Is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Worth the $350 Annual Fee?
Likely yes. On a typical budget the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum earns about $382 a year in rewards, which already clears the $350 fee with $32 to spare, before counting any perks. Heavier spenders come out further ahead.
Every credit, broken down
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum offsets its fee with statement credits and benefits. Here is every one, with the most you can get from each per year. Remember that credits only count if you would have spent that money anyway, and some renew on a monthly or semi-annual schedule you have to use or lose.
| Credit or benefit | Up to |
|---|---|
| First checked bag free on Delta flights | varies |
| Annual companion certificate (domestic Main Cabin) | varies |
| Total stated value | $0 |
If you use all of it, that is $0 back against a $350 fee, leaving $350 of the fee for your rewards to make up.
What you earn on spending
Credits are only half the story; the card also earns rewards every time you swipe. On $29,160 of annual spending, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum earns about $382 a year at a flat 1 cent per point. The figure below is based on a typical household budget. See the full category breakdown in our Delta SkyMiles® Platinum review, or run your own numbers in the rewards calculator.
The break-even
Add it up. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum costs $350 a year. It leans on rewards, and everyday rewards add about $382. That is a net of $32 in your favor every year you hold it, before any welcome bonus. First-year holders also collect a welcome bonus worth about $1,000, pushing the first-year total to roughly $1,032.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum worth the annual fee?
- Likely yes. On a typical budget the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum earns about $382 a year in rewards, which already clears the $350 fee with $32 to spare, before counting any perks. Heavier spenders come out further ahead.
- How do you offset the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum annual fee?
- Through rewards and the welcome bonus. On a typical budget the card earns about $382 a year, clearing the fee on its own.
- Is there a no-annual-fee alternative to the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum?
- Yes. If you cannot clear the $350 fee, a no-fee card keeps every dollar of rewards as profit. See our ranked no-fee picks to compare.
