-centric benefits offered by having the Amex Platinum card.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

Annual Fees

The Amex Platinum card currently charges an annual fee of $695 (rates & fees) and the Delta Platinum card charges $350 (rates & fees).

Adding Authorized Users

The Amex Platinum card charges $195 per card (rates & fees). The Delta Platinum card does not charge for additional users (rates & fees).

To learn more about the value of adding authorized users to your Amex Platinum card, we’ve provided a list of several benefits in our related article.

Bottom Line: While the Amex Platinum card has a higher annual fee and charges for adding authorized users, the card offers a broader collection of benefits than the Delta Platinum card.

Travel Benefits and Protections

Both the Amex Platinum card and Delta Platinum card offer these travel benefits and protections:

• Secondary Car Rental Insurance — Pay for your entire rental with your eligible card, decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive secondary coverage for damage and theft. Secondary coverage means that you must file a claim with any other applicable insurance first before card coverage kicks in. Cardmembers also have the option to purchase Premium Protection for a flat fee that covers the entire rental period.
• Trip Delay Insurance — If your trip is delayed 6 hours or more for a covered reason, you could receive up to $500 per trip with the Amex Platinum card or up to $300 per trip for covered delays of 12 hours or more with the Delta Platinum card. Each card has a limit of 2 claims per eligible card per 12-month period.
• Baggage Insurance — Receive up to $2,000 for checked baggage and $3,000 for carry-on baggage per person, per covered trip, with the Amex Platinum card. The Delta Platinum card has coverage limits of up to $500 for checked baggage and $1,250 for carry-on luggage, per person, per covered trip.

Amex Platinum Card

In addition to the above benefits offered on both of our featured cards, the Amex Platinum card has these additional travel benefits.

• CLEAR Plus Benefits — Pay for your CLEAR Plus membership with your Amex Platinum card and receive a statement credit for up to $189.
• Hotel and Car Rental Loyalty Program Elite Status Benefits
  • Hotels: Enjoy both Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold elite status, complimentary upon enrollment with the card.
  • Car Rentals: Receive upgrades, discounts, and priority service with Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Car Rental Emerald Club.
• Additional Elite Style Hotel Benefits — Book your prepaid stay via AmexTravel.com with The Hotel Collection or Fine Hotel & Resorts and receive room upgrades, on-site amenities, and more during your eligible stay.
• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance — Charge the entire amount of your eligible trip with the Amex Platinum card and receive up to $10,000 per trip ($20,000 per 12-month period) if your trip needs to be canceled or is interrupted for a covered reason.
• Emergency Evacuation — A huge benefit found on the Amex Platinum card is the emergency medical evacuation coverage, which has no stated maximum.

To learn more about the travel insurance benefits that come with the Amex Platinum card, check out our article on this specific topic.

Shopping Benefits and Protections

Both of our featured cards offer several shopping benefits and protections that can save you money, provide increased earnings, or deliver a statement credit for specific purchases.

Here are some of the shopping benefits and protections you can expect on both cards:

• Amex Offers — Log in to your online American Express card account, scroll down your home page, and access Amex Offers that can save you money or offer accelerated earnings on specific purchases.
• Extended Warranty — For eligible items purchased with your card, manufacturers’ warranties of 5 years or less will be extended for 1 additional year.
• Purchase Protection — Purchase eligible items with your card and receive coverage for theft and damage for 90 days from the date of purchase for up to $1,000 on the Delta Platinum card and up to $10,000 on the Amex Platinum card. Both cards have a maximum of $50,000 per eligible card.
• ShopRunner Membership — Enjoy free 2-day shipping, plus special discounts with dozens of merchants.
• Amex Auto Purchasing Program — Receive preferred pricing with local dealerships, the ability to charge at least $2,000 toward a new car purchase, and up to $2,000 in after-sale benefits.

Amex Platinum Card

In addition to the above, the Amex Platinum card offers hundreds of dollars in statement credits for specific purchases:

• Saks Fifth Avenue Statement Credit — Receive up to $100 each year in the form of statement credits for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue. You’ll receive up to $50 for January through June and an additional $50 for July through December.
• Return Protection — If a merchant will not accept a return within 90 days of the purchase date of an eligible item purchased with your card, you could receive up to $300 per item (a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year).

Additional Benefits

The Amex Platinum card kills it when it comes to dishing out statement credits for specific purchases. However, the number of benefits you can actually utilize will determine whether the card delivers enough value for you.

Let’s take a look at some of the key offers that come with each of our cards.

Amex Platinum Card

You’ll find that the Amex Platinum card seizes every opportunity to offer a long list of discounts, statement credits, and ancillary benefits.

Let’s review some of those benefits found on the card. Note that some benefits require enrollment, so be sure to check your American Express account to get the most out of your card.

• Up to $200 Prepaid Hotel Credit — Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which require a minimum 2-night stay, through AmexTravel.com when you pay with your card.
• Up to $240 Digital Entertainment Credit — Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your card on one or more of the following: Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• Up to $300 Equinox Credit — Get up to $300 back each year on eligible Equinox memberships when you pay with your card. Enrollment required.
• Cell Phone Protection — Receive up to $800 to repair or replace your damaged or stolen phone. A $50 deductible applies, and there’s a limit of 2 claims per 12-month period.
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash — Link your Amex Platinum card to your Uber account and receive $15 each month credited to your Uber Cash account from January through November. In December you’ll receive $35 in Uber Cash. Uber Cash credits can be used for Uber rides in the U.S. and Uber Eats.
• Monthly Walmart+ Credit — Sign up for Walmart+, add your Amex Platinum card for payment, and receive a statement credit for the membership fee, up to $12.95 each month.

Delta Platinum Card

You’ll find fewer benefits on the Delta Platinum card, but keep in mind that the card’s annual fee is much lower. We’ll touch on that shortly, but here’s an additional benefit offered on the Delta Platinum card:

• Annual $120 Resy Credit: Earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled card.
• Annual $120 rideshare credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your enrolled card.
• Annual $150 Delta Stays credit: Earn up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
• Cell Phone Protection — Receive up to $800 in cell phone protection for damage or theft. There’s a $50 deductible per claim, a limit of 2 claims per year, and your monthly bill must be paid with your card.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a frequent Delta flyer (especially if you have elite status) who appreciates premium travel benefits, the Amex Platinum card deserves your consideration. Whether or not it makes sense for you will depend on how many of its benefits you can actually use.

The Delta Platinum card with the annual fee could easily provide enough value for the Delta frequent flyer with just its free checked bags and the annual companion ticket certificate.

Finding value with the Amex Platinum card involves a closer look. You’ll need to look at each benefit and determine which ones add enough value for you. For example, if you find value in Priority Pass Select membership, enjoy access to premium Centurion Lounges when traveling, and expect to use the airline incidental credit and CLEAR Plus credit, you’ve covered the annual fee. Any additional statement credits received for specific purchases would just add more value.

Want more options? Check out the Delta Platinum card vs. the American Express^® Gold Card and the Amex Platinum Card vs. the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance and trip delay insurance benefits of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefits of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the return protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. For the Cell Phone Protection benefit of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the trip delay insurance benefits of the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Cell Phone Protection benefit of Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.