I am in a role that has frequent domestic travel in the US and is increasing in international travel. I’ve made two trips to Europe already this year. I’m pitching jobs that would require travel outside North America/Europe where Delta is most likely. My company allows me to make all the arrangements and reimburses so I can bank any travel rewards from cards. Company policy is also business class for overseas flights so there are potentially large miles bonuses I could be earning for personal use.
Living in Atlanta, Delta is usually the best option for me nearly anywhere and as such I’ve had the Delta Platinum Amex card for awhile and generally at least balance out on the fees not even including the miles benefits. I’m also traveling enough now that I’ve hit Gold Skymiles status.
However as my international trips become more frequent, Delta or their partner isn’t always going to be the best option and I can’t justify paying more just for travel benefits. It looks like the best card for my situation is the Amex Platinum card despite the high fees.
Many of the benefits of the Amex Delta card are already being provided by my status at this point (free checked bags, upgrade priority) and it seems like I would get more miles benefits with the Platinum card and have similar lounge access benefits as upgrading to the Delta Reserve card. The Platinum card also offers a lot of hotel and rental car benefits not provided by Delta cards. The only remaining Delta benefits are the MQD accumulation which helps to gain and maintain status and the annual companion pass (which I am often able to get close to the annual fee value).
Should I ditch the Delta card and start using the Platinum card for more miles or just add the Platinum Card on top?