The 3 Travel Credit Cards I Actually Use (and the Surprising One I Leave at Home)
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In Atlanta, we don’t just fly—we Delta. If you’ve ever been out to dinner in Midtown or Buckhead and noticed a sea of blue and silver Delta Amex cards hitting the table, you’re not alone. Around here, it’s almost a given that if you fly often, you’re carrying one.
But here’s the thing: not all travel cards belong in your everyday wallet—even in the land of Delta.
I carry just three credit cards with me day-to-day. Each one plays a different role in helping me travel better, fly in style, and get the most out of every point and perk. And yes, I have a Delta SkyMiles Platinum card—but it stays at home most of the time. I’ll explain why.
Here’s a breakdown of my personal credit card lineup—and how each one helps me turn everyday spending into high-end travel.
1. The American Express Platinum Card
A Southern essential for anyone who wants to skip the airport chaos and walk straight into the lounge.
Why I Carry It:
Lounge Access: Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta), Amex Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass—you name it, I’m in it.
5x Points on Flights (booked directly or through Amex Travel): These points add up fast when you fly often.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Covers seat upgrades, baggage fees, and of course booze.
CLEAR + Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credits: Because nobody moves through ATL security without a plan.
Why It Stays in My Wallet:
If you’re regularly flying out of ATL, this card pays for itself in comfort alone. Lounge access is worth its weight in gold (or, well, Platinum). And with 5x points on flights, it’s a must-have for anyone serious about earning rewards for premium travel. (Pro tip - set the airline credit to Delta and take a friend to the Sky Club four times a year)
ATL Perspective:
If you live in Atlanta and you’re not maximizing this card, you’re leaving comfort (and points) on the table. It’s pricey, yes. But if you’re a regular at Hartsfield-Jackson, it earns its keep — and then some.
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2. American Express Gold Card
The local hero of the everyday.
Why It’s in My Wallet:
4x Points on Dining: Whether it’s a spot on the BeltLine or Waffle House at midnight, this card rewards you handsomely for eating.
4x at U.S. Supermarkets: Those groceries at Publix? Yep. Points.
3x on Flights: Not bad when the Platinum’s off duty.
Uber & Dining Credits: Monthly perks that practically cover part of the annual fee if you actually use them.
ATL Perspective:
This is the card I swipe when I’m not traveling — and it’s doing the heavy lifting. All those lattes, lunches, and Kroger runs? They’re fueling my next flight, thanks to valuable Amex Membership Rewards points.
Why It Stays in My Wallet:
This is the card I use the most. I swipe it for everything food-related, and those Membership Rewards points go further when transferred to airlines like Air France, ANA, or Singapore Airlines. It’s my day-to-day workhorse with a luxury twist.
3. Capital One Venture X
Simple, straightforward, and surprisingly luxe—this one’s a quiet MVP.
Why I Carry It:
2x Miles on Everything: I never have to think about bonus categories. If its not food I use this to pay.
10x on Hotels & Cars, 5x on Flights (booked through Capital One Travel).
$300 Annual Travel Credit + 10,000 Bonus Miles Every Year: That’s serious value packed into a single card.
Priority Pass + Capital One Lounges: We don’t have a lounge in Atlanta but more are popping up around the country.
Why It Stays in My Wallet:
This card’s strength is flexibility. The miles transfer to a solid set of airline partners, often giving you outsized value—especially when Delta wants 80k SkyMiles for a one-way flight and you can book the same seat on Air France for 25k. It’s my day-to-day card that often comes through in the clutch.
4. Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card
The card I keep, but don’t carry—and here's why.
Let’s be honest: Delta SkyMiles don’t stretch as far as they used to. Booking with SkyMiles often means paying a hefty points premium, especially for premium cabins or popular nonstop routes. And while there’s nothing wrong with loyalty, it’s just not the best everyday earner.
Why I Keep It (But Don’t Carry It With Me):
MQD Head Start: This card gives me a leg up toward Medallion status with Delta—especially helpful if you fly nonstop routes and want elite perks.
Companion Certificate: One round-trip companion pass a year within the U.S. can save you serious cash.
Free First Checked Bag + 20% Back on In-Flight Purchases: Nice-to-haves, not must-haves.
15% off when booking Award Travel with miles: When you have to bite the bullet and book with Sky Pesos this comes in handy.
Why It Doesn’t Stay in My Wallet:
Look — I love Delta. I only fly Delta domestically if I have a choice. I just don’t like paying with SkyMiles. They charge a premium for flights booked with miles, especially in premium cabins. But if you know how to play the game, you can often book that same Delta-operated flight using partner airline miles (like Virgin Atlantic) for way fewer points.
I see this card as a Delta status accelerator, not a daily driver. If you fly a lot for work, put a few strategic charges on it to trigger my MQD boost and get closer to maintaining status, but after that? It stays in the drawer.
That’s why I stick with Amex Membership Rewards or Capital One Miles — they transfer to a wider list of partners, giving me better options and more value.
The Delta card? It’s a status tool, not a points powerhouse. Use it to unlock perks, then let it rest.
The Takeaway: Carry Smart, Not Sentimental
Most people in Atlanta carry the Delta card out of habit. I carry the Platinum, Gold, and Venture X because they actually get me better flights, better value, and a smoother travel experience.
The Delta card’s like a loyalty badge — useful when you’re working toward status, but it’s not doing you any favors when it comes to building flexible points. So keep it, but don’t let it hog wallet space.
Welcome to the Club
We’re not just another travel blog. Southern Points Club is your insider’s pass to high-end travel through points and miles, with a distinctly Southern spin. Whether you're flying out of ATL, BNA, CLT, or any Southern hub, we're here to help you stretch every mile, unlock every lounge, and sip champagne in the sky—all without overpaying.
If you’re ready to stop earning boring points and start flying like you belong up front, this club’s for you.
