Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card costs $350/yr vs $150/yr for the United Explorer Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

What benefits does the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card have that the United Explorer Card doesn't?

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers travel credits. The United Explorer Card offers lounge access, travel credits.

Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or the United Explorer Card?

Choose the United Explorer Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card if you spend enough to justify the $350/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card costs $350/yr vs $150/yr for the United Explorer Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

What benefits does the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card have that the United Explorer Card doesn't?

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers travel credits. The United Explorer Card offers lounge access, travel credits.

Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or the United Explorer Card?

Choose the United Explorer Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card if you spend enough to justify the $350/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card costs $350/yr vs $150/yr for the United Explorer Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

What benefits does the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card have that the United Explorer Card doesn't?

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers travel credits. The United Explorer Card offers lounge access, travel credits.

Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or the United Explorer Card?

Choose the United Explorer Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card if you spend enough to justify the $350/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card vs United Explorer Card

The United Explorer Card ($150/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card ($350/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

American Express

United Explorer Card

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$350

$150(waived year 1)

Welcome Bonus

80,000 Airline

70,000 Airline

Earn Rates

Category	Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card	United Explorer Card
Delta Airlines

Category-by-Category Winner

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card wins in 3 of 5 categories. The United Explorer Card leads in 2.

Delta Purchases

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X

Delta Airlines

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card earns 2X vs 1X

United Purchases

United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X

United Airlines

United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card costs $350/yr — that's $200 more than the United Explorer Card ($150/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $200 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers travel credits, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, free checked bags. With 3 premium perks, heavy spenders on delta purchases and delta airlines can often offset the full fee.

Bottom line: The $200 difference is moderate. If you spend consistently on delta purchases and delta airlines, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card's higher earn rates and benefits can easily cover the gap.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The United Explorer Card has a lower annual fee ($150 vs $350), making it the more accessible option.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

Choose the United Explorer Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card costs $350/yr vs $150/yr for the United Explorer Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or United Explorer Card?: Both cards earn 0X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card have that the United Explorer Card doesn't?: The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers travel credits. The United Explorer Card offers lounge access, travel credits.
Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or the United Explorer Card?: Choose the United Explorer Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card if you spend enough to justify the $350/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Delta Skymiles Platinum Chase Freedom Unlimited vs United Explorer Delta Skymiles Gold vs Delta Skymiles Platinum Delta Skymiles Gold vs United Explorer

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Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

United Explorer Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Chase cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card vs United Explorer Card

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

American Express

United Explorer Card

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$350

$150(waived year 1)

Welcome Bonus

80,000 Airline

70,000 Airline

Earn Rates

Category	Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card	United Explorer Card
Delta Airlines

Category-by-Category Winner

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card wins in 3 of 5 categories. The United Explorer Card leads in 2.

Delta Purchases

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X

Delta Airlines

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card earns 2X vs 1X

United Purchases

United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X

United Airlines

United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The United Explorer Card has a lower annual fee ($150 vs $350), making it the more accessible option.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card costs $350/yr vs $150/yr for the United Explorer Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or United Explorer Card?: Both cards earn 0X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card have that the United Explorer Card doesn't?: The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers travel credits. The United Explorer Card offers lounge access, travel credits.
Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or the United Explorer Card?: Choose the United Explorer Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card if you spend enough to justify the $350/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Delta Skymiles Platinum Chase Freedom Unlimited vs United Explorer Delta Skymiles Gold vs Delta Skymiles Platinum Delta Skymiles Gold vs United Explorer

Explore More

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

United Explorer Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Chase cards

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card vs United Explorer Card

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

American Express

United Explorer Card

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$350

$150(waived year 1)

Welcome Bonus

80,000 Airline

70,000 Airline

Earn Rates

Category	Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card	United Explorer Card
Delta Airlines

Category-by-Category Winner

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card wins in 3 of 5 categories. The United Explorer Card leads in 2.

Delta Purchases

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X

Delta Airlines

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card earns 2X vs 1X

United Purchases

United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X

United Airlines

United Explorer Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The United Explorer Card has a lower annual fee ($150 vs $350), making it the more accessible option.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card worth the higher annual fee?: The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card costs $350/yr vs $150/yr for the United Explorer Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or United Explorer Card?: Both cards earn 0X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card have that the United Explorer Card doesn't?: The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers travel credits. The United Explorer Card offers lounge access, travel credits.
Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or the United Explorer Card?: Choose the United Explorer Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card if you spend enough to justify the $350/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Delta Skymiles Platinum Chase Freedom Unlimited vs United Explorer Delta Skymiles Gold vs Delta Skymiles Platinum Delta Skymiles Gold vs United Explorer

Explore More

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

United Explorer Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Chase cards

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Companion Certificate after $25K spend (companion pays only taxes/fees on Main Cabin domestic)
+Silver Medallion Status available at $25K annual spend
+Free first checked bag for cardholder plus up to 8 companions on same reservation
+Strong 2x earning on restaurants, hotels, and U.S. supermarkets
+Boosted upgrade priority to First Class and Delta One

+$0 intro annual fee first year, then $150—reasonable for the benefits
+Free first checked bag for cardholder and companion saves up to $160 roundtrip
+2x miles on United, dining, and hotels—solid everyday earning
+Up to $530+ in annual credits (United travel, hotels, rideshare, Instacart, JSX)
+2 United Club one-time passes per year worth $100+

Cons

−$350 annual fee is substantial if not utilizing premium benefits
−Companion certificate requires $25,000 spend threshold
−No lounge access included (must upgrade to Reserve)
−Miles are locked to Delta SkyMiles program with limited transfer options
−2.7% foreign transaction fee on Amex network limitations abroad

−Only 1x miles on non-category spend limits earning potential
−Best credits require hitting $10K-$20K spend thresholds
−No United Club membership—just 2 single-use passes
−Priority boarding is Group 2, not as early as premium cards
−Miles locked to United MileagePlus with limited transfer flexibility

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Companion Certificate after $25K spend (companion pays only taxes/fees on Main Cabin domestic)
+Silver Medallion Status available at $25K annual spend
+Free first checked bag for cardholder plus up to 8 companions on same reservation
+Strong 2x earning on restaurants, hotels, and U.S. supermarkets
+Boosted upgrade priority to First Class and Delta One

+$0 intro annual fee first year, then $150—reasonable for the benefits
+Free first checked bag for cardholder and companion saves up to $160 roundtrip
+2x miles on United, dining, and hotels—solid everyday earning
+Up to $530+ in annual credits (United travel, hotels, rideshare, Instacart, JSX)
+2 United Club one-time passes per year worth $100+

Cons

−$350 annual fee is substantial if not utilizing premium benefits
−Companion certificate requires $25,000 spend threshold
−No lounge access included (must upgrade to Reserve)
−Miles are locked to Delta SkyMiles program with limited transfer options
−2.7% foreign transaction fee on Amex network limitations abroad

−Only 1x miles on non-category spend limits earning potential
−Best credits require hitting $10K-$20K spend thresholds
−No United Club membership—just 2 single-use passes
−Priority boarding is Group 2, not as early as premium cards
−Miles locked to United MileagePlus with limited transfer flexibility

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Companion Certificate after $25K spend (companion pays only taxes/fees on Main Cabin domestic)
+Silver Medallion Status available at $25K annual spend
+Free first checked bag for cardholder plus up to 8 companions on same reservation
+Strong 2x earning on restaurants, hotels, and U.S. supermarkets
+Boosted upgrade priority to First Class and Delta One

+$0 intro annual fee first year, then $150—reasonable for the benefits
+Free first checked bag for cardholder and companion saves up to $160 roundtrip
+2x miles on United, dining, and hotels—solid everyday earning
+Up to $530+ in annual credits (United travel, hotels, rideshare, Instacart, JSX)
+2 United Club one-time passes per year worth $100+

Cons

−$350 annual fee is substantial if not utilizing premium benefits
−Companion certificate requires $25,000 spend threshold
−No lounge access included (must upgrade to Reserve)
−Miles are locked to Delta SkyMiles program with limited transfer options
−2.7% foreign transaction fee on Amex network limitations abroad

−Only 1x miles on non-category spend limits earning potential
−Best credits require hitting $10K-$20K spend thresholds
−No United Club membership—just 2 single-use passes
−Priority boarding is Group 2, not as early as premium cards
−Miles locked to United MileagePlus with limited transfer flexibility

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card vs United Explorer Card

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

United Explorer Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

What You Give Up

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card vs United Explorer Card

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

United Explorer Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

What You Give Up

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card vs United Explorer Card

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

United Explorer Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

What You Give Up

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

Which Card Is Right for You?