United Explorer 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 breakdown of why we like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

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• The annual companion certificate for a domestic main cabin round-trip flight can provide significant value each year, often exceeding the card's annual fee.
• Cardholders earn an accelerated 3X miles on Delta purchases and at hotels, plus 2X miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.
• For a couple flying round-trip just twice a year, the free first checked bag benefit can save $280, nearly covering the $350 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Annual companion certificate for a domestic main cabin round-trip flight upon card renewal.
• A suite of travel benefits including a free first checked bag, priority boarding, and travel insurance protections.
• Accelerated path toward Medallion Status and multiple statement credits that can help offset the annual fee.

_{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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• A significant annual fee that is not waived in the first year.
• The annual companion certificate has notable restrictions, limiting its use.
• Lacks complimentary Delta Sky Club® access.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express vs United Explorer

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, the United Explorer or Delta SkyMiles Platinum, depends entirely on your travel habits and which airline you fly most often. Each card is tailored to a specific type of traveler, offering unique benefits for brand loyalists.

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• United℠ Explorer Card: This card is ideal for frequent United Airlines flyers and travelers looking for valuable perks like airport security credits and no foreign transaction fees. It's designed for those who can take advantage of benefits tied directly to flying with United.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: This card is best for loyal Delta flyers who want to earn status and utilize the annual companion certificate. It's also a strong choice for couples or families who travel together and can maximize the card’s spending rewards.

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Redemption

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United℠ Explorer Card: With this card, you redeem MileagePlus miles primarily for flights on United and its extensive network of Star Alliance partners. You can also use miles for other travel-related purchases like hotel stays, car rentals, and unique experiences.

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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Your SkyMiles can be redeemed for flights with Delta and its partner airlines, offering flexibility for your travel plans. Additionally, miles can be used for seat upgrades, vacation packages, and other premium rewards.

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Travel Perks

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• Lounge Access: The United℠ Explorer Card includes two one-time United Club℠ passes each year. The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers access to the Delta Sky Club® network for a fee. Terms apply.
• Baggage Allowance: With the United Explorer, the primary cardmember and one companion receive their first checked bag free. The Delta Platinum card extends this benefit to the cardmember and up to eight companions on the same reservation. Terms apply.
• Airport Security Credits: Both cards provide a statement credit for the application fee for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, helping to streamline your airport experience.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: Neither card charges foreign transaction fees, making them suitable companions for your international travels.
• In-Flight Savings: You’ll get 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases like food, beverages, and Wi-Fi with the United Explorer. The Delta Platinum offers a 20% statement credit on eligible in-flight purchases. Terms apply.
• Companion Certificate: A standout feature of the Delta Platinum card is its annual Companion Certificate, valid for one domestic Main Cabin round-trip flight for a companion each year upon renewal (taxes and fees apply). Terms apply.

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Who Should Choose the United Explorer?

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The United℠ Explorer Card is primarily designed for frequent United Airlines flyers who can maximize its airline-specific perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. It's also a strong choice for international travelers thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees and for those seeking expedited airport security through statement credits for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®. Ultimately, the card appeals to budget-conscious individuals with good to excellent credit who value practical travel benefits that can easily outweigh the annual fee.

Who Should Choose the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card is an excellent choice for dedicated Delta loyalists who fly with the airline several times a year. It also caters to status seekers aiming for Medallion status and couples or families who can maximize the value of the annual companion certificate. Ultimately, moderate to heavy spenders who can leverage the card's bonus categories and statement credits will find it most rewarding, as detailed in our complete card review.

Alternatives to Consider

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If the United Explorer vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express card showdown didn't leave you with a clear winner, other travel cards might be a better fit. Let's explore a few alternatives that offer different perks or more flexible rewards.

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score, as most premium cards require good to excellent credit.
• Plan how you will meet the welcome offer spending requirement through normal purchases.
• Research the card’s ecosystem to ensure it aligns with your travel habits, such as loyalty to a specific airline like United or Delta.

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Application Strategy

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• Know the rules: Be aware of issuer-specific policies, such as welcome offer eligibility for American Express cards or application velocity rules for Chase cards.
• Time your application: Apply just before a large planned purchase to help meet the spending requirement for a welcome offer naturally.
• Don’t force it: Avoid manufactured spending, and remember that some application processes allow you to decline an offer without impacting your credit score.

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 if I'm not loyal to either airline?

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If you don't have a strong preference for either United or Delta, consider which airline has a stronger presence at your home airport. A card is most valuable when you can regularly fly with the airline and its partners.

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Do both cards offer lounge access?

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The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers access to the Delta Sky Club (terms apply), while the United℠ Explorer Card provides two one-time passes to the United Club each year. Your choice may depend on how frequently you anticipate using airport lounges.

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What if I want a card with a lower annual fee?

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If a lower annual fee is your priority, the United℠ Explorer Card is generally the more budget-friendly option of the two. However, be sure to weigh the lower cost against the potentially more valuable benefits offered by the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

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