The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card (commonly known as the Amex Delta Platinum) is designed for frequent Delta flyers who want to accelerate progress toward Delta Medallion Status. In addition to earning 3X SkyMiles on Delta purchases and hotels, its key benefits include an annual Companion Certificate, 2,500 MQD Headstart, and MQD Boost.
👉 Apply for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
Benefits Overview
| Benefit | Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | US$350 |
| Delta Purchases | 3X SkyMiles |
| Hotels | 3X SkyMiles on purchases made directly with hotels |
| Restaurants | 2X SkyMiles, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| U.S. Supermarkets | 2X SkyMiles |
| Other Eligible Purchases | 1X SkyMiles |
| Companion Certificate | 1 certificate after each renewal; valid for eligible round-trip Delta Main travel within the U.S. and to select Caribbean and Central American destinations |
| MQD Headstart | 2,500 MQDs each Medallion Qualification Year |
| MQD Boost | US$20 in eligible purchases = 1 MQD |
| TakeOff 15 | 15% discount on the miles required for eligible Delta-operated Award Travel |
| Free Checked Bags | First checked bag free on eligible Delta flights; second checked bag free on eligible domestic Delta flights |
| Zone 5 Priority Boarding | Zone 5 Priority Boarding |
| Complimentary Upgrade List | Eligible non-Medallion Card Members can be added to the Complimentary Upgrade List |
| Delta Stays Credit | Up to US$150 per year |
| Rideshare Credit | Up to US$10 per month / US$120 per year; enrollment required |
| Resy Credit | Up to US$10 per month / US$120 per year; enrollment required |
| Global Entry / TSA PreCheck | Up to US$120 for Global Entry or US$85 for TSA PreCheck |
| Hertz Status | Hertz Five Star Status; enrollment required |
| Pay with Miles | Every 5,000 Miles can reduce an eligible Delta ticket by up to US$50 |
| Eligible Delta In-Flight Purchases | 20% back as a statement credit |
| Delta Sky Club | No complimentary access |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
Companion Certificate
After each card renewal, Card Members receive a Companion Certificate that can be used for eligible round-trip Delta Main travel within the U.S. and to select destinations in the Caribbean and Central America.
For travelers who take at least one eligible Delta trip with a companion each year, this is one of the most important benefits distinguishing the Platinum Card from the Gold Card.
MQD Headstart + MQD Boost
For travelers pursuing Delta Medallion Status, the Platinum Card’s MQD benefits are particularly important.
Each Medallion Qualification Year, Card Members receive:
2,500 MQD Headstart
Eligible card spending also earns:
US$20 in purchases = 1 MQD
This allows Card Members to make progress toward Medallion Status through both holding the card and everyday spending rather than relying entirely on flying.
Bottom Line
The core value of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is straightforward: Companion Certificate + 2,500 MQD Headstart + MQD Boost.
Travelers who primarily need free checked bags, Priority Boarding, and TakeOff 15 may find the Gold Card sufficient. Those who want Delta Sky Club access and faster MQD earning should instead compare the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card.
Historical Welcome Offers
| Period | Welcome Offer | Spending Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2026 | 90,000 SkyMiles + US$300 Statement Credit | US$4,000 in purchases within the first 6 months |
| Jun–Jul 2026 | 100,000 SkyMiles | US$4,000 in purchases → 80K, then an additional US$2,000 → 20K within the first 6 months |
| Jan–Apr 2026 | 100,000 SkyMiles | US$6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months |
| Oct 2025–Jan 2026 | 60,000 SkyMiles | US$3,000 in purchases within the first 6 months |
| Jun–Jul 2024 | 85,000 SkyMiles | US$4,000 in purchases within the first 6 months |
| Feb–Mar 2024 | 90,000 SkyMiles | US$4,000 in purchases within the first 6 months |
👉 Apply for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Personal Cards
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefits | Foreign Transaction Fee |
| Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card | US$0 | 2X Delta, 2X restaurants, 20% back on eligible inflight purchases | 0% |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | US$0 first year, then US$150 | Free checked bag, Zone 5 Priority Boarding, TakeOff 15, US$200 Delta Flight Credit | 0% |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card | US$350 | Companion Certificate, 2,500 MQD Headstart, MQD Boost, free checked bag | 0% |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card | US$650 | 15 Delta Sky Club Visits, Centurion Lounge access, Companion Certificate, 2,500 MQD Headstart | 0% |
Delta SkyMiles Business Cards
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefits | Foreign Transaction Fee |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card | US$0 first year, then US$150 | Free checked bag, Zone 5 Priority Boarding, TakeOff 15, US$200 Delta Flight Credit | 0% |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card | US$350 | Companion Certificate, 2,500 MQD Headstart, MQD Boost, Delta / Hotels 3X | 0% |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card | US$650 | 15 Delta Sky Club Visits, Centurion Lounge access, Companion Certificate, 2,500 MQD Headstart | 0% |
Application Rules & Restrictions
When applying for American Express credit cards, keep these key rules in mind:
– Once in a Lifetime: The Welcome Offer on the same Amex Card is generally available only once. Some cards also have Family Language, meaning that previously holding another card in the same family may affect Welcome Offer Eligibility.
– Card Slots: You can generally hold around 5 Amex Credit Cards, with Personal and Business Credit Cards counted together. Charge Cards typically do not count toward this Credit Card limit. Actual limits may vary.
– 1/5 & 2/90 Rule: A commonly observed guideline is generally no more than 1 Amex Credit Card approval within 5 days and 2 approvals within 90 days. This primarily applies to Credit Cards rather than Charge Cards.
– Pop-Up: During the application process, Amex may notify you that you are not eligible for the Welcome Offer. You may still be able to continue the application and receive approval, but without the Welcome Offer.
A simple Amex application strategy is:
Check Welcome Offer Eligibility → Check Family Language → Manage Card Slots → Submit Application
Actual application and Welcome Offer Eligibility requirements are subject to the current terms of each American Express Card.
How Can Foreigners Apply for American Express Credit Cards?
For foreigners entering the U.S. credit card market, Amex Global Transfer can be one of the best starting points.
If you already hold an eligible American Express card in another country, your existing Amex cardmember history may help support an application for a U.S. Amex card without first building a long U.S. credit history.
Overseas Amex → Amex Global Transfer → U.S. Amex → Build U.S. Credit History
Actual eligibility and required information are subject to current American Express requirements.
