I just got an alert that my $350 annual card fee was due. So, I thought what better time to discuss my Delta Platinum SkyMiles American Express Card!
My first credit card was actually the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card. I had it for about six years, before I decided to upgrade to the platinum last November. There were three reasons why I decided to upgrade.
The first was that Delta changed the criteria for medallion qualification, which meant it would be harder to get status. In the past few years I was a low tier, silver and gold medallion and I enjoyed those benefits. I was able to use the priority lane for checking in my luggage and I’m always late to the airport so it saves my life! I was also able to get upgraded to first class quite often. Once you’ve flown first class, it’s hard going back to economy with the screaming babies and economy seats. Even though I’m one of the economy seat people 95% of the time, but still can I live?!
My next reason was the gold card no longer offered access to the Sky Club lounge. I like to escape the hectic loud madness of airports and there is nothing better than a lounge. Free liquor, snacks, comfy seats with working usb ports, clean restrooms, some even have showers. Being in a lounge vs boarding area is like night and day. I sound real bougie right now, I’m swear I’m not that bougie, but once you experience the little luxuries it’s hard to go back.
The final reason was that they offered 35,000 points after upgrading. That’s a couple roundtrip domestic flights. I’ll take it.
I do think the gold delta amex is a great first travel credit card. The card offers many benefits that make up for the $150 annual fee. Free first checked bag, $100 hotel stay credit and $200 Delta flight credit.
And now we can compare it to my new card, the Delta Platinum Amex.
Platinum Card – The Good and Bad:
Ok. So I have mixed feelings about it. Right after I got the card, like two weeks later, Delta announced that the platinum card does not grant access to the Sky Clubs. There is not option to pay $49 to get in. I’m completely shut out of the clubs. I have to eat my Chipotle at the airport food court with everyone else. And I actually have to buy wine now, why me?! I’m making it though, I’m ok, I haven’t had any long layovers this past year thank goodness.
I do understand why Delta made the change. The Sky clubs were getting very crowded and not as relaxing as they used to be. I recall it even being long lines to get in! That never was a thing. I think after Covid 19, people were either tired of being cooped up in the house and/or decided life is too short let’s start traveling.
One benefit that I do enjoy, is the $2500 medallion qualification head start toward elite status. The lowest is Silver Medallion and you have to spend $6000 a year with Delta to reach it, so the $2500 definitely helps. I have been upgraded on 75% of my flights this year as a Silver Medallion. I was even surprised to be upgraded to comfort plus on my flight to Japan, I was in the first row and I had amble leg space.
The card offers a companion certificate too, which unfortunately I didn’t even get a chance to use! It bothers me that I let it go to waste. I also didn’t use the credit for global entry. You can get that or TSA pre-check for free. I will do utilize next year though.
Now, that I write about the card it is actually worth the annual fee. I guess I’m just a bit jaded because it offers no lounge access. Since that is a huge factor for me, I probably won’t have the card for much longer.
My Future with Delta Amex Cards
The only other card left is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. Of course, it has the highest annual fee of $650. I cannot seem to grasp paying that much a year in annual fees. Even though the perks are amazing and make up for it, it just seems crazy paying that much for a credit card. But, when I break it down by month it’s only $54 so that makes more sense to me. Mostly likely I will upgrade to Reserve card or Centurion in the future. I will be sure to write about it when I do.
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Are you considering a Delta Amex? Do you already have one? Do you think I should just get a regular Amex? If so let me know down below! Can’t wait to read about it 🙂
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