Which Travel Card Is Right for You—Delta SkyMiles Gold or Amex Platinum?

Choosing the Delta SkyMiles Gold and Amex Platinum cards depends on your travel habits and priorities. 

Both offer unique perks—one tailored for Delta flyers seeking affordability and the other for luxury seekers who value premium benefits. 

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This guide will help you decide which card aligns best with your needs.

Key Features of Each Card

Each card offers distinct features designed to enhance the travel experience. 

Below is a breakdown of the key benefits of the Delta SkyMiles Gold and Amex Platinum cards to help you compare their value.

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Delta SkyMiles Gold

  • Annual Fee: Waived for the first year, then a modest fee
  • Earning Rates: 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets; 1x miles on all other purchases
  • Delta Benefits: Free first checked bag, priority boarding, and 20% savings on in-flight purchases
  • SkyMiles Program: Redeemable for Delta flights, upgrades, and partner airline rewards
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
  • Travel Protections: Basic trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Amex Platinum

  • Annual Fee: Premium fee with extensive perks
  • Earning Rates: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel; 5x on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel; 1x on other purchases
  • Travel Credits: Up to $200 in airline fee credits, hotel credits, and Uber Cash
  • Luxury Travel Benefits: Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta)
  • Points Transfer: Membership Rewards points are transferable to multiple airline and hotel partners
  • Travel Protections: Comprehensive insurance, including trip cancellation and rental car coverage

Comparing Perks

Below is a detailed look at their unique benefits to help you identify which card offers the most value for your lifestyle.

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Travel Rewards

  • Delta SkyMiles Gold: Focused on earning miles for Delta purchases and everyday spending categories like groceries and dining
  • Amex Platinum: Offers higher rewards for flights and hotels, especially when booked through Amex Travel, with flexible redemption options

Lounge Access

  • Delta SkyMiles Gold: Limited to Delta Sky Club access, requiring an additional fee
  • Amex Platinum: Complimentary access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta)

Fee Waivers and Discounts

  • Delta SkyMiles Gold: Free first checked bag, priority boarding for Delta flights, and 20% savings on in-flight purchases
  • Amex Platinum: Annual travel credits, including up to $200 in airline fees and Uber Cash, alongside hotel and dining credits

Travel Insurance

  • Delta SkyMiles Gold: Offers basic travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance
  • Amex Platinum: Comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation, lost luggage reimbursement, and car rental insurance

Target Audience for Each Card

Each card is designed for a specific type of traveler, depending on their preferences and priorities. 

Here’s a breakdown of who benefits most from the Delta SkyMiles Gold and Amex Platinum cards.

Delta SkyMiles Gold

  • Ideal for Delta frequent flyers and budget-conscious travelers
  • Perfect for those who prioritize waived baggage fees and simple travel rewards
  • Suited for occasional travelers seeking practical perks at a lower annual cost

Amex Platinum

  • Best for frequent international travelers and luxury seekers
  • Designed for individuals who value premium lounge access and high-end benefits
  • Ideal for those maximizing rewards points and utilizing travel credits

Cost Analysis

Understanding each card’s costs and benefits is key to making the right choice. Here’s a cost analysis to guide you.

Delta SkyMiles Gold

  • Annual Fee: Waived for the first year, then $99
  • Offset Potential: Free checked bags for Delta flights can save up to $60 per round trip
  • Earning Value: Competitive miles-earning rates on everyday spending and Delta purchases
  • Additional Costs: No foreign transaction fees, but minimal extra perks beyond Delta-related savings

Amex Platinum

  • Annual Fee: $695, significantly higher than most travel cards
  • Offset Potential: Up to $1,400 in yearly credits (travel, dining, Uber, and hotels) for frequent users
  • Earning Value: Premium rewards on Amex Travel bookings
  • Additional Costs: Requires regular use of luxury perks and credits to justify the fee

Redemption Options

Each card’s redemption options show how rewards convert to travel benefits. Here’s a comparison of their flexibility and value.

Delta SkyMiles Gold

  • Flight Redemptions: Redeem SkyMiles for Delta flights, seat upgrades, and award flights with partner airlines.
  • Fixed Redemption Value: Rewards are generally tied to the cost of Delta flights, offering predictable value.
  • Limited Flexibility: SkyMiles is specific to Delta and its airline partners, with fewer transfer or alternative redemption options.

Amex Platinum

  • Transfer Partners: Membership Rewards points can be transferred to over 20 airline and hotel loyalty programs.
  • Flexible Uses: Redeem points for flights, hotels, car rentals, and even statement credits.
  • Enhanced Value: Higher redemption value when booking through Amex Travel or transferring to select partners like Delta or Marriott.

Impact on Credit Score

Applying for a credit card affects your credit score in several ways. Here’s how the Delta SkyMiles Gold and Amex Platinum compare.

Delta SkyMiles Gold

  • Application Inquiry: Results in a hard inquiry, which may cause a small temporary dip in your score.
  • Credit Utilization: A manageable credit limit can help maintain low utilization if used wisely.
  • Payment History: Consistent payments build a positive credit history, improving your score over time.
  • Approval Odds: Requires good credit, making it more accessible for mid-level credit holders.

Amex Platinum

  • Application Inquiry: Includes a hard credit check, which can temporarily lower your score.
  • Credit Utilization: High spending limit supports low utilization, benefiting your credit score.
  • Payment History: Strict on-time payments are critical due to its charge card-like structure.
  • Approval Odds: Requires excellent credit, making qualifying harder than standard credit cards.

Additional Travel Benefits

Both cards offer additional travel benefits beyond earning points and miles, enhancing your overall travel experience. 

Here’s a breakdown of the extra perks provided by the Delta SkyMiles Gold and Amex Platinum cards.

Delta SkyMiles Gold

  • Baggage Perks: Free first checked bag on Delta flights, saving up to $60 per round trip
  • Priority Boarding: Board earlier to secure overhead storage space
  • In-Flight Discounts: 20% savings on Delta in-flight purchases like snacks and beverages
  • Basic Travel Protections: Includes trip cancellation insurance for peace of mind

Amex Platinum

  • Lounge Access: Complimentary entry to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges
  • Travel Credits: Up to $200 in airline fee credits, hotel credits, and Uber Cash
  • Hotel Benefits: Access to Fine Hotels & Resorts program with room upgrades and late checkouts
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Coverage for trip cancellations, lost baggage, and car rentals
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Reimbursement for application fees to expedite security lines

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Card

Both cards offer additional travel benefits beyond earning points and miles, enhancing your overall travel experience. 

Here’s a breakdown of the extra perks provided by the Delta SkyMiles Gold and Amex Platinum cards.

Delta SkyMiles Gold

  • Baggage Perks: Free first checked bag on Delta flights, saving up to $60 per round trip
  • Priority Boarding: Board earlier to secure overhead storage space
  • In-Flight Discounts: 20% savings on Delta in-flight purchases like snacks and beverages
  • Basic Travel Protections: Includes trip cancellation insurance for peace of mind

Amex Platinum

  • Lounge Access: Complimentary entry to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges
  • Travel Credits: Up to $200 in airline fee credits, hotel credits, and Uber Cash
  • Hotel Benefits: Access to Fine Hotels & Resorts program with room upgrades and late checkouts
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Coverage for trip cancellations, lost baggage, and car rentals
  • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Reimbursement for application fees to expedite security lines

To Wrap Up

Choosing the Delta SkyMiles Gold and Amex Platinum depends on your travel habits and priorities. 

Delta loyalists may prefer the Gold card, while luxury travelers should consider the Platinum. 

Evaluate your travel frequency, preferred perks, and annual fee tolerance to decide.

Last updated on January 7th, 2025 at 03:46 pm