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With mere weeks until the end of the year, there is no time to lose if you are hoping to (re)qualify for Delta SkyMiles elite status. Or maybe you're nearing the next Medallion tier and are wondering if you might be able to achieve it before the ball drops in Times Square.
If you're short of your target, you have through December 31, 2025 to earn the Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that you need. Fortunately, there are a handful of ways you can do so.
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How To Qualify for Delta Elite Status in 2025
Delta overhauled its elite status qualification in 2024, doing away with its Medallion Qualifying Miles and Medallion Qualifying Flights qualifying metrics. Going forward, Medallion Qualifying Dollars are all that matter. This means that everything boils down to one metric: how much you spend with the airline.
In one sense, this makes it far easier to understand the Medallion qualification requirements. You just have to know how many MQDs you need to earn for a given Medallion tier.
While the requirements are higher than in years past, Delta has at least kept them consistent since the move to qualifying through strictly MQDs. You can track your progress toward Delta elite status using the Delta SkyMiles dashboard. Here you can easily see how many MQDs you've earned, how many are pending from planned travel within the year, and the benefits you currently enjoy.
If you're short of where you want to land for 2026 Medallion status, let's look at ways you can still reach your status goal. Remember that the Delta Medallion program year runs through the end of January of the following calendar year. Whatever status you earn, you'll keep it through January 31, 2027. However, the qualification year is the calendar year. So, for 2026 Delta Medallion status, you have through December 31, 2025 to earn the MQDs you need.
Related: How To Earn Delta Medallion Status
Last-Minute Ways To Lock in Delta Medallion Status
Even though time is short, here are several strategies to consider that could still get you to the next Medallion level.
One of the features of both Delta's Platinum- and Reserve-level cards is its MQD Headstart perk. Card Members receive a boost of $2,500 bonus MQDs each year. This by itself can get you halfway to Delta Silver Medallion status.
Typically, the Headstart MQDs hit in February, within the six- to eight-week window noted in the perk's fine print. However, this benefit still kicks in no matter when you pick up the card — even if it's in December. So, if you're looking for a way to add a good number of MQDs to your tally, picking up one of the following four cards is a great way to do it:
- 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
One key detail is that the MQD Headstart perk applies per card type. Thus, if you already have a personal card, consider opening up a business version. You can also potentially get a second personal card. For example, if you have a Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and haven't opened a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you could still open the latter and be eligible for the welcome bonus.
- 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.
- Rates & Fees
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 1X miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
But it's important to note that the reverse isn't possible. If you hold the Delta Reserve, you're ineligible for the welcome offer on the Platinum Delta Amex. However, even if you're ineligible for the welcome offer, you will still earn the MQD Headstart perk.
Alternatively, you could consider upgrading to either the Platinum Delta Amex or Delta Reserve if you hold the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. Since the Delta Gold Card doesn't provide the MQD Headstart benefit, upgrading to one of the cards before the end of the year will provide you with the extra 2,500 MQDs.
- 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.
- Rates & Fees
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 3X miles per dollar at hotels
- 2X miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets
- 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
However, upgrading from the Platinum Delta Amex to the Delta Reserve will not, as both cards provide the perk, and you shouldn't be able to double-dip by converting one card product to another.
Related: All Delta Credit Card Options and How To Choose the Right Card for You
Use your Delta credit card for holiday purchases
If you already have a Delta credit card or can open one with sufficient time for your holiday shopping, it can help get you over the line to qualify for Delta elite status. The following cards earn Delta MQDs at the following rates:
- Delta Reserve and Business Delta Reserve: $1 MQD per $10 spent on the card.
- Platinum Delta Amex and Delta Business Platinum Amex: 1 MQD per $20 spent on the card.
Putting $1,000 worth of holiday business expenses on a Business Delta Reserve will earn you $100 MQDs. With a Delta Business Platinum Amex, the same amount of spending will only earn you $50 MQDs.
If you have the Platinum Delta Amex and think you might be able to make good use of the Delta Reserve benefits, it might be worth upgrading. You'll earn MQDs at twice the rate for your spending. American Express also prorates the annual fee increase when you upgrade a card midyear.
- 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.
- Rates & Fees
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 1.5X miles per dollar on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply store purchases, plus all eligible purchases after spending $150K per calendar year
- 1 mile on every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Redeem Delta SkyMiles for award travel on Delta
Considering seeing family for the holidays but turned off by the cash price? Consider booking Delta award travel. Delta award tickets earn MQDs at the rate of 1 MQD per 100 SkyMiles redeemed. Not many carriers allow award travel to count toward earning elite status.
The one downside to this strategy is the number of miles you'll likely use for travel around the holidays. Delta's dynamic pricing model factors in the cash price of the ticket, so you'll likely spend more SkyMiles than you'd like. However, earning enough MQDs to get you to the next elite status level through holiday award travel could reduce some of the pain.
Related: Earn While You Burn — Airlines That Offer Elite Status Credit on Award Travel
Upgrade your seat for a trip before the end of the year
Or maybe you have holiday travel booked already. In this case, consider upgrading your seat to Comfort or even up to business or first class. As long as you complete your trip before the end of 2025, what you spend to upgrade your seat will count as MQDs to help you qualify for Delta elite status.
Just remember that the taxes and fees don't count, just like with your initial flight booking. You can use miles to upgrade your seat and will receive $1 MQD per 100 miles redeemed — the same rate you'll receive as booking award travel.
So, enjoying your holiday travel in greater comfort could also put you on track for the Medallion status. Just note that you cannot upgrade a Basic Economy ticket. Any other Delta ticket is eligible for an upgrade.
Stack MQDs by flying Delta's partner airlines
Although Delta awards MQDs based on how much you spend with the airline, it determines MQDs from partner airline flights differently. With partners, Delta still incorporates how far you fly into the MQD accrual, with a factor that is based on your cabin class. Business- or first-class flights enjoy higher MQD earnings, while economy flights earn fewer MQDs.
This is a more advanced strategy for earning MQDs, but if you can find the right flight, it may be worth booking a ticket to earn the MQDs you need. You could also get a quick end-of-year trip out of the deal.
Here's a quick example. At the time of writing, I found a premium economy round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Lisbon, Portugal on Delta partner Air France in early December for $1,723. This fare earns 30% of the flown miles as MQDs. The round-trip distance for this itinerary is 13,168 miles, so it would provide approximately $3,950 MQDs. This is a significantly more than you would earn for the same priced ticket booked on Delta Air Lines, which would be something less than the $1,723 paid, as taxes and fees are excluded.
This can be one of the best strategies to earn MQDs to qualify for Delta elite status. Just make sure to book this ticket directly with the partner airline! If your ticket number begins with 006, it's sold on Delta ticket stock and will earn MQDs and redeemable miles like any other Delta ticket.
Final Thoughts
While qualifying for Delta elite status may be hard if you're thousands of miles short, getting over the finish line may still be possible. Even though there is little time left in 2025, consider any of the strategies above to ensure you meet your goals.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (Rates & Fees), and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees)
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