Can I upgrade my Delta Platinum card?

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum card from American Express is the middle-tier card in the suite of cards associated with Delta Airlines.  It offers triple miles on all Delta flights, double miles at grocery stores and restaurants, and your first bag checked free.  All of these rewards come at an annual cost of $250.  If you find yourself traveling with Delta more often and want to gain additional perks, upgrading to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card may be a good choice for you.  

Benefits Offered by the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card

The main benefit of upgrading to the Reserve card is the perks that come along with the card.  Not only will you be earning triple miles on all Delta purchases, but you will now gain access to many different programs when flying.  Firstly, you will have access to the Delta Sky Club when flying with Delta and its partners.  This also comes with two one-time guest passes.  To find out the airports where the lounges are available and where they are located, you can access the link here.  On top of that, you will also have access to the American Express Centurion Lounges when you are flying with Delta and use your Reserve card to make the ticket purchase.  

The other main benefit of the Reserve card is the Status Boost program that allows you to earn additional Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs).  These help you get closer to Medallion Status by rewarding you with an additional 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 spent on the card per year.  Medallion Status has multiple levels with different perks such as reduced fees, complimentary upgrades, and other customizable benefits.  

Lastly, you will receive perks that make your travel experience easier and more enjoyable.  This includes priority boarding and your first bag checked free.  You will also get 20% off inflight purchases.  Lastly, you get a credit for up to $100 for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

How to Upgrade your Delta Platinum Card

If American Express has deemed that you are qualified for upgrading from the Delta Platinum card to the Reserve card, they will directly make an offer to you.  This will be available by going to your account and selecting the “Amex Offers” page.  If there is nothing available to you, you can still apply for an upgrade by calling the customer service number at 1-800-528-4800.  You can then speak with a representative and give them your card number and they can see if you are eligible.  They will not do a hard inquiry on your credit, so there is no risk to your credit score.  You will not be eligible unless you have had an American Express card for more than 13 months.  If approved, you will then receive a new card within seven business days.  

What will change by upgrading your card?

Since you are not opening a new account, all of your information will stay the same.  The one major change is the annual fee of $550, a large increase from the $250 fee paid on the Platinum card.  All other fees should stay the same, but they may change depending on what American Express thinks is appropriate.  Because of this, it is important to thoroughly talk to the customer service representative when upgrading your card to understand the offer.  

Overall, if you find yourself flying with Delta often and want additional perks, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card is right for you.  If you are willing to pay an additional annual fee of $550, then you will be able to enjoy the ample benefits and travel more comfortably.