Thinking about boosting your travel game with Delta SkyMiles and American Express? It's a popular path, and for good reason. These cards can really add up the miles and perks, especially if you're a frequent flyer with Delta. But with a few options out there, it's easy to wonder which one truly fits your wallet and your wanderlust.
Let's break down a couple of the business-focused Delta SkyMiles American Express cards, as they offer some compelling benefits that might even appeal to those who travel extensively for personal reasons, or run a side hustle that involves a good amount of spending.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: A Solid Starting Point
This card often feels like the sweet spot for many. Right now, there's a pretty attractive welcome offer: earn a hefty 90,000 miles after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months. That's a fantastic head start on booking some flights!
What really makes this card shine for everyday use, beyond the welcome bonus, are its earning rates. You'll snag 2X Miles per dollar on purchases with U.S. shipping providers and on U.S. advertising in select media, up to $50,000 in each category annually. Plus, you get 2X Miles on dining worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. These are categories many businesses (and individuals!) spend a good chunk of money on.
Beyond earning, there are some nice travel perks. You'll get a $200 Delta Flight Credit each year after spending $10,000 on your card. And, of course, your first checked bag is free on Delta flights – a classic perk that saves money and hassle.
There's also a neat Uber One monthly credit for up to six months, offering up to $9.99 back each month. It's a small thing, but it adds up. The annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $150. This makes it quite accessible, especially considering the earning potential and the flight credit.
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Stepping Up the Perks
If you're looking for more significant travel benefits and are willing to pay a higher annual fee, the Platinum Business card comes into play. The welcome offer here is even more substantial: 100,000 miles after spending $8,000 in the first six months. Again, a massive boost to your SkyMiles balance.
The earning structure is a bit different. You'll earn 1.5X Miles on transit (including rideshares and taxis), U.S. shipping providers, and on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more, up to a combined $100,000 in eligible purchases per year. While the 2X on dining is gone, the broader transit and shipping categories, plus the higher threshold for 1.5X, can be beneficial depending on your spending habits.
The standout benefit here is the annual Companion Certificate. This allows you to bring a companion on a Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after your card renews. This can easily offset the $350 annual fee if you use it strategically.
Both cards offer the 15% discount when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights, which is a fantastic way to stretch your miles further. And both allow you to add employee cards with no annual fee, letting your team help you earn miles too.
Making the Choice
So, which one is right for you? If you're dipping your toes into Delta SkyMiles business cards, or your spending is heavily weighted towards dining and shipping, the Gold Business card offers a great value proposition with a manageable annual fee. The flight credit and free checked bag are solid perks.
However, if you frequently travel with a companion on domestic or nearby international routes and can leverage the Companion Certificate, the Platinum Business card's annual fee becomes much more justifiable. The higher spending threshold for earning 1.5X miles might also align better with larger business expenditures.
Ultimately, it comes down to your spending patterns, travel frequency, and how you plan to use the benefits. Both are powerful tools for accumulating Delta SkyMiles and enhancing your travel experience, but understanding their nuances will help you pick the one that truly serves as your best travel ally.
