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The Race to Medallion: How I’m Locking In Delta Status Before 2025 Ends

Stella Shon's image
Stella Shon
Updated: 
Edited by: Michael Y. Park
& Ben Neighbors-Giles
The Race to Medallion: How I’m Locking In Delta Status Before 2025 Ends
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With just several weeks left of 2025, loyal Delta Air Lines flyers are strategizing ways to earn the final Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) needed to lock in elite status for 2026 — myself included.

Over the past 3 years, I’ve managed to qualify for the second highest tier, Platinum Medallion status, even as the airline has incrementally raised the requirements. As I’m a frequent traveler, this level of status has been incredibly helpful for scoring confirmed upgrades on long-haul routes. I’ve saved them strategically for situations where I’d really like that first-class upgrade, such as flights from my home base in Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Honolulu (HNL) or to get me to the East Coast.

However, 2026 will be the first year I won’t be in arm’s reach of Platinum. I’ve made a concerted effort to travel less, and I don’t see that changing in 2026.

In fact, I may not even qualify for Gold unless I’m strategic about my MQD earnings. Here are my options and what I ultimately decided on to reach the finish line before December 31, 2025.

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How To Earn Delta MQDs

Every loyalty program operates differently, but Delta runs its Medallion program based on the calendar year. For example, to earn Delta status in 2026, travelers have from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, to earn MQDs. Once earned, they enjoy status for the entire 2026 year, and their benefits expire January 31, 2027.

Delta can raise the MQD requirements (or change its elite qualification terms entirely) at any point. Thankfully, the airline has said it would keep the same MQD thresholds to qualify for 2027:

The main way to earn MQDs is by spending on eligible Delta Air Lines purchases, which nets you 1 MQD per $1 spent. From that earning avenue alone, you would need to spend $5,000 with the airline to score Silver, $10,000 for Gold, and so forth.

Earn Automatic MQDs With Select Delta American Express Cards

Fortunately, Delta’s premium cards can help you achieve those MQD requirements easier in 2 ways.

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card all provide cardholders with an MQD boost. This equates to 2,500 MQDs per year — per card.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.
Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
60,000 miles
Up to $720
$350
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.

A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning a handful of valuable benefits with the airline.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
  • 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases made directly with hotels
  • 2x SkyMiles per $1 spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets
Cons
  • $350 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights and save up to $70 per person on a round-trip Delta flight.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $350 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74%-28.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Between great perks and the potential to earn plenty of SkyMiles, this card is a must-have for frequent Delta travelers.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Between great perks and the potential to earn plenty of SkyMiles, this card is a must-have for frequent Delta travelers.
  • Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
70,000 miles
Up to $840
$350
19.74% - 28.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

Small business owners and frequent Delta flyers can make the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card your go-to credit card.

Cardholders earn 3x SkyMiles per dollar for purchases with Delta and access benefits, including no foreign transaction fees, priority boarding, and a free checked bag for each flight (rates & fees).

Plus, you can redeem your SkyMiles for travel on Delta and its partner airlines, saving you money. It’s a no-brainer!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Save 15% on award travel With TakeOff 15. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees
  • 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta and hotel purchases
  • 1.5x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases of $5,000 or more, up to $100,000 per year
Cons
  • $350 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy a Companion Certificate each year after renewal of your Delta Platinum Business Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
  • Earn 1.5X miles* on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more. Terms and miles cap apply. *If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.
  • Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 of purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card Members save 15% when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With the $120 Resy Credit, earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
  • Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
  • Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
  • Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
  • Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $200 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
  • Terms and limitations apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 28.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
70,000 miles
Up to $840
$650
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its MQD Headstart towards status boost, lounge access, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.

Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases.
  • 1x SkyMile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
  • Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights.
Cons
  • $650 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • No bonus categories other than Delta purchases
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
  • Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
  • $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74%-28.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Receive priority boarding, complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, concierge support, and an annual companion certificate.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Receive priority boarding, complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges, concierge support, and an annual companion certificate.
Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 miles
Up to $960
$650
19.74% - 28.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is a premium card option for small business owners who are both frequent travelers and Delta loyalists.

While the annual fee may be steep, the card comes loaded with perks and benefits that all frequent Delta flyers are sure to love. Let’s take a look at what makes the card unique, and why it may be a great fit for your wallet.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x miles per dollar on Delta purchases
  • 1.5x miles per dollar on eligible transit, U.S. shipping and office supply stores, plus all eligible purchases after you spend $150,000 in a year
  • Save 15% On Award Travel With TakeOff 15. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Cons
  • High annual fee
  • Does not earn many miles for purchases outside of Delta spend
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
  • Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
  • Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
  • With the $240 Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
  • Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
  • Save 15% when booking Award Travel on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
  • As a benefit of Card Membership, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a group of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
  • When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge.
  • Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
  • Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
  • Enjoy travel without foreign transaction fees from American Express with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
  • Terms and limitations apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 28.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

In theory, you could have all 4 of these Delta cards and automatically qualify for Gold status every year. That’s a lot in annual fees, though — $2,000 worth, to be exact:

You can also earn MQDs just by spending on your eligible Delta American Express card, too, but at less-than-ideal rates. You earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent with the Delta Platinum card or Delta Platinum Business card or 1 MQD for every $10 spent with the Delta Reserve card or the Delta Reserve Business card.

Hot Tip:

As long as you apply for one of these Delta cards by the end of the year, the MQD boost counts toward the calendar year in which you applied. It can take Delta a few weeks to process, but the airline typically applies the 2,500 MQDs retroactively — so don’t worry if they don’t appear before 2025 officially ends.

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Is Delta Status Even Worth It?

Now that we’ve laid out all the facts and figures, it’s time to turn to the more practical side of things. For me, earning Delta elite status isn’t just about scoring complimentary upgrades, which are a rarity nowadays.

Most airlines, not just Delta, try to earn extra revenue by selling cheap upgrades to all flyers. And, let’s face it, flying so frequently out of a hub airport means I probably won’t get that upgrade anyway.

If that’s the case, what exactly is Delta elite status good for? It’s largely personal, but I love using priority check-in lanes at busy airports and having priority boarding for first dibs on the overhead bin. On the rare occasions I do want to check a bag, I don’t have to worry about coughing up additional fees.

I greatly appreciate having access to a dedicated customer service line, so I’m never stuck waiting more than a few minutes if a travel issue comes up. Plus, I earn SkyMiles fast when I book cash fares and pay with my Delta co-branded card.

Delta Comfort Plus seats on an Airbus A319
Extra legroom seats for the win. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

My second favorite perk as a Platinum Medallion member is getting confirmed Comfort seats immediately after booking a Main Cabin ticket. Having extra legroom every time I fly with Delta without having to pay for it is an amazing benefit.

The perk I’ll definitely miss the most as a Platinum Medallion member, though, is getting to pick my annual Choice Benefit. There’s a range of awards to pick from, but the most valuable is the 4 Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUCs), which can get you confirmed upgrades within the 50 U.S. states, and Delta has even expanded to destinations in Central America and Canada.

Calculating My Delta Math

I’ve qualified for Silver Medallion already for the 2026 year with 8,500 MQDs in my account and 1,000 more pending from 2 upcoming flights. That means I’m short just 500 MQDs of qualifying for Gold.

At the Gold and Silver levels, you can also get free Comfort seats 72 hours and 24 hours before departure, respectively. So while I won’t get automatic confirmed upgrades at these lower levels, it will be nice to still have them if they’re available.

Fortunately, I’ll keep most of these benefits I care about (save for the Choice Benefit) by attaining Gold status. Though Silver and Gold are the lower-tier levels of the Delta Medallion program, I’m just 500 MQDs short — so I started looking ways I could reach the finish line.

Here were the year-end strategies I considered, and the one I eventually settled on.

Option No. 1: Book a $500 Delta Flight

The most straightforward way to earn MQDs is simply by booking a Delta flight (or even a SkyTeam partner airline flight). I’d need to spend $500, if not slightly more, since taxes and fees don’t count toward MQD earnings.

Delta Boeing 767
Delta’s Boeing 767. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

As mentioned above, I don’t need to travel anywhere else beyond the 2 trips I have booked right now. Not only that, but Gold Medallion is definitely not worth the mileage run to book a random ticket to and from my home.

Option No. 2: Book a Cheap Delta Vacations Package

A smart way to earn MQDs quickly is by booking a Delta Vacations package. It counts toward eligible purchases, so you’d earn the rate of 1 MQD per $1, the same as booking a flight.

I did this in 2024 to earn the MQDs I needed for Platinum Medallion status by booking a trip bundle to Cancun (CUN). At a minimum, you bundle airfare and hotels, but you can also include extras like rental cars or activities. The person who books the vacation package earns all the MQDs, except for the flight portion if there are additional travelers on the reservation.

I don’t have any upcoming trips before the end of the year, but if I did, I’d definitely consider booking a Delta Vacations package within the U.S. to earn MQDs on flights, hotels, and even a rental car if needed.

Option No. 3: Spend on My Delta Card

I have the Delta Platinum card, which earns an abysmal 1 MQD for every $20 spent on eligible purchases. That means I’d need to spend $10,000 on the card just to earn 500 MQDs.

Since I don’t have any major expenses coming up before the end of the year, this route doesn’t make much sense for me. If you pay rent like I do, you could consider using Bilt Rewards to pay rent with your Amex card, earning 1 Bilt Point per $2 spent in addition to your card rewards.

However, paying my $2,000 rent for December wouldn’t get me anywhere close to the $10,000 spending threshold.

Option No. 4: Apply for Another Delta Card

With the Delta Platinum card, I received my automatic 2,500 MQDs at the start of 2025.

I realized I could earn another 2,500 MQDs by submitting a new application to either the Delta Reserve card or Delta Reserve Business card, but paying a hefty annual fee doesn’t feel like the best move for me personally.

Option No. 5: Purchase MQDs

Through December 31, 2025, eligible Delta SkyMiles members can buy additional MQDs via its “Elevate Your Status” promotion, and the proceeds support Delta’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) program.

Non-elite members can purchase up to $500 MQDs, Silver Medallion members can purchase up to $1,000 MQDs, Gold Medallion members can purchase up to $1,500 MQDs, and Platinum Medallion members can purchase up to $2,500 MQDs.

Each MQD costs $3, so I’d need to spend around $1,500 to get the MQDs I need.

My Final Decision

Rather than book a $500 mileage-run flight, applying for a credit card I don’t need, or spending $1,500 on MQDs, I ended up splurging for a paid upgrade on an existing flight.

My last flight of 2025 will be from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Kona International Airport (KOA), where I’ll spend a week in Hawaii. While I can’t afford a Delta One upgrade of $2,000, I could upgrade myself from Comfort to Premium Select for $628.

Delta Premium Select Row 20
A more comfortable seat to Hawaii. Image Credit: Stella Shon

It’s a pricey upgrade for sure, but I’ll get a real meal and a much larger seat for the 7-hour flight. Not only that, but it’s the final piece of the puzzle I need to clinch Gold status.

I wouldn’t earn MQDs on the taxes and fees, but the paid upgrade comes out to roughly 547 in MQDs I’ll earn. Perhaps I could even luck out for a complimentary upgrade to Delta One on the day of, but we’ll have to see.

Final Thoughts

If I weren’t just 500 MQDs away from earning Gold status, I probably wouldn’t have gone to all this effort to crunch the numbers and explore every option. Still, I know I’ll appreciate having Delta status next year, especially with upcoming flights in which it’ll make the experience noticeably better.

If you’re in a similar situation, take a look at the options I’ve outlined above and decide how much status really matters to you — and whether it’s worth having in 2026.

Featured Image Credit: Christine Krzyszton
Stella Shon's image

About Stella Shon

With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in The New York Times, USA Today, and more.

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Welcome Offer: As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

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  • More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  • More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

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