Is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card worth it?

The break-even math

Its printed statement credits ($440/yr) already exceed the $350 fee on paper — a net of $90 before you earn a single point. The catch is that credits only count if you'd have spent that way anyway: a monthly credit you forget to use is worth nothing.

The credits you'd need to use

• Resy Credit — $120/year (monthly)
• Delta Stays Credit — $200/year (annual)
• Rideshare Credit — $120/year (monthly)

Credits with a monthly or quarterly cadence expire if unused — that's where most of the printed value quietly disappears.

The verdict

Worth it if you'll actually use the credits. Line up each credit below against how you really spend — if you'd buy those things anyway, the card pays for itself and the rewards are pure upside. If not, you're pre-paying for perks you may skip.

If the answer is no, downgrade — don't cancel

You do not have to choose between paying $350 and closing the account. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card can normally be product-changed to one lower-fee card in the American Express Delta SkyMiles (business) family — the cheapest is Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card at $150/yr, saving $200 a year while the account, its age and its credit line stay on your report.

The catch on that one: Keeps a free checked bag at a much lower fee. Delta has no no-fee business card.

What does the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card downgrade to? See the option →

Other fees worth questioning

• Is the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® worth $350?
• Is the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card worth $350?
• Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card worth $650?
• Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card worth $650?