The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card is a top choice for frequent Delta flyers. With a $350 annual fee, the card offers numerous travel perks, including free checked bags, priority boarding, and an annual companion certificate. This article provides an in-depth look at the card’s features, benefits, and how it compares to other business credit cards.
Key Benefits
Travel Perks
- Free Checked Bag: Enjoy the first checked bag free for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation. This can save you up to $70 on every round-trip where you would have checked a bag.
- Priority Boarding: Benefit from Zone 5 Priority Boarding for you and up to nine travelers on the same reservation.
- Companion Certificate: Receive an annual main cabin round-trip companion certificate valid for travel within the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
- Award Flight Discount: Get 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights when paying taxes and fees with this card.
- Complimentary Upgrades: Access complimentary seat upgrades on eligible flights after Medallion members.
Business Advantages
- Inflight Discount: Receive a 20% statement credit on pre-purchased meals and inflight purchases of food, alcoholic beverages, and audio headsets.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Get a statement credit for Global Entry ($100 every 4 years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4½ years).
- Hertz Five Star Status: Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star status, offering benefits like car upgrades and expedited service.
- Resy Credit: Earn up to $120 annual statement credit ($10 monthly) at Resy, the online restaurant reservation service.
- Ride-Hailing Credit: Receive up to $120 annual statement credit ($10 monthly) for ride-hailing services.
- Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $200 annual statement credit at Delta Stays, Delta’s hotel travel portal.
Welcome Offer
New cardholders can earn 95,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 in purchases within the first six months. TPG values SkyMiles at 1.15 cents each, making this offer worth approximately $1,093. Note that American Express limits who can apply for the card, and previous or current cardholders may not be eligible for the welcome bonus.
Earning and Redeeming Miles
Earning Miles
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business card offers a robust earning structure, particularly for Delta purchases and large business expenses.
| Purchase Type | Miles per Dollar |
|---|---|
| Delta Purchases | 3 miles |
| Hotel Purchases | 3 miles |
| Transit and U.S. Shipping | 1.5 miles |
| Purchases Over $5,000 | 1.5 miles |
| All Other Purchases | 1 mile |
Redeeming Miles
Miles can be redeemed for air travel on Delta and its partners, seat upgrades, and other travel-related expenses.
| Redemption Option | Value |
|---|---|
| Delta Flights | Varies (best value) |
| Seat Upgrades | Varies |
| Sky Club Membership | Low value |
| Transfer/Gift Miles | Low value |
| Donate Miles | Low value |
Comparison with Competitors
| Card | Annual Fee | Lounge Access | Companion Certificate | Bonus Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Amex | $350 | No | Yes | 95,000 miles |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business Amex | $150 | No | No | 50,000 miles |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Amex | $650 | Yes | Yes | 100,000 miles |
| Amex Business Platinum Card® | $695 | Yes | No | 120,000 points |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Earns bonus miles on Delta flights and hotels | High annual fee |
| First checked bag free on Delta flights | No lounge access |
| Annual companion certificate | Limited bonus categories |
| Priority boarding | Eligibility restrictions for welcome offer |
Who Should Consider This Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Amex is perfect for Delta loyalists who frequently travel for business. The card’s benefits outweigh the annual fee for those who can take advantage of the companion certificate, free checked bags, and priority boarding.
Final Thoughts
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card offers excellent travel perks and earning potential for Delta business flyers. While the annual fee is substantial, the benefits can significantly offset the cost for those who maximize the card’s features. If you’re a frequent Delta traveler, this card is a solid addition to your wallet.
