Questions and Answers

Hi,

I currently have a Delta Skymiles Platinum card on which I earn 20k MQMs. (75k annual spend) This was important as I wanted the medallion status for upgrades (to qualify for MQD waiver) However, now I purchase first class tickets domestically and business class (emirates mostly) on international flights. Would I be better off getting rid of this card and replacing it with either the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Business Platinum?

Thank you in advance.

If you can maintain your DL status with your paid flights and without the help of the MQMs and MQD waiver from the card, it’s not a bad idea. You’d have more flexibility with the Chase UR and Amex MR cards when it comes to transferring and redeeming the points.

And while status is nice, if you are consistently traveling paid F you are getting good treatment anyway.

Thank you for your response gentlemen.

I will probably lose my status on Delta since I only do about 6-8 cross country trips a year (enough for silver which doesn’t seem to be a status) but I am not sure if the status mounts to much in terms of the added bonus miles I receive. I also do not have access to lounges on Delta domestically flying F which I am assuming would change with the Amex. My only other travel is US-India 4-5 times a year. I am currently Gold on Delta and United from flying those to India. (just changed to EK).

Which one would you recommend between Chase SR and Amex EBP (100k bonus seems attractive)? I am continuing to research and read the fine print but would prefer an expert opinion.

Maybe the $195 fee I pay on DSM Amex is worth paying to keep it as I can probably use it enough to at least get 10k MQMs.

I could justify the $195 fee for the DL Plat on the basis of the companion voucher you get every year. If you’re booking F straight up, I’m not sure what value Silver Medallion adds. Again if you are paying cash for tickets I’d probably lean towards the CSR for broadbased travel rewards, better travel reimbursement, and better PP benefits. The only reasons the business AX Plat would win is if you really value the 50% rebate on points (which first you’d have to accrue double the points you need) and DL SkyClub access for your domestic flights.

Thanks Gaurav. I opted to keep my current card and get the CSR. I thought I read somewhere you can still get 100k bonus through March 11th if you apply through a branch so hoping a branch manager friend can help me out. Even at 50k it seems totally worth it. The more I have researched, it might make sense to get the Amex as well.

This is a very addicting site by the way. Many thanks for you help.

You can always downgrade your current DL Plat to a no-fee version if you decide to the AX Plat in the future. That way you’re not paying three annual fees but get to keep your credit history and not ding your credit report.