[Expired] How To Earn Bonus MQMs With Status Boost on Delta Amex Cards [2024]

Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available.

Update: MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.

Medallion Qualification Miles, or MQMs, is a term Delta Air Lines uses to describe 1 of the requirements to earn Delta SkyMiles Medallion elite status. If you’re a frequent Delta flyer, you’ve likely heard of MQMs and using credit cards to get an MQM bonus.

If you’re interested in earning Delta elite status but can’t seem to qualify through flying alone, we’ll guide you through using Delta credit cards to boost your MQM earnings so you can accelerate your path to elite status!

How To Earn Delta SkyMiles Medallion Status

There are 4 major tiers of Delta SkyMiles Medallion status and each level has a different set of requirements that you must meet to achieve that status.

To qualify for Delta SkyMiles Medallion status, you must satisfy 2 out of the 3 following requirements:

• Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) 
• Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs)
• Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs)

MQM-earning is determined by how far you fly and what kind of fare you purchased, while MQS-earning is determined by how many segments you fly and what kind of fare you purchased.

Lastly, MQD-earning is determined by how much money you’ve spent on Delta airfare (taxes and fees, including fuel surcharges, are excluded). MQDs are the only type of elite qualification requirement that offers a waiver for its requirements.

To get Delta elite status, you’ll need to earn a certain amount of MQMs or MQSs, as well as a specific amount of MQDs. Below are the requirements for each status level:

If you have an eligible co-branded Delta card from American Express, you can get an MQD waiver that waives the ordinary MQD requirement to qualify for Medallion elite status if you make a minimum amount of purchases every year on your credit card.

In this case, you will earn an MQD waiver for Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medallion status if you spend at least $25,000 in purchases per calendar year on any of the following cards:

• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card

You can also earn an MQD waiver for top-tier Diamond Medallion status, but you’ll need to spend at least $250,000 in purchases per calendar year on Delta Platinum-branded or Delta Reserve-branded credit cards.

How To Earn Delta MQMs

There are 2 ways to earn Delta MQMs:

1. Flying with Delta or an eligible partner airline
2. Credit card spending on a Delta Amex co-branded card

Assuming you’re not flying constantly, you’re probably going to be looking for a way to earn Delta MQMs while you’re not traveling. The best way to do so is through credit card spending!

Using the Delta Platinum Card To Earn MQMs Via Status Boost

With either the Delta Platinum card or Delta Platinum Business card, you can earn 10,000 MQMs for every $25,000 spent on your credit card, up to 2 times per year.

So if you just have 1 of these cards, you’d be able to earn up to 20,000 MQMs by spending $50,000 per year.

If you have both the Delta Platinum card and Delta Platinum Business card, you could double up and earn up to 40,000 MQMs by spending $50,000 on each card per year.

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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 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.

Welcome Offer

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's Bonus Valuation*:

$720

Annual Fee

$350

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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 Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• 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 $1 Medallion^® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• 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: When you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $10 back each month in statement credits.
• $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.
• You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• 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: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum Business American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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.

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.

Welcome Offer

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.

70,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$840

Annual Fee

$350

APR

19.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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 SkyMiles^® Platinum Business American Express Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• 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: 19.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

Using the Delta Reserve Card To Earn MQMs Via Status Boost

The MQM bonus on the Delta Reserve card and Delta Reserve Business card offers more potential. Currently, you can earn 15,000 MQMs after spending $30,000 in a year, up to 4 times per year.

With 1 of these cards, you can earn 60,000 MQMs after spending a total of $120,000 per year. And with both of these cards, you can earn a total of 120,000 MQMs after spending $120,000 on each card per year (for a total of $240,000 in spend).

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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 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.

Welcome Offer

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's Bonus Valuation*:

$840

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club^® when you fly Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
• Receive four Delta Sky Club^® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Earn $1 Medallion^® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• $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 Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $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: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's 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.

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

Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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 $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enter Delta Sky Club^® at no cost. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• 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.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+^®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• 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 family 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 – The Centurion^® Studio Partner.
• 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: 19.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

Is It Worth It?

Using Delta credit cards to earn MQMs is totally worth it for the right customer. But the right customer has to be flying regularly on Delta to make the effort worth it. That’s because there’s an opportunity cost to putting credit card spending on your Delta credit cards. We value Delta SkyMiles at 1.2 cents each, and there are definitely other types of points and miles that make more sense to accumulate.

For example, you can generally only earn 3x Delta SkyMiles on Delta flight purchases, which results in a return on spending of around 3.6%. Meanwhile, if you have The Platinum Card^® from American Express, your Delta flight purchases could earn 5x Membership Rewards points, which results in a return on spending of around 11%, since we value Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents each.

That’s a dramatic increase in the amount of rewards you could be earning. In fact, if you spend $5,000 per year on Delta flights, you’d only be getting back $180 worth of Delta SkyMiles with the Delta Reserve card. But if you spent that same amount on the Amex Platinum card, you’d be getting back $550 worth of Amex Membership Rewards points!

The biggest value with Delta SkyMiles Medallion status is the complimentary upgrades, and if you’re only flying Delta a couple of times per year on short flights, it’s probably not worth chasing top-tier elite status and losing out on other credit card rewards.

But if you’re on a Delta flight every other week, it could absolutely be worth it to spend a lot on Delta credit cards. Additionally, if you’re someone who highly values Delta elite status, or if you need an extra bump of MQMs to get to the next level of status, then spending on a Delta credit card can make sense.

However, you shouldn’t spend more than you normally would just to earn some bonus MQMs — just use your Delta card as you normally would for everyday purchases and try to hit the spending requirement organically.

Note that you can get almost all the way to Diamond Medallion status just by having both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Reserve Business card and spending $120,000 on each card every year. That’s 120,000 MQMs earned! If you also have the Delta Platinum card as well and also spend $25,000 on the Delta Platinum card, you’ll earn another 10,000 MQMs, bringing up your grand total to 130,000 MQMs earned. You’ll also have earned the Diamond Medallion MQD waiver having spend a total of $265,000 across all of your Delta credit cards!

Final Thoughts

One of the benefits of the Delta Platinum-branded and Delta Reserve-branded cards from Amex is the ability to potentially spend your way to top-tier Delta SkyMiles Medallion elite status.

We value Delta Diamond Medallion status at around $7,000, but you can certainly get more or less value based on your own circumstances.

Each of the Delta Platinum-branded cards can earn you up to 10,000 MQMs after spending $25,000 in a calendar year (up to 2 times per year), while each of the Delta Reserve-branded cards can earn you up to 15,000 MQMs after spending $30,000 in a calendar year (up to 4 times per year).