DELTA PLATINUM AMEX vs PLATINUM AMEX

[HarleyMan2014]

As the title suggests, Im considering applying for the PLAT Amex card. I have the Delta Plat with 11.4k limit. Is it worth it to have both, or would they kinda cancel each other out? Trying to figure the best move. TIA

[coldfusion]

There are benefits unique to each of the cards, they are more complimentary than they are redundant.

If you are flying on Delta the Platinum card for example will get you into Sky Club lounges as well as Priority Pass and AMEX Centurion lounges, even if you did not purchase the airline ticket with your Platinum card.  

The Delta Platinum earns Delta miles and also includes 1 round trip companion certificate each year when you renew and pay your AF.

Paging @K-in-Boston as he is the resident Delta expert and can fill in the many gaps I left open.

[HarleyMan2014]

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@coldfusion wrote:

There are benefits unique to each of the cards, they are more complimentary than they are redundant.

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Thanks, this was helpful. I know with the AMEX Plat you can designate an airline for benefits correct?

[coldfusion]

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@HarleyMan2014 wrote:

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@coldfusion wrote:

There are benefits unique to each of the cards, they are more complimentary than they are redundant.

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Thanks, this was helpful. I know with the AMEX Plat you can designate an airline for benefits correct?

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Yes. That is the ariline eligible for the $200 airline fee credit per calendar year.

[boosnark]

For me at least it is Delta Platinum all the way, for the lounge access, the companion ticket, and the miles. It doesn't have as many frills as the Amex Platinum, but what it does it does very well and you know what you're getting.

[Anonymous]

You can easily compare the benefits of the two on the Amex website. No one here can tell you more than you'll find there.

[HarleyMan2014]

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@Anonymous wrote:

You can easily compare the benefits of the two on the Amex website. No one here can tell you more than you'll find there.

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I was asking here just for opinions, whether it was worth it to have both, or just have one of em...

[wasCB14]

I like having both.

Alternatively you might consider the Business Platinum, if you have some sort of business. The 35% back feature is nice for a Delta flyer, giving better value than you're likely to get with SkyMiles. It also lets you avoid the complexity of exotic transfers with limited award availability.

[FinStar]

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@Anonymous wrote:

You can easily compare the benefits of the two on the Amex website. No one here can tell you more than you'll find there.

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@Anonymous - regardless of the comparisons available through the AmEx website, the OP is simply asking the question because there are members who can provide more feedback based on their specific experiences with having either or both cards.  Nothing wrong with the OP asking, correct? 

So, let's not be dismissive since there will be situations where individuals will provide additional details or other alternatives than what's available on the AmEx website.

[NRB525]

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@HarleyMan2014 wrote:

As the title suggests, Im considering applying for the PLAT Amex card. I have the Delta Plat with 11.4k limit. Is it worth it to have both, or would they kinda cancel each other out? Trying to figure the best move. TIA

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Well, the SUB on the Platinum is sure nice. So, as with all AMEX cards, getting that SUB allows you to "try it on, see if it grows on you."

The AF on the regular Platinum is steep, so that's something to be aware of. There are a number of benefits and offers to get a lot of that fee back, though you have to work at it to maximize the benefits.  For example, if you only fly Delta, your Delta Platinum takes out the first checked bag fee on yourself and several companions, whereas if you didn't have DP, that bag fee would eat up the $200 pretty fast. The $200 must be assigned to one airline, though if I haven't used it, I've been able to designate another airline mid-year as it becomes apparent which airline we will be using. 

The Delta Platinum allows you to earn an MQD waiver and MQM's toward Delta Medalion status, if you are able to spend $25,000 increments in a calendar year. If you already go for that, weigh how the regular Plat will draw spend away from the Delta Platinum. 

The Marriott and Hilton hotel status can be nice with the Platinum, and the Delta Platinum earns more Delta miles at hotels, if I recall correctly.

The benefit of lounge access is certainly a main attraction with the Platinum. Depending how often and where you fly, that could be enough to add the Platinum.