Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs Delta SkyMiles Platinum: Which Is Better In 2025?

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a breakdown of why we think the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a strong choice for Delta flyers.

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• Cardholders can accelerate their earnings with 3X miles on Delta purchases and hotel stays, plus 2X miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.
• While the card comes with an annual fee (See Rates & Fees), it offers valuable travel perks like a free first checked bag and priority boarding that can enhance your travel experience.
• The annual companion certificate for a domestic main cabin round-trip flight can easily offset the card's annual fee, making it a valuable perk for those who travel with a partner. (publisher-formulated estimate)

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

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Pros

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• Offers a head start and an accelerated path toward earning Delta Medallion elite status.
• Includes annual statement credits for rideshare and dining, plus a credit to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry.
• Provides additional travel perks like complimentary Hertz Five Star® status and discounts on award travel and in-flight purchases.

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Cons

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• Carries a significant annual fee.
• Does not include complimentary Delta Sky Club® access.
• Key benefits, like the annual companion certificate, come with notable restrictions, and some statement credits require monthly use to maximize their value.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express vs Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®

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Categories

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Choosing between the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card can be a tough decision for any traveler. The answer to which is better, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless or Delta SkyMiles Platinum, ultimately depends on your travel style and brand loyalty.

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• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: This card is best suited for frequent travelers who regularly stay at Marriott properties and want to earn points on everyday spending categories. It's also a strong choice for those looking to achieve Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: This card is ideal for Delta loyalists who fly the airline several times a year and want to enjoy premium travel perks. It's also a great fit for travelers seeking to achieve Delta Medallion status or those who can take advantage of the annual companion certificate.

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Redemption

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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Points earned with this card are primarily redeemed for free nights at hotels and resorts within the extensive Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. You can also transfer points to various airline partners or use them for unique experiences.

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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: SkyMiles earned can be redeemed for flights on Delta and its partner airlines, allowing for flexible travel options across a global network. Miles can also be used for seat upgrades, Delta Vacations packages, and other travel-related perks.

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Travel Perks

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• Travel Ecosystem: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® card's universe revolves around the extensive Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, giving you access to thousands of hotels and resorts. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, on the other hand, operates within the Delta Air Lines ecosystem, which includes its SkyTeam and other global airline partners.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards are excellent companions for your international adventures, as neither charges foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad. For the American Express card, Terms Apply.
• Lounge Access: If airport lounge access is a priority, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum card offers entry into the Delta Sky Club for a fee when you have a same-day Delta flight. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® card does not include this perk. Terms Apply for the American Express card benefit.
• Signature Annual Perks: Each card comes with a valuable annual benefit. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® card provides a Free Night Award every year after your account anniversary. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum card features an annual Companion Certificate, which can be redeemed for a companion's round-trip flight on eligible routes. Terms Apply for the American Express card benefit.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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If you're still on the fence, a tool like Kudos can help you compare thousands of cards to find the perfect fit for your wallet.

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• Test drive a credit card: Before you apply, you can simulate your potential earnings with any card based on your actual spending history. This feature provides personalized calculations, including annual rewards projections and category-by-category earnings.
• Approval odds analysis: Get a detailed breakdown of your chances of being approved for different cards based on your credit report, helping you apply with more confidence.
• Reward stacking: Earn extra Kudos Boost rewards on top of your regular credit card points or miles when you shop at participating stores.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer for a card you got through Kudos within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.

Who Should Choose the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®?

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The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who regularly stay at Marriott properties, whether for business or leisure. It also appeals to value-conscious individuals who can maximize the annual free night award and everyday spenders looking to earn points on groceries, gas, and dining. Additionally, travelers seeking to fast-track their way to higher tiers in the Marriott Bonvoy program will find significant value, as detailed in this card review.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card is tailor-made for dedicated Delta flyers who can leverage its suite of travel perks to enhance their journeys. It particularly shines for status seekers chasing Medallion status and for couples or families who can extract significant value from the annual companion certificate. As detailed in our complete review, it's best for those whose spending habits align with the bonus categories and who travel enough to make the annual fee worthwhile.

Alternatives to Consider

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If the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express comparison didn't point you to a clear winner, don't worry. There are several other excellent travel cards that might be a better match for your specific needs.

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_{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.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score, as most premium travel cards require good to excellent credit.
• Plan how you'll meet the welcome offer spending requirement without overextending your budget.
• Ensure the card's benefits, like hotel status or airline perks, align with your travel habits.

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Application Strategy

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• Know the issuer's rules.Be aware of application restrictions that could impact your approval odds.
• Target co-branded cards strategically.Only apply for cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card if you are loyal to the brand.
• Look beyond the welcome offer.Evaluate long-term perks like anniversary nights or companion certificates to ensure the card provides value year after year.

Our Methodology

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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.

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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

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Which card is better for earning free hotel stays?

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The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is specifically designed for earning Marriott Bonvoy points, making it the superior choice for accumulating free nights at Marriott properties. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card earns miles that are best used for flights with Delta and its partners.

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Can I transfer points between Marriott Bonvoy and Delta SkyMiles?

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Yes, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Delta SkyMiles, typically at a 3:1 ratio, though transfer bonuses may sometimes be available. However, transferring SkyMiles to Marriott Bonvoy is not an option.

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Is it worth getting both the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card?

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For frequent travelers who are loyal to both Marriott and Delta, holding both cards can be highly valuable. This strategy allows you to maximize rewards on both your hotel stays and flights, creating a powerful travel rewards combination.

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