Delta Platinum elite status without flying [some offers expired]

18

Update: While they were valid at the time of writing, some of the offers in this post have since expired. See our Best Offers page for current offer information.

a man sitting in a chair
Delta Medallion Platinum Elite Status offers far better chances than Silver or Gold status of free domestic upgrades to first class. And, when you’re really lucky (as I was in this photo), you’ll find yourself on an internationally configured plane with lie-flat seats in first class (AKA Delta One).

Amex and Delta are offering fantastic welcome bonuses for their ultra-premium Delta Reserve cards.  In the past it has frequently been possible to get 10,000 MQMs (Medallion Qualifying Miles) when applying up for the Delta Reserve card.  As they did around this time last year, though, the Delta Reserve welcome bonuses currently (through 4/28/21) include 80,000 Skymiles plus 20,000 MQMs.  MQMs are the primary currency you need to achieve Delta Medallion elite status.  With the welcome bonus offers available at the time of this writing, getting meaningful Delta elite status is easy… if you don’t mind spending some cash.

The idea here is that you can earn near-top tier status without flying so that when you do fly, you’ll be able to enjoy the perks.  Here’s what you need to know..

About Delta’s Platinum elite status

a comparison of different colors of a color

The image above shows the requirements for reaching each level of Delta elite status.  Every level of status offers basic perks like free domestic upgrades (when available), premium seat selection, a free checked bag, etc.  Higher levels of status make upgrades more and more likely.  Also note the following details:

  • $25,000 spend on any Delta Platinum or Delta Reserve cards within a calendar year will get you a MQD waiver which means that you don’t need to earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars (spend on Delta flights) to reach elite status up to Platinum status.
  • Diamond Status requires $250,000 spend across one or more Delta cards in order to get a MQD Waiver.  Due to that very high requirement, the rest of this post focuses on earning Platinum status instead.

Platinum status has several advantages over Gold status, including:

  • Better chance of complementary first class upgrades.  Free upgrades begin processing 5 days before departure (vs. 3 days prior for Gold members and 1 day for Silver).
  • Upgrade to Comfort Plus immediately after booking.
  • Choice Benefits: Pick one benefit each year such as 4 regional upgrade certificates (which are now more valuable than ever before) or 20,000 redeemable SkyMiles.
  • Free award changes and redeposits.  This last benefit is no longer as exciting as it used to be because Delta now allows free award changes and redeposits for all members on itineraries originating in North America.  With Platinum status or higher, you continue to get that benefit for flights that originate outside of North America.
  • Hertz President’s Circle elite status

Gold and Platinum elites also get waived same day change and standby fees.

Delta Reserve perks and status boosts

a group of people in a room with a long couch and tables
Delta Sky Club at Washington National Airport (DCA)

Delta Reserve credit cards come with several valuable perks such as Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta, 2 Delta Sky Club one-time guest passes per year, upgrade priority over those with the same status and fare class, and annual domestic 1st class companion tickets.

Delta Reserve cards also offer Status Boosts: Earn 15,000 MQM bonuses when you complete $30K, $60K, $90K, and $120K spend within a calendar year.  With one card, you can earn up to 60,000 MQMs through spend alone.  With two cards (consumer and business), you can earn up to 120,000 MQMs through spend alone.

Read our in-depth analysis of the Delta Reserve cards here: Delta Reserve Complete Guide.

Plan Overview

The idea here is that it’s possible to earn near top level Delta elite status with a combination of MQMs from the welcome bonus plus big spend on the Delta Reserve card:

  1. Apply for Delta Reserve card in order to earn 20,000 MQMs and 80,000 bonus miles
  2. Spend a huge amount in order to earn additional MQMs through Delta Reserve Status Boosts.  Pay federal taxes at 2% in fees. If you overpay, you’ll later receive a refund as a check or direct deposit.
  3. Earn Platinum elite status for almost 2 years: If you earn Platinum elite status early this year, you’ll have that status for all of the rest of this year (2021), all of 2022, and through January of 2023.

In this post, I’ll cover two versions of this plan.  One version, the one-card solution, requires applying for only one Delta Reserve card.  The two-card solution requires applying for two Delta Reserve cards: one business card and one consumer card.

Plan Details

Apply up for 1 or 2 Delta Reserve cards

a close up of a credit card

It’s possible to apply for both the consumer version and the business version in order to pickup lots of redeemable SkyMiles and a total of 40,000 MQMs.  Here are the current welcome bonus offers:

Card Offer
$150 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$150 cash back after $3K spend in first 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card no longer features a first-year bonus.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
65k miles ⓘ Affiliate
65k after $6k spend in first 6 months. Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees)
$350 Annual Fee
75K miles ⓘ Affiliate
75k after $10K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$650 Annual Fee
60K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
60K miles after $5K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$650 Annual Fee
55k miles ⓘ Affiliate
55k after $4k spend in first 6 months. Terms and limitations apply. (Rates & Fees)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
40K miles ⓘ Affiliate
40K miles after $2K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
10K miles ⓘ Affiliate
10K miles after $1000 spend in the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
Note an unusual restriction: Welcome bonus not available if you've had another Delta consumer card in the past 90 days.
150K points after $15K spend in the first 3 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$695 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: Targeted online offer of 170K points after $15K spend in the first 3 months See this post for details.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
150K points after $8K spend in 6 months. Terms apply.
$695 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 150K after $6k spend (referral only, expired 10/23)
75K Points + 20% back at restaurants ⓘ Non-Affiliate
75K points after $6K in purchases in the first 6 months + 20% back at restaurants for the first 12 months up to $250 back. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$250 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 90K after $6K in the first 6 months + 20% back at restaurants for the first 12 months up to $250 back [Expired 6/8/22]
40K after $3K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. See Rates & Fees
$150 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 60K after $3K spend in first 6 months + 20% off travel and transit purchases for first 6 months. [Expired 8/21/23]
15K points after $3K spend in first 3 months. Terms & limitations apply.
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
130K points after $10K spend in 3 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$375 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: (Expired 2/1/24) 130K referral offer after $10K in spend
This card is no longer available for new applications

(Offer Expires 12/31/2099)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $175
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Earn a $200 statement credit after each $10,000 you spend on the card, up to $30,000, in the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)
$250 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
10K after $1K spend in 3 months. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
15K after $1K spend in 3 months. Terms apply.
$95 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: Some people click through and find that they are targeted for an offer of 30K points after $2K spend in 3 months.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 30K after $2K in first 3 months

$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
80kK after $6K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$695 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 125K points after 6k spend [Expired 11/8/23]
None
This card is no longer available.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: None
$350 cash back as a statement credit after $3K in the first 6 months. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
80K after $8K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$695 Annual Fee
This card is only available to clients that maintain an eligible Schwab brokerage account.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 100K points + 10x when you Shop Small in the US & at restaurants worldwide [Expired 1/20/22]
This card is no longer available for new applications

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
15K points + 0% APR for 12 months ⓘ Affiliate
15k points after $3k spend within the first 3 months + 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$250 back + 0% APR for 12 months ⓘ Affiliate
$250 statement credit after $3k spend within first 3 months and 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49% depending on creditworthiness. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$250 back ⓘ Affiliate
$250 cash back as reward dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit after $3K spend in the first 6 months. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Up to $350 back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Up to $350 back: $200 back after $2K in the first 6 months + 10% back at restaurants for the first 6 months up to $150 back. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available for new applications

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$125 Amazon Gift Card ⓘ Affiliate
Eligible Prime members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
This card is not currently available for new applications

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Limited Time Offer - 175K Points + free night certificate ⓘ Friend-Referral
175K after $6K spend in first 6 months. Free night certificate every year - first certificate is awarded 8-12 weeks after approval. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 4/17/2024)
$550 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Limited Time Offer - 155K points ⓘ Affiliate
155K after $3K spend in 6 months. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 4/17/2024)
$150 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 130K + free night certificate after $2K spend in 3 months [Expired 7/19/23]
175K Points ⓘ Affiliate
Limited-time offer: 175K after $8K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply.
(Offer Expires 6/5/2024)
$195 Annual Fee
Limited Time Offer - 100K points ⓘ Affiliate
100K after $2K spend in 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 4/17/2024)
No Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 70K + free night certificate after $2K spend in 3 months. [Expired 7/19/23]
This card is no longer available for new applications

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Limited Time Offer - 185K Points ⓘ Affiliate
185k points after $6K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 5/1/2024)
$650 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: None. this is the best that we've seen.
Earn 3 Free Night Awards - Valued at up to 50K points each, up to 150K points total. ⓘ Affiliate
Earn three 50k free night certificates after $6K spend in the first 6 months. Redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy(R) points for each bonus Free Night Award, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy(R). Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
$125 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 5x50K free night certificates after $8K in spend (expired 3/20/24)
Limited Time Offer - 155K Points ⓘ Affiliate
155K points after $5K spend in the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees)
(Offer Expires 5/1/2024)
$250 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: None. this is the best that we've seen.
$200 Cash Back as a statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 statement credit after $1K in purchases in first 3 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 Cash Back as a statement credit ⓘ Friend-Referral
$200 back as a statement credit after $2K in purchases in first 6 months. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Up to 60K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Up to 60K miles: 40K miles after $500 in purhcases & payment of the annual fee in the first 90 days + 20,000 miles after $2K in total purchases in first 6 months.
$89 Annual Fee
Up to 70K miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate
60K Miles after $2K spend in 90 days plus 10K miles after adding and making one purchase on an employee card, both within 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 9/11/22: 80K + $99 statement credit after $2K spend in first 90 days
65K miles after one purchase in first 90 days by entering any 6 digit code (such as 123456)
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50k miles after 1st purchase and paying the annual fee within 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Up to 75K: 60K miles after first purchase and 15K after adding an authorized user and making one purchase on that card [Expired 2/24/24]
Not currently available
It appears that this card is not available at this time.
$95 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 2/6/23: 80K miles + a $95 statement credit after $2K spend in first 90 days.
70K miles after $1K in spend in 90 days and payment of annual fee. Application requires a promo code. Any five digit number (like 00000) will work.
$99 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 9/22: 80K after $1K spend in 90 days
Up to 60K Miles ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Up to 60K miles: 50K bonus miles after spending $4K in first 90 days + additional 10K miles after a purchase is made on an employee card in the first 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
15K points after $1K spend in 90 days. Application requires a promo code. Any five digit number (like 00000) will work.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available for new applications

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $89
Recent better offer: None. This is the best we've seen.
100K Points ⓘ Non-Affiliate
50K after after $4K spend in first 90 days, additional 50K after a total of $15K spend in first year
$95 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: None, this is best we've seen.
$100 Cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$100 cash back after $500 spend in the first 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Expired 10/31/22: $150 after $500 in spend
10K points after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K points after $2K spend in 90 days
$89 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available for new applications

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
none
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$300 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$300 statement credit after $3000 spend in first 3 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K miles + Companion Fare ⓘ Non-Affiliate
75k miles + Companion Fare ($99 fare + taxes) after $3K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K miles + Companion Fare ⓘ Non-Affiliate
75K miles + Companion Fare ($99 fare + taxes) after $4K spend in 3 months (enter any random 6-digit number for referral code)
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 70K after $4K in 3 months [Expired 4/23]
None
Card is currently not available to new applicants.
$90 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
70K miles + 100XP ⓘ Non-Affiliate
70K miles + 40 XP after $3K in the first 90 days + 60 XP upon approval
$89 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: Going through the steps to make a dummy booking at the Air France website may result in an offer that also includes a $100 statement credit.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 70K miles + 100XP points [Expired 9/23]
This card is no longer available for new applications

$49 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
30K miles
30K after $3K spend in 90 days
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
10K miles
10K after after first purchase
$80 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
65K points + $100 statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate
60K points and $100 statment credit after $1K spend in 90 days plus 5K points for adding an authorized user
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $75
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
25K points worth $250 ⓘ Non-Affiliate
25K after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 cash bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 cash rewards bonus after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$500 statement credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$500 statement credit after $5K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
This card is no longer available
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
60K after $4K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K after $5K spend in 90 days
$550 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 after $1000 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available for new applicants.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is not currently available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$300 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$300 after $3000 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
30K after $3K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
10K after $500 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
45K Points + $100 Voucher + $100 Statement Credit ⓘ Non-Affiliate
45K points plus $100 statement credit and $100 companion voucher after $1K spend in 90 days
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $79
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available to new applicants
$59 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
15K after $1K in first 90 days
$59 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: You may be targeted for an offer including a $100 statement credit during a dummy booking.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 after $1000 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K Miles + up to $200 in statement credits ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after $4K spend in 3 months + up to $200 in statement credits when you make an Avelo purchase in your first year + priority boarding on Avelo flights for the first year. (Rates & Fees)
$95 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: Airport Kiosk offer of 80K miles after $4K spend in the first 3 months See this post for details.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
75k miles after $4k spend within first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)
$395 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 3/14/22: 100K after $10K spend in 6 months + $200 credit for vacation rental spend in first year
Earn a one-time bonus of 150K miles after $30K spend in the first 3 months
$395 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Expired 3/31/23: 250K Miles after $50K in spend.
20K miles ⓘ Affiliate
Earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate
One time bonus: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate
One time bonus: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months from account opening. (Rates & Fees)
No Annual Fee
$300 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Earn a one time bonus: $300 after $3K spend in 3 months from account opening
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
Earn a one-time 50K miles bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
50K after $4,500 spend in 3 months from account opening
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No Longer Available
This card is no longer available to new applicants
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$1200 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate
Earn a one-time cash bonus of $1,200 after $30K spend in the first 3 months. (Rates & Fees)
$150 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 3/14/22: $3K after $50K spend in 6 months
$100 Amazon Gift Card ⓘ Affiliate
$100 Amazon gift card upon approval. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
Up to $100
Earn up to a $100 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval. Log in to your Amazon account to see what offer you qualify for. Note that you may be offered the Amazon Prime Visa if you are a Prime member.
No Annual Fee
$150 Cash Back
$150 statement credit after $500 in purchases in first 3 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$400 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$400 statement credit after $1000 in purchases within first 3 months
$49 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K Avios ⓘ Affiliate
75K Avios after $5K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: Expired 7/4/22: 100K after $5K spend
75K Avios ⓘ Affiliate
75K Avios after $5K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: Expired 7/4/22: 100K after $5K spend
75K Avios ⓘ Affiliate
75K Avios after $5K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: Expired 7/4/22: 100K after $5K spend
50K points ⓘ Affiliate
50K points after $1K spend in the first 3 months.
$69 Annual Fee
After clicking through, be sure to manually select the exact Southwest card in which you are interested. This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: 75K after $3K in 3 months [Expired 12/11/23]
50K points ⓘ Affiliate
50K points after $1K spend in first 3 months
$99 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
80K points ⓘ Affiliate
80K after $5K spend in first 3 months
$199 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
50K points ⓘ Affiliate
50K points after $1K spend in the first 3 months.
$99 Annual Fee
This card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Recent better offer: 75K points after $3K spend in the first 3 months. [Expired 12/11/23]
50K points ⓘ Affiliate
50K points after $1K spend in the first 3 months.
$149 Annual Fee
This card is known to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Recent better offer: 75K points after $3K spend in the first 3 months. [Expired 12/11/23]
100K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
100K miles after $5K spend in first 3 months.
(Offer Expires 4/3/2024)
$99 Annual Fee
After clicking through, be sure to click the link at the top that says, "Are you a small business owner?" to see the business card offers that include this card. You are not eligible for the bonus if you have received the bonus on this card within the past 24 months. Please note that the United EXPLORER Business card (no longer available) is a different product and does not affect your ability to get the bonus on this card.
Recent better offer: Expired 11/9/22: 150K (75K after $5K spend in 3 months and another 75K after $20K total spend in six months)
80K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
80k miles after $5k spend in first 3 months
$525 Annual Fee
This card is available to you if you do not have any United Club card and have not received a new Cardmember bonus for any United Club card in the past 24 months.
Recent better offer: Expired 1/27/23: 100K after $5K spend
100K Miles ⓘ Affiliate
100K miles after $5K spend in first 3 months.
$450 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
60K miles after $3K spend in 3 months.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Expired 8/11/22: 70K after $3K spend
70K Miles + 500 PQPs ⓘ Friend-Referral
70K miles and 500 PQPs after $4K spend in the first 3 months
$250 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
30K miles after $1K spend in first 3 months
No Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: Expired 8/11/22: 30K after $1K spend
60K Points ⓘ Affiliate
60K points after $3K spend in the first 3 months.
$95 Annual Fee
This card is likely subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
65K Points ⓘ Affiliate
65K after $4K spend in 3 months
$550 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 12/1/22: 80K after $4K spend
60K points ⓘ Affiliate
60K after $4K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: There may be elevated offers available by applying in-branch
A similar offer with the first year annual fee waived may be found in-branch. YMMV.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
20K points + 5% on gas and groceries for a year ⓘ Friend-Referral
Earn 20,000 points (worth $200 cash back) after spending $500 in the first 3 months + 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
20K points ⓘ Affiliate
Earn 20,000 points (worth $200 cash back) after spending $500 in the first 3 months
No Annual Fee
This card is likely subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: Unlimited Double Cash Back for 12 month (expired 1/11/24)
0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.24% - 28.999%.
No Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details). Even though this card is marketed as a cash back card, it actually earns Ultimate Rewards points which are redeemable for 1 cent each, or can be combined with other Ultimate Rewards-earning cards to get even more value. This product is available to you if you do not have this card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K points ⓘ Affiliate
75K after $6K spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: If you have a household member with an Ink card, you may prefer the referral offer whereby the referrer can earn 40,000 points and the new account holder can earn 75,000 points after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months since it will yield more total points.
Recent better offer: 90K after $6K spend in 6 monthd (expired 1/17/24
Up to 75K points ⓘ Affiliate
35K after $3K spend in 3 months and an additional 40K points after $6K spend in 6 months. In addition, 10% Business Relationship bonus if you have the Ink Business Cash and a Chase Business Checking account on your first anniversary.
No Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: If you have a household member with an Ink card, you may prefer the referral offer whereby the referrer can earn 40,000 points and the new account holder can earn 75,000 points after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months since it will yield more total points.
Recent better offer: 90K after $6K spend in 6 monthd (expired 1/17/24
100K points ⓘ Affiliate
100K after $8K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 80K after $5K spend. Many preferred the 80K offer due to the much lower spend requirement
$1,000 Cash Back ⓘ Affiliate
$1K after $10K Spend in 3 Months
$195 Annual Fee
Alternate Offer: Some have been targeted for 150K after $10K spend via mailer or in the "Just for You" section of their online account.
Up to 45K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate
Up to 45K: 30K after $3K spend plus 1 extra point per dollar for non-bonused spend, up to $15K spend in 6 months.
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
60K points ⓘ Affiliate
60K after $5,000 spend in 3 months
$199 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule.
$100 Cash Back
$100 after $500 spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
This card is believed to not be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule
Recent better offer: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months
None
This card is no longer available
$49 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
165K Points ⓘ Affiliate
165K points after $3K spend in 3 months
(Offer Expires 4/3/2024)
$99 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: 175K after $3K in spend (expired 4/6/23)
140K points ⓘ Affiliate
140K points $3K spend in 3 months
$99 Annual Fee
This card is expected to be subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
100K Points ⓘ Affiliate
100K points after $2K spend in 3 months
(Offer Expires 4/3/2024)
No Annual Fee
Recent better offer: 120K after $2K spend (expired 7/4/22)
85K points after $4K spend in 3 months
$250 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
$450 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
$85 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
5 x 50K Free Night Certificates ⓘ Friend-Referral
Earn five 50K free night certifcates after $5K spend in 3 months
$95 Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: 5 x 50K free night certificates after $5K in spend (expired 1/9/24)
30K points after $1K in the first 3 months. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
This card is subject to Chase's 5/24 rule (click here for details).
Recent better offer: 50K points after $1K in the first 3 months and 50K points after 6 eligible paid nights at Bonvoy hotels. (expired 8/9/23)
None
This card is no longer available
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K miles after $3,500 spend in first 4 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: None, this is the best we've seen.
65K after $4K spend in first 4 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Alternate Offer: There is an alternative offer of 30K + $400 credit that can be found when doing a dummy booking on aa.com.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
70K miles ⓘ Affiliate
70K miles after $7,000 spend in first 3 months
$595 Annual Fee
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
This card is available in-branch only and is not available online. The bonus may vary by region and can be as high as 40K.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
$495 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
60K Points ⓘ Affiliate
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
$95 Annual Fee
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
20K points ⓘ Affiliate
20K points after $1.5K spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
$95 Annual Fee
This card is no longer available to new applicants.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
20K points ⓘ Affiliate
$200 cash back after spending $1.5K in first six months. Note: $200 is awarded as 20,000 Citi ThankYou points.
No Annual Fee
20K Points ⓘ Affiliate
20K points after $1500 spend in the first 6 months
No Annual Fee
Recent better offer: Expired 9/13/22 - 20,000 points after $750 spend in first 3 months
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Affiliate

No Annual Fee
Requires Costco membership. Cash back provided annually with February billing statement as rewards coupon redeemable for cash or merchandise at Costco
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate

No Annual Fee
Requires Costco membership. Cash back provided annually with February billing statement as rewards coupon redeemable for cash or merchandise at Costco

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No bonus at this time.
$400 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No standard bonus ⓘ Friend-Referral
This card is currently unavailable to new applicants.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$100 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$100 statement credit after $500 spend in first 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$100 + First Year Double ⓘ Friend-Referral
Get $100 after first purchase. All "miles" earned in first 12 months will be doubled. This makes this a 3% cash back card for the first year.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is currently unavailable to new applicants.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$100 Back + First Year Double ⓘ Friend-Referral
Get $100 after first purchase. All cashback earned in first 12 months will be doubled including 5% earned in rotating categories.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$50 + First Year Double + $20/year ⓘ Friend-Referral
Get $50 after first purchase. All cashback earned in first 12 months will be doubled including 5% earned in rotating categories. Plus, get $20 cash back each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
There is currently no welcome bonus offered.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Earn 40K bonus miles after $2.5K in first 3 months
$79 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate
This card currently features no welcome offer, but it does offer 5% back on up to $10K in purchases per year at Simon Malls, Simon Mills, and Simon Premium Outlets.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
20K points (worth $200) after $3K spend in the first 60 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
12K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
40K points after $2K spend in the first 3 billing cycles
(Offer Expires 4/3/2024)
$99 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Recent better offer: 30K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles + 2 companion certificates, 2 upgrade certificates and 2 lounge passes
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 in rewards (20K points) after $1K in purchases in first 3 billing cycles.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 back after $1K spend in 3 months
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers after account is opened. After that, a variable rate will apply.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
10K points + 10K Tier Credits ⓘ Non-Affiliate
10K points + 10K Tier Credits after $1,500K spend in the first 3 billing cycles
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
80K points after $3K spend in the first 3 billing cycles
$89 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
10K miles
10K miles after $5K spend in first 3 billing cycles with promo code SPG2020
$70 Annual Fee
Note: Basic card earns 1 mile per $2 spent and has a $20 annual fee. To earn 1 mile per $1 spent, choose the "Premium" rewards for $70 annual fee.
35K points after $3K in 3 months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Note that the ongoing annual fee is $0 if you maintain an HSBC Premier checking account (which requires $5K per month in direct deposits to remain fee-free)
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Note that the card is only currently available with an M1 Plus membership (membership is free the first year, then $125 per year). The credit card's $95 annual fee is waived with an M1 Plus membership. Note also that the fine print says that the bonus will be paid out within 120 days of the end of the intro offer period. This means the welcome offer could be paid out as late as July 29, 2022.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$150 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$150 in rewards (15K points) after $1000 in purchases in first 120 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K Points ⓘ Affiliate
50K points after $3K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
15K Points ⓘ Affiliate
15K points after $1,500 spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
30K after $3K spend in 3 months from account opening
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $85
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
0% APR on balance transfers ⓘ Non-Affiliate
0% APR on balance transfers for first 12 billing cycles following account opening when balance is transferred within the first 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
3% back for 12 months ⓘ Non-Affiliate
3% cash back for 12 months on up to $20K in purchases
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
There is currently no welcome bonus offered.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
No Annual Fee
After $10K in purchases in the elevated categories each anniversary year, you only earn 1% back (or 2% through the end of 2021). Note that you can only apply in the Venmo app.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
35K after $3K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Note that some have received a targeted email offer for 65K miles after $5K spend in 90 days.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
No Welcome Bonus ⓘ Non-Affiliate

No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Up to $200 in statement credits ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$100 credit with 5G phone offer and $100 statement credit after first purchase
within 90 days of account opening.
No Annual Fee
5% Cashback ⓘ Non-Affiliate
5% cashback for 6 months or $6K in spend
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Up to 50K points (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
25K after $5K spend in 3 months + 25K after $50K spend in 12 months
No Annual Fee
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers
Up to 100K points (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
50K after $10K spend in 3 months + 50K after paying 2nd year annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $495
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers
Up to 50K points (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
25K after $5K spend in 3 months + 25K after $50K spend in 12 months
No Annual Fee
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers. Note: UBS Business cards DO add to Chase's 5/24 Rule.
Up to 100K points (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
50K after $10K spend in 3 months + 50K after paying 2nd year annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $550
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers. Note: UBS Business cards DO add to Chase's 5/24 Rule.
$150 (call to apply) ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$150 after $5,000 spend in 3 months
$150 Annual Fee
Bonus offer is not available to either current or previous UBS credit cardmembers. Note: UBS Business cards DO add to Chase's 5/24 Rule.
None
This card is no longer available
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $55
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $49
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$250 cash back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$250 after $2K spend in 120 days
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
$85 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K after $4.5K spend in 90 days
$400 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
75K after $10K spend in 120 days
$195 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
20K after $1K spend in 90 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K after $2K spend in 120 days
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
60K after $6K spend in 180 days
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
20K miles
20K miles after first use.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $75
US Bank may also approve you for their non-Signature Visa which comes with a 15K bonus and lesser benefits.
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
40K miles after $4K spend in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
60K miles after $5K spend in 90 days
$450 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
50K miles after $5K in 90 days
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$200 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$200 after $1000 spend in 120 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
None
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
$500 Cash Back ⓘ Non-Affiliate
$500 cash back after $4500 spend on the account owner's card in first 150 days
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
none
This card is no longer available
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
20K after $1,000 spend in first 3 months.
No Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
60K after $4,000 spend in first 3 months.
$95 Annual Fee
Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
There is no official welcome bonus, but this card offers the opportunity to earn 1x points on rent when you make at least 5 transactions per billing cycle. Terms apply.
No Annual Fee
Note that some people see a targeted offer in the Bilt Rewards app to earn 5x points for the first 5 days after being approved and receiving and activating the card. This is not guaranteed, but rather is targeted. Select 'Click Here to Apply' to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.

Unfortunately, the $550 annual fee is not waived the first year.  After the first year, you can, of course, downgrade to a cheaper Delta card or cancel altogether.  The business card version of the offer includes a $200 statement credit (at the time of this writing) and so that’s obviously the better option for the 1-card solution.

Applying for Business Credit Cards: You must have a business to apply, but even a simple sole proprietorship will work. It's likely that you have a business even if you don't realize it.
More:You must have a business (but you probably do): In order to apply for a business credit card, you must have a business. That said, it's common for people to have businesses without realizing it. If you sell items at a yard sale or on eBay, for example, then you have a business. Similar examples include: consulting, writing (e.g. blog authorship, planning your first novel, etc.), handyman services, owning rental property, renting on airbnb, driving for Uber or Lyft, etc. In any of these cases, your business is considered a Sole Proprietorship unless you form a corporation of some sort.
When you apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor, you can use your own name as your business name, use your own address and phone as the business' address and phone, and your social security number as the business' Tax ID / EIN. Alternatively, you can get a proper Tax ID / EIN from the IRS for free, in about a minute, through this website.
Is it OK to use business cards for personal expenses? Anecdotally, almost everyone I know uses business cards for personal expenses. That said, the terms in most business card applications state that you should use the card only for business use. Also, some consumer credit card protections do not apply to business cards. My advice: don't use the card for personal expenses if you're not comfortable doing so.

Here’s a summary comparison of the costs and benefits of the welcome offers:

1 Card (Business) 2 Cards
Card Annual Fees $550 $1100
Statement Credits $200 $200
Net Fees $350 $900
Bonus Miles Earned 80,000 160,000
MQMs Earned 20,000 40,000

Spend Big

In 2021 only, Delta Reserve cards offer 18,750 MQM bonuses (vs 15,000 MQMs in most years) when you complete $30K, $60K, $90K, and $120K spend within a calendar year. That offer expired in 2021.

In order to earn Delta Platinum status, assuming you have no other way of earning MQMs, this plan calls for spending a total of $90,000 in the one-card solution or $60,000 in the two-card solution.

An easy option at this time of year is to use the Delta Reserve card to pay federal income taxes. You can even overpay taxes now and get a refund once you file your annual tax return.  The IRS doesn’t mind getting a loan (but I can’t rule out the possibility that this would increase chances of getting audited)

At the time of this writing, each of the 3 primary tax payment processors charge just under 2% in fees for paying taxes.  Here are the scenarios, assuming 2% in fees:

1 Card 2 Cards
Amount Paid in Taxes $88,270 $58,850 ($29,425 per card)
Tax Payment Fees (2%) $1,765 $1,177
Total Spend >$90K >$60K ($30K per card)
Miles Earned from Spend 90,000 60,000
MQMs from Status Boosts 56,250 37,500

The 1-card solution requires much more spend, but it also earns more miles and MQMs than the 2-card solution.

For more about paying taxes by credit card, see: Complete guide to paying taxes via credit card, debit card, or gift card

Platinum Medallion Elite Status Complete!

Platinum status requires 75,000 MQMs.  If you follow the above suggestions you’ll earn slightly more than 75,000 MQMs.  And, fortunately, for anyone who earns elite status, Delta rolls over extra MQMs from one year to the next and so those extra MQMs won’t be wasted if you pursue elite status again next year.  If you complete either of the above plans early this year, you’ll have Platinum status for all of the rest of this year (2021), all of 2022, and through January of 2023.

Here’s a summary of the two solutions:

1 Card 2 Cards
Net Card Fees $350 $900
Fees from Spend (2%) $1,765 $1,177
Total Fees $2,115 $2,077
Miles Earned 170,000 220,000
MQMs Earned 76,250 77,500

Costs vs Miles

One way to help justify spending so much money towards elite status is to look at the value of the redeemable miles you’ll earn along the way.  It can be hard to justify spending a lot for hard-to-quantify elite benefits, but redeemable miles have tangible value towards flights.

Our Reasonable Redemption Values (RRVs) currently lists Delta SkyMiles at 1.3 cents.  That means that we believe that it is reasonable to expect to get 1.3 cents per mile or better value when redeeming miles for award flights.  Alternatively, you could more conservatively estimate the miles as being worth 1 cent each since that’s the value you get when using Delta’s “Pay with Miles” feature.

Let’s look at the two plans compared to the two valuations of Delta miles earned:

1 Card 2 Cards
Total Fees $2,115 $2,077
Miles Earned 170,000 220,000
Mile Value at 1.3 Cents Per Mile $2,210 $2,860
“Profit” $2,210-$2,115 = $95 $2,860-$2,077 = $783
Mile Value at 1 Cent Per Mile $1,700 $2,200
“Profit” $1,700-$2,115 = -$415 $2,200-$2,077 = $123

As you can see above, if you value miles at 1.3 cents each, then either solution results in a “profit” where the value of miles earned exceeds the costs involved in buying Platinum status.  If you value miles at only 1 cent per mile, though, you’ll have a net loss of just over $400 with the 1-card solution.  In my opinion, though, $400 is a bargain for nearly 2 years of Platinum elite status plus one year of lounge access (assuming you’ll make good use of both).

One Card or Two? Which Solution is Better?

Here again is a summary comparison of the two solutions:

1 Card 2 Cards
Net Card Fees $350 $900
Fees from Spend (2%) $1,765 $1,177
Total Fees $2,115 $2,077
Miles Earned 170,000 220,000
MQMs Earned 76,250 77,500

Total costs of the two solutions and MQMs earned are similar, but the 2-card solution offers 50,000 more miles.  That makes the two card solution appear to be better, but I think that the one card solution is better for the following reasons:

  • If Skymiles are important to you, you’d end up with more total Skymiles by going with the one-card solution and separately applying for the Delta Platinum or Delta Gold card.
  • Amex generally doesn’t let you get an intro bonus again for a card you’ve had before. If you get both Delta Reserve cards now, you won’t be able to get the bonuses on these cards again for a very long time.  With the one-card solution, though, you could get an MQM bonus again next year, or the year after, that by applying for the other card.  Plus, this is a great way to extend the card’s perks (like Sky Club access): You could keep one Delta Reserve card for a year, cancel it and then apply for the other Delta Reserve card.  This way you’ll get two years of benefits from the two cards instead of just one year of benefits as would happen with the two-card solution.

Consider cancelling after a year (or two)

If you go with the two card solution, it doesn’t make much sense to keep both cards more than a year unless you plan to manufacture Delta Diamond status (see: Manufacturing Delta elite status in 2020 and beyond).  Most of the perks, such as Sky Club access are duplicative.  For example, it doesn’t do you any good to have two reasons to have access to the Delta Sky Club.

You could cancel the card you don’t want or downgrade it to one of the cheaper Delta cards.  One downside of downgrading is that you then won’t be eligible for a welcome bonus for the card you downgrade to.  For example, if you decide you want a Delta Platinum card, you’re better off applying new for that card in order to get the welcome bonus rather than downgrading to it.

close up of a paper

Whether or not to keep one Delta Reserve card long term is a tougher question.  Yes, this card has great perks, but you can find even more perks, including Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access, on the identically priced Amex Platinum card (not to be confused with the Delta Platinum card).  And, unlike the Delta Reserve card, the Platinum card comes with airline fee credits and other credits to help offset the annual fee.

The biggest benefits that the Reserve card has over the Amex Platinum are the annual first class companion certificate, the ability to earn Delta elite status through spend, and the ability to get free upgrades if you don’t have Delta status.  In other words, the Delta Reserve card makes the most sense for those who are sure to use the companion certificate towards good value each year and/or who covet Delta elite benefits.  Others may do better with an Amex Platinum card or the lower priced Delta Platinum card.

One way to decide is to use our spreadsheet to compare similar cards.  See: Which Ultra Premium Cards are Keepers?

Conclusion

As shown above, there’s currently a short term opportunity to buy Platinum status for around $2,100.  In exchange, you’ll get Platinum status perks, redeemable Skymiles worth over $1,700, and several valuable Delta Reserve card perks.  In my opinion, if you can float the high spend required to get this done AND if you’re a frequent Delta flyer who’s eager to get a taste of Platinum elite status then this deal may be for you.  If you don’t check both of those boxes, I don’t recommend this approach.

See also:

Want to learn more about miles and points? Subscribe to email updates or check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

18 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments