Introduction

Delta just launched one of the most impressive credit card promotions we've seen this year. Right now, you can earn up to 125,000 bonus SkyMiles when you apply for select Delta SkyMiles American Express cards. This limited-time offer significantly boosts the standard welcome bonuses across multiple cards in the Delta portfolio, making it an exceptional opportunity for anyone planning Delta flights or building their SkyMiles balance. Whether you're new to Delta cards or looking to add another to your wallet, these elevated bonuses won't last long.

The Offer Details

American Express is offering increased welcome bonuses across three Delta SkyMiles cards through this limited-time promotion. The standout offer is on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, which now comes with 125,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in your first 6 months of card membership. That's a substantial increase from the typical 90,000-mile offer we usually see.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is offering 90,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in spending within 6 months, while the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card maintains its premium 125,000-mile bonus with a $6,000 spending requirement in 6 months.

This promotion appears to have no publicly announced end date, which typically means it could disappear at any time. Delta and Amex have historically pulled these elevated offers with little warning, so acting quickly is your best strategy.

Why These Bonuses Matter

To put these bonuses in perspective, 125,000 SkyMiles can get you round-trip domestic economy tickets with miles to spare, or make a significant dent in the cost of international business class travel. Delta has been adjusting its award pricing over the past year, but these cards still offer some of the most straightforward paths to building a substantial SkyMiles balance quickly.

The Delta Platinum card stands out as the sweet spot in this promotion. For a $350 annual fee (waived the first year), you're getting 125,000 miles, a first checked bag free on Delta flights, priority boarding, and a companion certificate after you spend $25,000 in a calendar year. That's exceptional value for frequent Delta flyers or anyone planning a major redemption in the next year.

The Gold card's 90,000-mile bonus with just a $3,000 spending requirement and $0 introductory annual fee (then $150) makes it the most accessible option for those new to Delta cards or testing the waters with airline co-branded cards.

How to Take Advantage

Here's your action plan to maximize this opportunity:

1. Choose your card strategically. If you fly Delta regularly and can meet the $6,000 spending requirement, the Platinum card delivers the best value with its combination of bonus miles and travel perks. Casual Delta flyers should consider the Gold card for its lower spending threshold and waived first-year fee.
2. Time your application. Apply when you have upcoming expenses that can help you meet the minimum spending requirement naturally. Never manufacture spending on purchases you wouldn't normally make just to hit a bonus.
3. Plan your redemptions. Before applying, browse Delta's award chart to identify specific flights or trips you want to book. Having a redemption goal in mind helps you maximize the value of your earned miles.
4. Consider the 90-day rule. American Express generally limits you to one bonus per card per lifetime, but you can hold multiple Delta cards simultaneously. If you're strategic, you might apply for one card now and another from the family later if you can meet both spending requirements.

Who Should Jump on This Offer

This promotion makes the most sense if you:

• Live in or frequently travel through Delta hub cities (Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Seattle, or New York)
• Have upcoming travel plans where Delta is your preferred carrier
• Can comfortably meet the minimum spending requirements without changing your normal spending habits
• Don't currently hold the specific Delta card you're considering (remember Amex's once-per-lifetime bonus rule)
• Want to build a substantial SkyMiles balance for a major redemption like international business class

If Delta isn't your primary airline or you rarely fly through their hubs, consider whether other airline credit cards might offer better value for your travel patterns.

The Fine Print Worth Knowing

Before you apply, understand these key details:

The welcome bonus miles post to your SkyMiles account after you meet the spending requirement within the first 6 months. You'll also earn the standard miles-per-dollar on your spending (2x on Delta purchases for Gold and Platinum, 3x for Reserve), which adds to your total haul.

American Express's once-per-lifetime rule means you can only receive the welcome bonus on each card once, even if you cancel and reapply years later. This makes timing crucial—you want to apply when the bonus is at its highest.

Annual fees vary by card. The Gold card waives the $150 fee in the first year, making it risk-free to try. The Platinum's $350 fee (waived first year) and Reserve's $650 fee are not waived, but their benefits can easily offset these costs for frequent Delta travelers.

Alternative Cards to Consider

While this Delta promotion is strong, it's worth comparing to other options. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers flexible points that transfer to multiple airlines including Delta's SkyTeam partners. The Amex Platinum provides 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines and access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta.

For a comprehensive comparison of how Delta cards stack up against other airline options, check out our guide to the best travel credit cards.

Bottom Line

This elevated Delta Amex promotion represents one of the better airline card offers available right now. The 125,000-mile bonus on the Platinum card, in particular, stands out as exceptional value for the spending requirement and annual fee structure. If Delta fits your travel patterns and you can meet the spending requirements naturally, this is the time to apply.

Don't wait to see if the offer gets better—Delta and Amex typically don't announce when these promotions end, and they can disappear overnight. Apply for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or explore the Gold or Reserve options while these bonuses are available.

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