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Amex Platinum vs Delta SkyMiles Blue: Which Is Better In 2025?
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
- The American Express Platinum Card® is ideal for frequent travelers seeking premium perks like extensive airport lounge access and luxury hotel benefits.
- The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a great option for occasional Delta flyers and diners looking to earn SkyMiles without an annual fee.
American Express Platinum Card® Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here's a breakdown of why we like the American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees).
- Its airport lounge access is one of the most comprehensive available, giving you a place to relax in airports around the globe.
- The card is packed with valuable statement credits for things you already buy, like travel, streaming services, and food delivery.
- You'll earn bonus points on flights and prepaid hotels, and these points can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Pros
- Receive complimentary Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, and unlock elite-style perks through the Fine Hotels + Resorts program.
- Gain access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy.
- Enjoy premium travel support with a dedicated concierge service and comprehensive travel protections.
Cons
- The card comes with a high annual fee, making it essential to use its benefits consistently to offset the cost.
- Bonus rewards are primarily focused on travel, so it doesn't offer accelerated earnings on most everyday purchases.
- Many of the card's valuable credits require manual enrollment and have specific terms, which can be cumbersome to track.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here's a breakdown of what makes the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express (See Rates & Fees) a card worth considering.
- You can earn miles on eligible Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide.
- You'll receive a statement credit for a portion of eligible in-flight purchases on Delta flights.
- It provides a straightforward way for casual travelers to earn Delta SkyMiles.
Terms Apply.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Pros
- An opportunity to earn a Welcome Offer for new cardholders.
- Access to American Express experiences, which can include presales and preferred seating for select events.
- Miles earned do not expire, allowing you to save up for a trip without a deadline.
Cons
- Lacks premium travel benefits like free checked bags or priority boarding, which are often found on other travel cards.
- The rewards program has limited earning potential on everyday spending compared to other premium travel cards.
- Redemption options are mostly confined to the Delta SkyMiles program, offering less flexibility than cards with transferable points.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express vs American Express Platinum Card®
Categories
Deciding which is better Amex Platinum or Delta SkyMiles Blue depends entirely on your travel frequency and what you value in a credit card.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express is designed for frequent travelers who can maximize luxury travel perks, comprehensive airport lounge access, and other premium benefits.
- Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card serves as an excellent entry-level option for occasional Delta flyers or budget-conscious travelers looking to earn miles without an annual fee.
Redemption
The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card earns Membership Rewards points, which offer a wide range of flexible redemption options. Points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners or used to book travel directly through American Express Travel.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: This card earns Delta SkyMiles, which are primarily redeemed for flights with Delta Air Lines and its partners. These miles are straightforward to use for award travel, though they offer less flexibility than Membership Rewards points.
Travel Perks
- Airport Lounge Access: The Platinum Card® from American Express grants cardholders access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®. In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card does not include this benefit.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: For international travelers, The Platinum Card® from American Express is a strong choice as it does not have foreign transaction fees. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, however, does charge these fees.
- Travel Booking & Perks: Cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express can use the American Express Travel portal and enjoy benefits like hotel and car rental elite status. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card members book award travel through Delta and receive savings on in-flight purchases.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
Kudos offers a platform that allows you to compare nearly 3,000 credit cards, helping you make an informed decision based on your spending habits.
- Test drive credit cards: Simulate your potential earnings with a new card based on your actual spending data before you apply, without affecting your credit score.
- Approval odds analysis: Get a detailed analysis of your chances of being approved for a card based on your credit report.
- Personalized recommendations: Receive card suggestions tailored to your spending history to maximize your rewards.
- Kudos Boost: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card points when shopping at participating stores.
- Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better welcome offer for a card within three months of applying through Kudos, they will match it.
Who Should Choose the American Express Platinum Card®?
The American Express Platinum Card® is tailored for the frequent traveler who prioritizes luxury experiences and premium perks over earning high rewards on everyday spending. This individual can fully leverage the card's extensive airport lounge access, complimentary hotel elite status, and a suite of statement credits across travel, dining, and retail. Ultimately, the ideal cardholder is someone whose lifestyle and spending habits naturally align with the card's specific benefits, allowing them to easily offset the substantial annual fee.
Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express?
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to earn miles without the commitment of an annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for occasional Delta flyers who don't travel frequently enough to need premium perks like lounge access but still want to accumulate SkyMiles on their flights. Additionally, with 2x miles at restaurants worldwide and no foreign transaction fees, it's a strong contender for dining enthusiasts and those who travel internationally.
Alternatives to Consider
If this Amex Platinum vs. Delta SkyMiles Blue comparison shows that neither card is the right fit for your wallet, don't fret. There are plenty of other travel rewards cards that might better align with your spending habits and travel style.
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Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score – You will generally need good to excellent credit for approval.
- Plan your spending – Make sure you can meet the Welcome Offer spending requirement without going into debt.
- Assess the benefits – Ensure the card’s perks align with your lifestyle and spending habits.
Application Strategy
- Research redemption options – Know how you will use your rewards before earning them.
- Find the best offer – Search for the highest available Welcome Offer to maximize value.
- Plan your benefit strategy – Understand how to activate and use the card’s statement credits and perks.
Our Methodology
We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.
Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold both the American Express® Platinum Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card?
Yes, it is entirely possible to have both cards. This strategy allows you to access the unique benefits of each, pairing the Platinum Card's luxury travel perks with the Delta-specific advantages of the SkyMiles Blue card.
Can I transfer points from the Amex Platinum card to Delta?
Yes, American Express Membership Rewards points, which you earn with the Platinum Card, can be transferred to numerous airline partners. The Delta SkyMiles program is one of these partners.
Which card is better for someone new to travel rewards?
The Delta SkyMiles Blue card is generally more straightforward for beginners, as its rewards and benefits are focused on a single airline. The Amex Platinum card offers a wider array of complex benefits that may be better suited for more experienced travelers.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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