Despite its $250 annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a standout because of several key perks, including a competitive welcome bonus and a valuable companion certificate.
The SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card also helps you earn elite status on Delta, making trips potentially less stressful. Through Dec. 31, 2023, you can earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles, or MQMs, for each $25,000 you spend on the card, up to 20,000 MQMs each calendar year. MQMs are miles that count toward eligibility for SkyMiles elite status. Silver elite status, which includes free upgrades, priority check-in and boarding, and other perks, requires a minimum of 25,000 MQMs.
The card’s rewards are generous, too. While some other airline credit cards only offer bonus miles on purchases made with the airline, this one gives you extra points on some everyday spending categories, like U.S. supermarkets. Key perks: $125 annual United credit; up to two 5,000-mile annual award flight credits; free first and second checked bags; up to $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every 4 yearsThe United Quest Card’s $250 annual fee comes with several benefits that can make the card a solid choice for frequent United fliers, including flight credits, miles rebates and free upgrades.
Also, while other airline cards typically offer one free checked bag when you fly with the airline, this one offers two for both you and a companion. Other unique benefits include an annual $125 credit toward United purchases with no spending requirement, free upgrades on flights booked with miles and a 5,000-mile credit for each of your first two award flights booked each year.