Trek Guide

Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Platinum, and when the companion ticket pays off

Both give the same free bags. The Platinum costs $200 more a year and mainly buys a yearly companion ticket, which arrives only after your first…

By Bishnu Adhikari · Sep 27, 2026

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Choose the Delta SkyMiles Gold if what you want from a Delta card is free checked bags; choose the Platinum only if you will use its yearly companion ticket. Both cards give the same free first bag to up to nine people on your reservation, the same new free…

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Side by side

Every figure below was read on American Express's card pages and terms on 27 September 2026.

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What the extra $200 buys

After the first year the Platinum costs $200 more, and its extra credits cover most of that, if you use them. The Resy dining credit adds up to $120 a year and the Delta Stays hotel credit is $50 larger, so a traveller who eats at Resy restaurants and books a…

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The companion ticket, and its conditions

Each year after your card renews, the Platinum gives a round-trip companion ticket in Delta Main within the US, or to Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America. You buy your own ticket; your companion pays only government taxes and fees, of no more than $80 on…

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The welcome offers

The Platinum offers up to 10,000 more miles and $50 more in statement credit, for $1,000 more spending in six months. Both are "as high as" offers: Amex shows your exact amount after you apply, and it may be lower. Both run until 4 November 2026 and can…

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The verdict

For most Delta flyers the Gold is enough: it gives the whole family free bags for $150 a year, and nothing in the first. Choose the Platinum when you are sure you will fly Delta with a companion once a year and would use the Resy and Delta Stays credits; then…

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Keep reading

The free bag maths for five airlines. One free bag or two. Who gets the bonus, and what spend counts. If the Sky Club is what you want. Sources: American Express, Delta SkyMiles Gold and Platinum card pages and their rates, fees and terms, read on 27…

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