The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card, offered by American Express, is designed for business owners who frequently travel with Delta Airlines. This premium card combines the flexibility of earning SkyMiles with a suite of travel-focused benefits.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a business owner looking for value-added perks, this card offers a chance to earn miles on everyday purchases and take advantage of various travel-related benefits. With rewards on purchases, exclusive travel perks, and bonus offers, this card stands out as a powerful tool for those looking to maximize their business travel experience.
One of the primary attractions of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card is its ability to provide substantial rewards while enhancing your travel experience. Not only does it offer bonus miles for qualifying purchases, but it also comes with unique benefits like companion certificates and priority boarding, ensuring that your business trips are as smooth as possible.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the card in detail, covering everything from annual fees and credit limits to its advantages and disadvantages.
Key information about the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card
How does the annual fee work?
The annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card is $350. For business owners and frequent travelers, this fee can quickly be offset by the value of the travel rewards and benefits. With features like companion certificates (worth up to $250 for international travel) and priority boarding, this annual fee could be viewed as a worthwhile investment for those who frequently fly with Delta.
While there is no direct fee waiver for the first year, it’s important to note that the card offers multiple ways to recoup the cost through statement credits, like the $120 annual rideshare credit and the $200 Delta Stays Credit. For those who maximize these benefits, the effective cost of the card drops significantly.
How is the credit limit determined?
Credit limits for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card are determined by American Express, based on your business’s financial profile and creditworthiness. This typically includes a review of your business revenue, credit history, and overall debt-to-income ratio.
Unlike prepaid or secured cards, where the limit is tied to a deposit, the limit on this card is set by the issuer and can vary significantly depending on your business’s financial health. For applicants with excellent credit and solid business performance, higher limits are typically granted, enabling more purchasing power.
American Express also offers flexibility through their Pay Over Time feature, allowing eligible purchases to be paid off with interest over time rather than requiring full payment at the end of each billing cycle.
Benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card
This card is packed with travel-focused benefits designed for business owners and frequent travelers. Below are the standout advantages:
- 3X SkyMiles on purchases made directly with Delta and hotels
- 1.5X SkyMiles on transit, eligible U.S. shipping, and purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $100,000 per calendar year)
- 1X SkyMiles on other eligible purchases
- Annual Companion Certificate for domestic flights, with only taxes and fees to pay
- $120 Resy Dining Credit (up to $10 per month at select restaurants)
- $120 Rideshare Credit (up to $10 back each month on U.S. rideshares with select providers)
- $200 Delta Stays Credit on prepaid hotel stays or vacation rentals
- Priority Boarding with Delta Airlines (Zone 5)
- First Checked Bag Free on Delta flights, potentially saving up to $280 per family on a round-trip flight
- Medallion® Qualification Dollars (MQD) Boost to help you achieve Delta Medallion Status faster
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Standout benefit: The Delta SkyMiles Rewards Program
The rewards program is undoubtedly the card’s most attractive feature. With the 3X SkyMiles earnings on Delta purchases, frequent travelers can accumulate miles quickly, redeeming them for flights, seat upgrades, and more. Additionally, the TakeOff 15 perk offers a 15% discount on Award Travel bookings with miles, helping cardholders get even more value out of their accumulated points.
The companion certificate is another significant benefit. Every year, after renewing your card, you receive a certificate that allows you to bring along a companion on a domestic flight. While you still have to pay for taxes and fees, this can be a substantial value, especially on more expensive routes.
Disadvantages of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card
While the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card offers numerous benefits, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks:
- $350 annual fee, which may be too high for infrequent travelers
- Limited rewards outside of Delta and select categories
- High APR (20.99% to 29.99%), which can make carrying a balance expensive
- Not ideal for international travelers on non-Delta airlines due to limited partner airline perks
- The companion certificate requires payment of taxes and fees, which can be significant on international flights
Main disadvantage: The Annual Fee
The annual fee is arguably the biggest drawback of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card. While the $350 fee can be easily offset by the companion certificate and various statement credits, for business owners who don’t travel frequently with Delta, the card may not offer enough value to justify this cost. Additionally, if you aren’t able to take full advantage of the dining, rideshare, and hotel credits, the effective annual fee remains higher.
Who can apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card?
To be eligible for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid U.S. business with a federal tax ID or Social Security Number
- Have a good to excellent credit score (typically 700 or higher)
- Provide proof of income, which may include business revenue statements
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
This card is not designed for those with poor credit, and approval can be competitive. Businesses that demonstrate strong financials and consistent revenue are more likely to qualify.
How to apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card
Applying Online
One of the simplest ways to apply is by visiting the American Express website. Here, applicants can fill out the online form, providing details about their business, personal information, and financial status. The online application is quick, and most applicants receive an instant decision on their eligibility.
Applying Through the Mobile App
Applicants can also apply using the American Express mobile app. The app offers a user-friendly interface where you can manage your account, track rewards, and apply for additional cards. Simply download the app, navigate to the “Business Cards” section, and complete your application.
Applying In-Store or By Phone
While the online and app-based methods are the most convenient, you can also apply by visiting a physical American Express location or calling their customer service line. By calling 1-888-781-6736, applicants can receive personalized assistance during the application process.