United Quest vs Delta SkyMiles Platinum: Which Is Better In 2025?

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "789", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Convenient Travels"} ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

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

‍

• Cardholders can earn multiple miles per dollar on common travel and everyday spending categories like Delta purchases, hotels, restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets.
• While the card does have an annual fee (See Rates & Fees), it offers valuable travel perks like a first checked bag free and priority boarding on Delta flights.
• The annual companion certificate for a domestic main cabin round-trip flight can easily offset the card's annual cost (publisher-formulated estimate).

‍

Pros

‍

• The annual companion certificate is a standout feature, offering a domestic main cabin round-trip flight for a companion each year upon renewal.
• Cardholders receive annual statement credits for dining and rideshare services, plus a fee credit to cover a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application.
• Frequent flyers can accelerate their path to Delta Medallion® status with perks that help them qualify faster.

‍

Cons

‍

• The card carries a significant annual fee that is not waived in the first year.
• Unlike more premium travel cards, it does not offer complimentary access to Delta Sky Club® lounges.
• The annual companion certificate is limited to domestic main cabin travel, which can reduce its value for some flyers.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express vs United Quest

‍

Categories

‍

Deciding which is better, United Quest or Delta SkyMiles Platinum, often comes down to your specific airline loyalty and travel habits. Both cards are designed for frequent flyers but cater to different airline ecosystems and offer distinct perks.

‍

• United Quest℠ Card: This is a premium, mid-tier choice for frequent United Airlines travelers. It offers robust travel perks and strong earning potential within the MileagePlus program.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: This card is built for frequent travelers loyal to Delta. It provides a convenient travel experience with benefits geared toward earning status and rewards within the SkyMiles program.

‍

Redemption

‍

United Quest℠ Card: Rewards are redeemed through the United MileagePlus program, allowing you to use points for award flights on United and its Star Alliance partners, as well as for upgrades and other travel purchases.

‍

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Miles are redeemed via the Delta SkyMiles program for flights with Delta and its airline partners, upgrades to premium cabins, and other travel experiences like Delta Vacations.

‍

Travel Perks

‍

• Airline Network: The United Quest Card provides access to United's extensive network and its Star Alliance partners, while the Delta Platinum Card connects you to Delta's global routes and its SkyTeam alliance partners.
• Baggage Allowance: With the United Quest Card, the primary cardmember and one companion on the same reservation get their first and second checked bags free on United-operated flights. The Delta Platinum Card offers a free first checked bag for the cardmember and up to eight companions traveling on the same Delta-marketed reservation.
• Lounge Access: The Delta Platinum Card provides access to Delta Sky Clubs and The Centurion Lounge for a fee. The United Quest Card does not include complimentary lounge access.
• Expedited Security Screening: Both cards offer a statement credit to cover the application fee for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
• In-Flight Discounts: You'll receive a statement credit for a percentage of in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on both airlines—25% back on United with the Quest Card and 20% back on Delta with the Platinum Card.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: Neither card charges foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.

_{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.}

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

If you're looking to simplify the decision-making process, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your own spending habits.

‍

• Test Drive Cards: Kudos offers a unique “Test Drive” feature that lets you simulate potential earnings from a new credit card using your actual spending data—all before you apply and without impacting your credit score.
• Personalized Recommendations: The platform analyzes your transaction history to recommend cards that will genuinely maximize your rewards based on where you spend your money.
• Unified Wallet: You can manage all your credit cards in one place, making it easier to track spending, monitor perks, and stay on top of your finances.
• Exclusive Bonuses: Registered users can access special offers, including welcome offer guarantees and additional rewards for shopping at partner stores.

Who Should Choose the United Quest?

‍

The United Quest℠ Card is tailor-made for frequent United Airlines flyers who are invested in the MileagePlus loyalty program. These travelers fly United several times per year and can easily offset the annual fee with benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and an annual United purchase credit. It's also a great fit for those looking to fast-track their way to Premier status, as the card allows you to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) through spending.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express?

‍

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card is an excellent choice for dedicated Delta loyalists who fly with the airline several times per year. It's also particularly valuable for travelers seeking Medallion status or those who fly with a partner, thanks to perks like the annual companion certificate. Ultimately, this card best serves moderate-to-heavy spenders with good credit who can maximize its travel benefits and statement credits, as detailed in this card review.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

If our comparison of the United Quest℠ Card vs. the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card has you feeling like neither is the perfect co-pilot for your travel goals, don't worry. There are other excellent travel rewards cards on the market that might be a better fit for your wallet and your wanderlust.

‍

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]

‍

_{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

‍

Before You Apply

‍

• Check your credit score: Most premium travel cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Plan your spending: Ensure you can naturally meet any spending requirements for welcome offers or annual benefits.
• Review the card’s ecosystem: Co-branded cards offer the most value when you are loyal to that specific airline or hotel partner.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Know the issuer’s rules: Be aware of application policies that may affect your eligibility for a new card or its welcome offer.
• Time your application strategically: Align your application with large planned purchases to help meet spending requirements for a welcome offer.
• Look for pre-approval tools: Many card issuers offer tools to see if you’re pre-qualified without impacting your credit score.

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

‍

Which card is better if I fly with partner airlines?

‍

The United Quest℠ Card is part of the Star Alliance network, while the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is tied to the SkyTeam alliance. Your choice should depend on which airline alliance offers more convenient routes and partners for your travel patterns.

‍

Do either of these cards offer airport lounge access?

‍

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card allows cardholders to pay a per-visit fee to access Delta Sky Clubs when flying with Delta; terms apply. The United Quest℠ Card does not include any lounge access benefits.

‍

How can I offset the annual fee on these cards?

‍

Both cards offer statement credits that can help offset their annual fees. The United Quest℠ Card provides an annual United purchase credit, while the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers various credits for eligible purchases, though you should review the terms for each benefit.

‍

Is there a companion ticket benefit with these cards?

‍

Yes, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers a Companion Certificate each year upon card renewal, which is valid for one round-trip domestic Main Cabin flight; note that taxes, fees, and terms apply. The United Quest℠ Card does not offer a similar companion ticket benefit.

‍