Should You Upgrade From The Delta Amex Gold Card To The Platinum Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is a great option for frequent Delta flyers looking to earn miles on everyday purchases. However, Delta and American Express also offer a premium Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card with more benefits.
Upgrading from the Gold card to the Platinum version can get you additional perks, but also comes with a higher annual fee.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Upgrading to the Delta Platinum Amex can be worth it if you’ll use the annual companion ticket benefit, airport lounge access, and other elite-like perks to offset the higher $250 annual fee (vs $99 for the Gold Delta Amex).
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Delta Gold Amex and the Delta Platinum Amex in detail including:
Welcome Bonus and Earning Rates
Delta Gold Amex welcome bonus
The Delta Gold Amex currently offers a welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months. This is a solid bonus that’s worth around $500, according to The Points Guy’s valuations.
Delta Platinum Amex welcome bonus
The Delta Platinum Amex has an increased welcome bonus of 90,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months. This is an excellent bonus valued around $1,170.
Earning rates comparison
| Card | Delta Gold Amex | Delta Platinum Amex |
|---|---|---|
| Delta purchases | 2x miles | 3x miles |
| Dining | 2x miles | 3x miles |
| Hotels | 2x miles | 3x miles |
| U.S. supermarkets | 2x miles | 3x miles |
The Delta Platinum Amex earns 3x miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, while the Delta Gold Amex earns just 2x. The Platinum also earns 3x on dining and U.S. supermarkets, while the Gold earns 2x.
So you’ll earn bonus miles faster with the Platinum across common spending categories.
Benefits
Delta Gold Amex benefits
The Delta Amex Gold Card offers a range of benefits that make it an appealing choice for frequent Delta flyers. Cardholders enjoy perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to the Delta Sky Club lounges.
Additionally, the card offers travel insurance coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, as well as car rental loss and damage insurance. These benefits can provide peace of mind and enhance the overall travel experience.
Delta Platinum Amex benefits
The Delta Amex Platinum Card takes the benefits to the next level. In addition to the benefits offered by the Gold Card, Platinum Card holders enjoy additional perks such as complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club lounges for themselves and up to two guests.
This is a significant upgrade for those who value comfort and relaxation while waiting for their flights. The Platinum Card also provides an annual companion certificate, allowing the cardholder to bring a companion on a domestic Delta flight for a reduced fee.
Which has better benefits?
When comparing the benefits of the Delta Gold Amex Card and the Delta Platinum Amex Card, it is clear that the Platinum Card offers more extensive benefits and enhanced privileges. The access to Delta Sky Club lounges for the cardholder and guests, as well as the annual companion certificate, are valuable perks that can greatly enhance the travel experience.
However, it is important to note that the Platinum Card also comes with a higher annual fee and may not be suitable for everyone.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade from the Delta Gold Amex Card to the Platinum Card depends on individual preferences and travel habits. If you frequently travel with Delta and value the additional benefits, such as lounge access and the companion certificate, upgrading to the Platinum Card may be worthwhile.
On the other hand, if you do not utilize these benefits often or prefer a lower annual fee, sticking with the Gold Card may be the better option.
For more information on the benefits of the Delta Amex Gold Card and the Delta Amex Platinum Card, you can visit the official American Express website here.
Annual Fee
Delta Gold Amex annual fee
The Delta Amex Gold Card comes with an annual fee of $99. This fee is relatively low compared to other premium travel credit cards on the market. However, it’s important to consider the benefits and rewards you receive in return for this fee.
The Gold Card offers perks such as priority boarding, a free checked bag, and access to the Delta Sky Club for an additional fee.
Delta Platinum Amex annual fee
The Delta Amex Platinum Card has a higher annual fee of $250. While this may seem steep, the Platinum Card offers a range of additional benefits that can make it worth the investment for frequent travelers.
Cardholders enjoy access to Delta Sky Club lounges, an annual companion certificate, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. These perks can help offset the higher annual fee for those who take advantage of them.
Comparing the annual fees of the two cards, the Delta Platinum Amex Card does come with a higher cost. However, it’s essential to consider the value of the additional benefits and rewards that come with the Platinum Card.
If you frequently travel with Delta and can take advantage of the added perks, the higher annual fee may be well worth it.
For more information about the annual fees and benefits of the Delta Amex Gold Card and Platinum Card, you can visit the official American Express website: www.americanexpress.com.
Is It Worth Upgrading from the Gold to the Platinum?
Deciding whether to upgrade from the Delta Amex Gold Card to the Platinum Card is a personal choice that depends on your individual travel habits and financial goals. Here are some factors to consider when determining if the upgrade is worth it for you:
When upgrading makes sense
If you are a frequent traveler who values luxury perks and benefits, upgrading to the Platinum Card might be a great option for you. The Platinum Card offers a range of exclusive benefits such as access to Delta Sky Clubs, complimentary upgrades, and an annual companion certificate.
These perks can significantly enhance your travel experience and make the upgrade worthwhile.
Additionally, if you often fly with Delta and spend a significant amount on airfare each year, the increased earning potential of the Platinum Card may be appealing. The Platinum Card offers higher rewards rates on Delta purchases, allowing you to accumulate more miles and enjoy greater travel rewards.
Furthermore, the Platinum Card comes with a variety of travel insurance and purchase protection benefits that can provide you with added peace of mind. These benefits can include trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage insurance, and extended warranty protection.
If you value these additional protections, upgrading to the Platinum Card may be a smart move.
When you may want to stick with the Gold card
If you are a more casual traveler who does not prioritize luxury perks and benefits, sticking with the Delta Amex Gold Card may be the better choice for you. The Gold Card still offers a range of valuable benefits such as priority boarding, a free checked bag, and no foreign transaction fees.
Additionally, if you do not spend a significant amount on airfare each year or do not primarily fly with Delta, the increased annual fee of the Platinum Card may not be justified. It’s important to consider your spending habits and travel preferences when deciding whether to upgrade.
Conclusion
The Delta Platinum Amex offers a number of valuable benefits like an annual companion ticket and Delta Sky Club lounge access that can more than offset the higher $250 annual fee (vs $99 on the Gold Delta Amex). Upgrading can be worthwhile if you’ll take advantage of these elite-like perks.
However, if you only fly Delta occasionally and don’t need airport lounge access, the Delta Gold card may be sufficient. Carefully consider your travel habits and needs to decide if upgrading to the Delta Platinum card is worth it.
