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 Mastercard Black Card
Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex comes from American Express at $350/yr; the Mastercard Black Card from Barclays (Luxury Card) at $699/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 ($990 more in estimated value) than the Mastercard Black Card's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex first; revisit the Mastercard Black Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex | Mastercard Black Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $350 | $699 |
| Sign-up bonus | 90,000 miles | No public welcome offer |
| Bonus value (est.) | $990 | $0 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $0 in 0 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Barclays (Luxury Card) |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 3x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
$350/yr · 90,000 miles
Read the full review
Mastercard Black Card
$699/yr · No public welcome offer
Editorial take: Mastercard Black Card
The mid tier of the Barclays Luxury Card lineup. The $200 airline + $100 dining credits offset $300 of the $699 AF before lounge value, and the 1.5cpp cash-back rate is the best of the Luxury Card tiers. Still hard to beat Sapphire Reserve or Venture X on transferable-points flexibility, but the all-stainless body and concierge appeal to some.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex or Mastercard Black Card?
- The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex has the bigger bonus, 90,000 miles, worth roughly $990, versus No public welcome offer (~$0) on the Mastercard Black Card.
- Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex's $350 annual fee worth it compared to the Mastercard Black Card?
- 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 Mastercard Black Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex and Mastercard Black Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Barclays (Luxury Card)) 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 Mastercard Black Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: no published min spend. Mastercard Black Card: $0 in 0 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.