American Express and Delta announced back in October of 2019 that changes would be coming to all 4 personal co-branded credit cards as well as the business versions. These effects take place on January 30, 2020. Since these changes are about to kick in I thought it would be a good time to dive into these changes. While the overall changes are more negative than positive. This card still comes with some nice benefits and an amazing perk. Let’s take a peek.

Sign-Up Bonus

Since American Express only allows you to earn one sign-up bonus per lifetime on each product. You want to try and earn a sign-up bonus when it is at or near its highest offer. The public offer always starts off at 35,000 SkyMiles after $1,000 of spending within the first 3 months of account opening. We have seen as high as 75,000 SkyMiles with $2,000 to $3,000 of spending within the first 3 months of account opening. I would strongly suggest waiting for one of the higher offers.

You can generally get close by using a referral link. If you’d like to use our LINK, just click on “VIEW ALL CARDS WITH A REFERRAL OFFER” and you’ll currently get 75,000 Delta SkyMiles after you spend $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. You will also get a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new card within the first 3 months. This current promotion ends 01/29/2020. We will see if there will be an increased offer coming on 01/30/2020 to help promote the new versions of these cards.

The best strategy is to use a computer to go onto Delta.com and purchase a $100 gift card. Data points suggest that if you try this from your phone or tablet that the credit will not kick in. Why this is I don’t know. But don’t chance it. You may even want to use incognito mode.

If you really want this card the best strategy is to apply for this card by January 29, 2020. By doing this you will get the current $195 annual fee. If you apply on January 30, 2020 or later the higher annual fee of $250.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Benefits

We will look at the benefits this card will have effective January 30, 2020.

• $250 annual fee
• 3X Miles at Hotels
• 3X Miles on Delta Purchases
• 2X Miles at Restaurants
• 2X Miles at U.S. Supermarkets
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Credit
• Companion Certificate
• First Checked Bag Free for you and up to 8 passengers traveling with you on the same reservation
• Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding
• No Foreign Transaction Fees
• Delta Sky Club Access for $39
• Status Boost

What is Status Boost?

If in any calendar year you spend $25,000 or more on your Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card you will receive 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). You can earn this up to twice in one calendar year. So, if you spend $50,000 or more in a calendar year you can earn 20,000 MQMs. Delta defines the calendar year ending on December 31 of any year. The purchase must post to your account on December 31. MQMs are not redeemable. They count towards earning Elite Status with Delta.

Companion Certificate

Every card anniversary month. So, beginning on your 1^st year anniversary holding this card. You will receive a Companion Certificate in your account on Delta.com in your renewal month. This certificate can be used for travel within the United States only with some exceptions when it comes to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands. You only pay the taxes and fees, no more than $75. If traveling across the country the value of the ticket you would be getting more than covers the $250 annual fee.

Delta Sky Club Access

These lounges inside airports allow you and up to two guests to enter for $39 per person. Children under 2 years of age may enter for free with the Card Member. You will have to pay for this with your Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card, so be sure to carry it with when traveling. Card Member and guests must be flying on same-day Delta or Delta partner flight. Generally, the $39 fee is not worth the cost of admission. If you happen to have a long layover or had a flight cancellation it’s better than sitting around in the terminal. But Ultimately, you’ll have to decide if he cost is worth it.

Overall Thoughts

As mentioned at the outset of this post this card still packs some power. That Companion Pass is hard to beat. Checked bags on Delta run you a smooth $30 per bag each way. If you and your travel buddy each check a bag that would cost you $120. Those two perks alone more than cover the $250 annual fee. To get the lower annual fee of $195 in year one be sure to apply by January 29, 2020.  What do you think about this Card?

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