Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
The companion certificate alone usually covers the annual fee on a single trip. If you fly Delta domestically at least once a year with a partner, this is worth it.
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Side-by-side
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex vs Citi Custom Cash
Both are well-respected travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex comes from American Express at $350/yr; the Citi Custom Cash from Citi at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($790 more in estimated value) than the Citi Custom Cash's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex first; revisit the Citi Custom Cash after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex | Citi Custom Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $350 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 90,000 miles | $200 cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | $990 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $1,500 in 6 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Citi |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 3x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | citi-ty |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
$350/yr · 90,000 miles
Read the full review
Citi Custom Cash
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Editorial take: Citi Custom Cash
Genuinely clever. 5% on whichever category you spent most on each month, capped at $500/month. Earns $25/month = $300/year effortlessly. Pairs with Premier to convert to transferable ThankYou Points.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex or Citi Custom Cash?
- The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex has the bigger bonus, 90,000 miles, worth roughly $990, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the Citi Custom Cash.
- Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex's $350 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Custom Cash?
- At $350/yr, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Citi Custom Cash's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex and Citi Custom Cash?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Citi) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex or the Citi Custom Cash first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: no published min spend. Citi Custom Cash: $1,500 in 6 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.