Why I Regret Downgrading My Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

At the beginning of February, Delta and American Express announced a major revamp of its lineup of co-branded credit cards, likely to please some Delta loyalists after the changes made last fall.

I think that several of these changes are valuable to frequent flyers like myself, with the majority of the most beneficial changes coming to the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. When these changes were announced, I immediately thought, “I shouldn’t have downgraded my card so quickly.”

Enhanced Annual Companion Certificate

One of the most significant changes to the SkyMiles Platinum card is expanding the destinations where you can use the annual companion certificate.

Previously, you could only use the certificate within the continental U.S. As a full-time digital nomad, I don’t spend much time in the U.S so this companion certificate didn’t bring a ton of value to me when I had the card.

But now the certificate can also be used on flights originating in the U.S. to Hawaii and Alaska plus destinations in the Caribbean and Central America. Payment of taxes and fees is still required. As a full-time traveler, it’s more likely that I could utilize this benefit now for a trip with a friend or one of my parents.

Fast Track To Elite Status

Cardholders will also receive a $2,500 MQD headstart each year, halfway to Silver Medallion status. In addition, cardholders will earn $1 MQD for every $20 they spend on their card throughout the calendar year.

Introducing Statement Credits

The SkyMiles Platinum now has a few available statement credits that can help offset its annual fee. Cardholders can receive up to $10 per month as a statement credit for eligible Resy restaurant purchases, up to $10 per month for U.S. rideshare purchases and up to $150 per year on prepaid hotels and vacation rentals through Delta Stays. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Other New Benefits

SkyMiles Platinum cardholders now receive Hertz Gold Plus Five Star status (enrollment required). I already have President’s Circle status through my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card so this benefit wouldn’t mean as much to me as it might to others.

However, I do like that cardholders are now automatically added to the complimentary upgrade list on Delta flights. This is a potentially valuable new benefit that typically requires Medallion status.