Premium Banking
Amex Platinum Sky Club Rules 2025: Is It Worth $895?
November 19, 2025 · 6 min read
The Amex Platinum's new 10-visit Delta Sky Club limit and $895 fee make its value proposition complex. The card breaks even only for those meeting the $75k spend waiver or using Centurion lounges.
Effective February 1, 2025, the American Express Platinum Card's value proposition for Delta flyers shifts dramatically. The card now limits complimentary Delta Sky Club access to 10 annual visits and carries an increased $895 annual fee, up from $695. Unlimited access is now gated behind a $75,000 annual spending threshold. This restructuring makes the card financially justifiable primarily for high-spenders who can meet the waiver or for travelers who can leverage the card's broader lounge network, including Centurion Lounges, to offset the Sky Club limitations.
2025 Rule Changes: The Financial Impact of the 10-Visit Cap
The core change is the move from unlimited access to a fixed allotment, a structural shift impacting the card's breakeven calculation for frequent Delta travelers. While the increased annual fee represents a 29% cost increase, the new visit definition provides a partial offset for travelers with connecting itineraries.
10 Visits
Annual Delta Sky Club Allotment Per Cardholder
$895
New Annual Fee (Effective 2025)
$75,000
Annual Spend for Unlimited Access Waiver
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Visit Definition and Counting: A single "visit" now covers all Delta Sky Club entries within a 24-hour period from the first check-in. This is a significant improvement for passengers with multiple connections in one day, as a three-segment itinerary now consumes only one visit from the annual allotment, not three.
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The $75,000 Spend Milestone: To regain unlimited Delta Sky Club access, cardholders must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases within a calendar year (January 1 - December 31). Achieving this unlocks unlimited access for the remainder of that calendar year and through January 31 of the year after, creating a potential 13-month benefit window. This waiver must be re-earned each calendar year.
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Guest Access Policies: Without the spend waiver, guest access is no longer complimentary. Guests cost $50 per adult and $30 per child (ages 2-17). Once the $75,000 threshold is met, the cardholder can bring up to two guests per visit free of charge for the same 13-month benefit window.
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Authorized Users: For a $195 annual fee, an authorized user receives their own separate 10-visit annual allotment. This offers a scalable solution for families or small businesses, providing 20 total visits for a primary cardholder and one authorized user at a total cost of $1,090.
Competitive Landscape: Amex Platinum vs. Key Rivals
The 2025 changes reposition the Amex Platinum within the premium travel card market. While its Delta-specific access has weakened, its overall lounge network remains best-in-class. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card emerges as a strong direct competitor for Delta loyalists, offering more Sky Club visits for a lower annual fee, though it lacks the broader network of the Platinum card.
| Feature | Amex Platinum | Delta Reserve | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Capital One Venture X |
| 2025 Annual Fee | $895 | $650 | $550 | $395 |
| Delta Sky Club Visits | 10 per year | 15 per year | 0 | 0 |
| Unlimited Access Waiver | $75k spend | $75k spend | N/A | N/A |
| Centurion Lounge Access | Unlimited | Yes (Delta flights only) | No | No |
| Priority Pass Select | Unlimited, 2 guests | No | Unlimited, 2 guests | Unlimited, 2 guests |
| Guest Fees (No Waiver) | $50 Adult / $30 Child | $50 Adult / $30 Child | $27 per additional | $45 per guest |
The comparison highlights a clear divergence in strategy. Amex Platinum and Delta Reserve focus on the Delta/Centurion ecosystem, gating unlimited access behind high spend. In contrast, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X prioritize broad, unlimited access through the Priority Pass network for significantly lower annual fees, making them superior for travelers who are not loyal to a single airline.
Cost-Per-Visit & ROI Analysis by Traveler Profile
For cardholders who do not meet the $75,000 spend waiver, the effective cost per Delta Sky Club visit on the Amex Platinum is a steep $89.50 ($895 annual fee ÷ 10 visits). This is more than double the $43.33 effective cost on the Delta Reserve card ($650 fee ÷ 15 visits). This simple calculation, however, ignores the significant value of the Platinum card's access to Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass, which can be valued at over $800 annually for a frequent traveler.
Amex Platinum Advantages
- Best-in-Class Network: Access to Delta Sky Club, Centurion Lounges, and Priority Pass offers the most diverse options.
- Centurion Quality: Centurion Lounges generally offer superior amenities compared to other domestic lounges.
- 24-Hour Visit Rule: Highly valuable for travelers with connections, effectively stretching the 10-visit limit.
- Achievable Unlimited Access: The $75k spend waiver provides a clear path to unlimited access for high spenders.
Drawbacks
- High Annual Fee: At $895, it is one of the most expensive personal cards on the market.
- Low Visit Cap: 10 visits is insufficient for many business travelers, forcing reliance on the spend waiver.
- High Cost-Per-Visit: Without the waiver, the $89.50 effective cost for Sky Club access is uncompetitive.
- Complex Value: Justifying the fee requires actively using multiple benefits and lounge networks, not just Sky Club.
Critical Calculation Note
Analyzing the Amex Platinum's value based solely on its $89.50 effective cost per Sky Club visit is a fundamental error. The card's justification hinges on the combined value of Centurion Lounge access (unlimited), Priority Pass membership (valued at $469 annually), and other travel credits, which collectively provide over $1,000 in additional quantifiable benefits before considering Sky Club access.
Actionable Strategies for Maximizing Lounge Value in 2025
To justify the $895 annual fee under the new rules, cardholders must adopt a strategic approach to their lounge usage and spending patterns. Passively holding the card for occasional Delta travel is no longer a financially sound strategy.
1
Substitute Centurion Lounges for Sky Clubs
In airports with both lounges (e.g., ATL, LAX, JFK, DEN), prioritize using the Centurion Lounge. This preserves the 10-visit Sky Club allotment for airports where it's the only option. This strategy alone can effectively double the number of lounge-accessible travel days.
2
Concentrate Spend to Hit the $75K Waiver
For those with spending near the threshold, consolidating all possible expenses (business costs, taxes, insurance premiums) onto the Platinum card early in the year can unlock unlimited access for up to 13 months. This requires averaging $6,250 in monthly spend.
3
Implement an Authorized User Strategy
For a household or small business, adding one authorized user for $195 provides an additional 10 visits. This yields 20 total visits for $1,090, reducing the effective cost per visit to $54.50 while also giving the authorized user their own lounge access and select card benefits.
4
Leverage Priority Pass on Other Airlines
Enroll in the complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. When flying non-Delta airlines or internationally, utilize the 1,300+ lounges in this network to avoid paying out-of-pocket or using a valuable Sky Club visit. This segregates lounge benefits by travel type, maximizing overall value.
The Premium Finance Guide to American Express Platinum Delta Sky Club Access
Does the Amex Platinum Card still provide Delta Sky Club access in 2025?
Yes, but with significant restrictions effective February 1, 2025. Amex Platinum cardholders receive 10 complimentary visits annually to Delta Sky Clubs when flying same-day Delta-operated flights. Previously unlimited access has been eliminated unless you spend $75,000 on the card within a calendar year to unlock unlimited visits through January 31 of the following year.
What are the new Delta Sky Club access rules for Amex Platinum in 2025?
Starting February 1, 2025: Basic cardholders get 10 visits per program year (Feb 1 - Jan 31). A single visit includes all Delta Sky Club entries within 24 hours across multiple airports. You can unlock unlimited access by spending $75,000 on the card in any calendar year, with unlimited access extending through January 31 of the following year. Additional Platinum cardholders receive their own separate 10-visit allotment.
Is Amex Platinum losing Delta lounge access permanently?
No, but access is drastically reduced from unlimited to limited. The February 2025 changes represent Delta and Amex's attempt to reduce overcrowding at Sky Clubs. Cardholders can still regain unlimited access by meeting the $75,000 annual spending threshold—a path that was previously unnecessary before these restrictions took effect.
What are the rumored and confirmed changes to the American Express Platinum Card in 2025?
The major confirmed refresh (effective September 18, 2025 for new cardmembers, January 2, 2026 for renewals) includes: annual fee increased from $695 to $895; hotel credit increased from $200 to $600 biannually; new digital entertainment credit ($300 annually); new credits for Uber One, Lululemon, and Oura Ring; no changes to lounge access benefits or earning rates.
How do I access Delta Sky Club as an Amex Platinum cardholder?
Present your Platinum Card, government-issued ID, and same-day boarding pass. Access is valid up to 3 hours before departure or during connections between same-day Delta-operated flights. Each visit includes all entries within a 24-hour period at any airport. You cannot access Sky Clubs on basic economy tickets. Guest access costs $50 per person or $25 for Grab and Go.
Can I stack Delta Sky Club visits if I have multiple Amex cards?
Yes. If you hold both the Amex Platinum (10 visits) and Delta Reserve card (15 visits), you can combine your allotments for 25 total annual visits. Each eligible card on your account receives its own separate 10-visit limit, and these visits stack together for maximum annual access.
What's the breakeven analysis for the $895 Amex Platinum annual fee?
At $895 annual fee, you need approximately $895 in annual benefits value to break even. Realistic value includes: 10 Delta Sky Club visits ($500), Uber credits ($200), $300 hotel credit (biannual), $300 entertainment credit, airline fee credit ($200), and TSA/Global Entry credit ($120). Total achievable benefits exceed $1,900 annually if all credits are utilized, making the card profitable for high-engagement users.
Is the Amex Platinum worth it specifically for Delta Sky Club access?
Only if you value additional benefits beyond lounge access. Ten annual Delta Sky Club visits ($500 value) alone don't justify the $895 fee. However, combined with other credits (hotel, dining, entertainment, airline, Uber), the total value can exceed $2,000+ annually. Frequent Delta flyers who leverage multiple benefits see positive ROI; casual travelers should consider the Delta Reserve card instead (15 visits, $795 annual fee).
Can I get unlimited Delta Sky Club access without spending $75,000?
No. The only ways to access unlimited Sky Clubs as an Amex Platinum holder are: (1) Spend $75,000 on the card in a calendar year, unlocking unlimited visits for that year and the following year through January 31; (2) Upgrade to a higher-tier card like the Delta Reserve (15 visits) or business version; (3) Purchase a standalone Sky Club membership ($695/year for individual, $1,495 for executive) if you have Delta Medallion elite status.
How much does the Amex Platinum annual fee increase in 2025?
The annual fee increased from $695 to $895 (a 29% increase, or +$200). This is effective immediately for new cardmembers as of September 18, 2025, but for existing cardmembers, the higher fee applies at the next renewal date on or after January 2, 2026. This makes Amex Platinum now $100 more expensive than Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795).
Does Amex Platinum provide Delta upgrade certificates?
No. Amex Platinum does not provide complimentary upgrade certificates. However, cardholders can use Upgrade with Miles to pay SkyMiles for upgrades (Delta charges approximately 1.07 cents per mile). To get free upgrades, you must achieve Delta Medallion elite status through flying. Delta Reserve cardholders do get better upgrade priority as it ranks higher in Delta's elite upgrade queue.
Is Amex Platinum only for wealthy people?
Not exclusively, though it targets affluent consumers. Amex approves cardholders with annual incomes as low as $50,000, though approval is more likely with $100,000+ income and excellent credit (670+ FICO score). The 2025 refresh specifically targets younger high-income professionals (Gen Z/Millennials), with 36% of Platinum spending now from these demographics versus earlier focus on established wealthy individuals.
How much is $30,000 Delta SkyMiles worth in 2025?
Approximately $336–$360 in flight value, based on the standard valuation of 1.12–1.2 cents per mile. However, actual value varies significantly by route and booking method. Amex Platinum cardholders receive a 15% discount on mileage awards through the TakeOff 15 benefit, potentially improving value to 1.27–1.37 cents per mile. International flights may yield as little as 1 cent per mile.
What are the main disadvantages of the Amex Platinum Card?
Key drawbacks include: (1) High $895 annual fee requires substantial benefit utilization to break even; (2) Only 1X points on everyday purchases (lowest major card rate); (3) Delta Sky Club access limited to 10 visits; (4) Airline credit restricted to one selected carrier; (5) $195 authorized user fee; (6) International dining credit uneven coverage; (7) 5X points capped at $500,000 annually; (8) Credits expire if unused; (9) Requires active credit utilization to justify cost.
How does Amex Platinum compare to Delta Reserve for lounge access?
Delta Reserve provides 15 Sky Club visits annually (vs. Platinum's 10), with same unlimited access available at $75,000 spending threshold. Reserve carries a lower annual fee ($795 vs. $895) but fewer overall lifestyle credits. If Delta lounge access is your primary focus, Reserve is more economical. However, Platinum offers broader benefits (Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass) across all airlines, not just Delta.
What happens when I exceed my 10 Delta Sky Club visits on Amex Platinum?
Once your annual 10 visits are exhausted, you can purchase additional access at $50 per visit ($25 for Grab and Go). Alternatively, you can purchase a standalone annual Sky Club membership ($695 individual or $1,495 executive) if you qualify with Delta Medallion status. Or spend $75,000 on the card to unlock unlimited access for the remainder of that year plus all of the following year.
