Chase Freedom Flex vs Delta SkyMiles Platinum: Which Is Better In 2025?

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we’re fans of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

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• The annual companion certificate for a domestic main cabin round-trip flight is a standout benefit for those who travel with a partner.
• Cardholders receive annual statement credits for rideshares and dining at Resy restaurants, adding tangible value.
• The value from the annual companion certificate can easily offset the card's $350 annual fee (See Rates & Fees), and that's before factoring in savings from the first checked bag free benefit (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Accelerated path to elite status: Cardholders can reach Delta Medallion® status faster by earning Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) waivers and bonus Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) through spending.
• Enhanced travel experience: Enjoy a first checked bag free for you and your companions, plus priority boarding on Delta flights.
• Valuable statement credits: The card offers annual credits for eligible rideshare and dining purchases, a fee credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry, and savings on in-flight purchases.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

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Cons

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• The card comes with a significant annual fee that isn't waived in the first year.
• Unlike some premium travel cards, this card does not include complimentary access to Delta Sky Club® lounges.
• Maximizing the card’s value requires navigating restrictions on key benefits, like the companion certificate, and consistently using monthly statement credits.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express vs Chase Freedom Flex®

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, Chase Freedom Flex or Delta SkyMiles Platinum, it's crucial to understand that these cards serve very different purposes.

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• Chase Freedom Flex® is an excellent choice for no-fee card seekers. It's designed for those who want to maximize cash back rewards without paying an annual fee.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is best suited for frequent travelers, particularly those loyal to Delta. This card focuses on providing premium travel perks and earning miles for flights.

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Redemption

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Chase Freedom Flex®: Rewards are earned as cash back, offering straightforward value that can be redeemed for statement credits or direct deposits. You also have the flexibility to use your points for travel, gift cards, and more through the Chase portal.

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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: This card earns miles that are primarily redeemed for flights with Delta and its partner airlines. The redemption focus is squarely on travel, allowing cardholders to use their miles to book award tickets and reduce travel costs.

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Travel Perks

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• Foreign Transaction Fees: The Chase Freedom Flex® is not built for spending abroad, as it includes a foreign transaction fee. In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a traveler's companion, charging no foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
• Airport Lounge Access: You won't get airport lounge access with the Chase Freedom Flex®. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, however, offers access to the Delta Sky Club® network when you're flying with Delta, though a fee may be required for entry.
• Airline-Specific Perks: As a general rewards card, the Chase Freedom Flex® lacks airline-specific benefits. The Delta card is loaded with them, offering a free first checked bag, Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding, and an annual Companion Certificate after you renew your card.
• Travel Credits and Portals: The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers a statement credit to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. While the Chase Freedom Flex® lets you book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, it doesn't offer travel-specific credits.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select benefits.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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With a tool like Kudos, you can compare thousands of top-rated cards using your own spending data to see which one truly fits your wallet.

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Who Should Choose the Chase Freedom Flex®?

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The Chase Freedom Flex® is ideal for strategic spenders who like to maximize rewards through rotating bonus categories and don't mind activating them each quarter. This no-annual-fee card also appeals to those who frequently spend on dining and at drugstores, as it offers a consistent 3% back in those areas. As this comprehensive review explains, it's also a popular choice for individuals looking to pair it with premium Chase cards to create a powerful "Chase trifecta" strategy.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is best suited for frequent Delta flyers aiming to achieve Medallion status and those who can leverage its airline-specific perks. It's also a strong choice for couples and families who can take advantage of the annual companion certificate, as well as moderate-to-heavy spenders who will maximize the rewards on travel, dining, and groceries. As detailed in a comprehensive review, applicants should ideally have a good to excellent credit score to qualify.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Chase Freedom Flex® vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express comparison has left you feeling like neither card is the perfect fit, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent rewards cards on the market that might better suit your spending habits and travel goals.

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score - Most rewards cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
• Know the issuer's rules - Be aware of application restrictions like Chase's 5/24 rule or Amex's welcome offer policies.
• Understand the benefits - Some perks require activation or enrollment, so review the card's features to maximize their value.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application - Apply before a large planned purchase to more easily meet a welcome offer's spending requirement.
• Check for issuer restrictions - Be mindful of policies like the Chase 5/24 rule or Amex's once-per-lifetime welcome offer limitations.
• Consider your long-term goals - Evaluate how a new card fits into your overall wallet and rewards strategy.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Which card is better for international travel?

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The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card is the clear winner for international travel because it does not charge foreign transaction fees. In contrast, the Chase Freedom Flex typically charges a fee on all purchases made outside of the United States, which can add up quickly.

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Is the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card's annual fee worth it?

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Whether the annual fee is worthwhile depends on your travel patterns and ability to use the card's premium perks. If you can take full advantage of the annual companion certificate and the free checked bag allowance, the card can easily provide more value than its yearly cost.

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Can I transfer points from the Chase Freedom Flex to Delta SkyMiles?

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No, you cannot directly transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned with the Freedom Flex to the Delta SkyMiles program. Delta is not a Chase transfer partner, so you would need to earn SkyMiles directly or book award flights through one of Chase's partner airlines that is also allied with Delta.

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