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Delta Air Lines rewards its most loyal flyers with a unique set of elite perks known as Choice Benefits. Available to Platinum and Diamond Medallion elites, these benefits let you customize your elite experience — whether that’s through upgrade certificates, bonus miles, statement credits, or other valuable rewards.
Whether you’ve just reached Medallion status or are planning how to maximize your benefits this year, this guide will walk you through what Choice Benefits are, who qualifies, how to select them, and which options may offer the most value depending on your travel patterns.
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Overview of Delta Choice Benefits
Choice Benefits are perks that Delta offers to its most loyal SkyMiles members. Choice Benefits include upgrade certificates, bonus miles, various credits and vouchers, and more.
Platinum Medallion elites can choose one Choice Benefit from a selection when they achieve (or re-qualify for) this Medallion status level.
Diamond Medallion elites receive three additional Choice Benefit selections. The options offered to Diamond members are more extensive and better overall.
To make your selection, you can use the Delta website or the Fly Delta mobile app.
When can you select your Delta Choice Benefit?
Delta Choice Benefits can be selected immediately following qualification for the required Medallion status level. The deadline to make your Choice Benefits selection is January 31 of the year your Medallion status is good through.
For instance, if you earned Platinum Medallion status in 2024, your 2025 Medallion Year Choice Benefit must be selected by January 31, 2026 — which means you have plenty of time until the deadline. In other words, you don't have to decide right this second. But knowing your options may prove helpful as you qualify for additional benefits this year.
Remember, spending on a Delta co-branded American Express card — like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card — can help you earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) toward Delta Medallion status faster. More MQDs = faster access to Choice Benefits.
Related: How To Earn Delta Medallion Elite Status
Delta Platinum Choice Benefits
If you qualify for Delta Platinum, here's the list of benefits you can choose from:
| Platinum Choice Benefit Options | 2025 Medallion Year (earned in 2024) |
|---|---|
| Upgrade Certificates | 4 Regional |
| American Express Statement Credit | $400 |
| Starbucks Rewards Stars | 6,000 Stars |
| MQD Accelerator | 1,000 MQDs |
| Gift Medallion Status | Silver to 2 people |
| Bonus Miles | 30,000 miles |
| Delta Vacations eCertificate | $400 |
| Sustainable Aviation Fuel Contribution | $250 |
| Delta Travel Voucher | $300 |
| Wheels Up Flight Credit | $1,500 |
| Deadline to choose | January 31, 2026 |
Delta Diamond Choice Benefits
If you qualify for Delta Diamond, here's the list of benefits you can pick from after reaching top-tier status:
| Diamond Choice Benefit Options | 2025 Medallion Year (earned in 2024) |
|---|---|
| Upgrade Certificates | 4 Global OR 8 Regional OR 2 Global + 4 Regional |
| American Express Statement Credit | $700 |
| Starbucks Rewards Stars | 6,000 Stars |
| Delta Sky Club® Memberships | 1 Executive (Requires 3 Choice Benefits) OR 1 Individual (Requires 2 Choice Benefits) |
| MQD Accelerator | 2,000 MQDs |
| Gift Medallion Status | Gold to 2 people |
| Bonus Miles | 35,000 miles |
| Delta Vacations eCertificate | $500 |
| Sustainable Aviation Fuel Contribution | $250 |
| Delta Travel Voucher | $350 |
| Wheels Up Flight Credit | $2,000 |
| Deadline to choose | January 31, 2026 |
Which Delta Choice Benefits Should You Pick?
Not all Delta Choice Benefits are created equal. The value of some is directly comparable, while the value of others — the upgrade certificates in particular — will depend on if and how you use them. Here's how I generally rank the choices for both Platinum and Diamond Medallion levels.
Best options for Delta Platinum Medallion
Among the Delta Platinum Choice Benefits, I'd lean toward the Regional Upgrade Certificates as the best choice. These certificates can be used for First Class and also on Delta Premium Select or Delta One-equipped domestic flights. This means you can potentially use Regional Upgrade Certificates on transcontinental flights or journeys to Hawaii, where you can enjoy the Delta One cabin.
After the upgrade certificates, I'd opt for either the American Express statement credit or the bonus miles. The Delta Vacations eCertificate and Delta Travel Voucher are both solid choices as well. The remainder aren't worth considering unless you have a very specific situation where giving someone Silver Medallion status is worth at least a few hundred dollars.
Best options for Delta Diamond Medallion
In terms of Delta Diamond Choice Benefits, go with the Global Upgrade Certificates if you know you will use them. These are by far the best value, given the difference in the cost of the cabin. You can use these certificates on Delta One international routes and even on a handful of Delta partners.
The next valuable benefits depend on your travel patterns. If you have a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, the Executive Sky Club Membership won't be worth sacrificing 3 Choice Benefits. It's possible that the Executive membership could be worth it. But you'd need to be doing a lot of group travel.
After the upgrade certificates, my next choices would be the American Express statement credit and the bonus miles. I might also go for the Delta Vacations eCertificate if I had a use case for it.
Related: What Is a Medallion Qualification Dollar and How Do You Earn It?
Final Thoughts
Delta’s Choice Benefits are a powerful way to tailor your elite perks to match your travel needs. From upgrade certificates to Amex statement credits, the right pick can significantly boost the value of your Medallion status — but only if you make your selection.
If you earned Delta Medallion status in 2024, you have until January 31, 2026 to select your Delta Choice Benefits. While you have time, note that Choice Benefits don't roll over or get auto-assigned. So even if you’re not ready to choose right away, make a note of your deadline and revisit this guide as your travel plans take shape.
Want a head start toward this year’s Medallion status? Remember that Delta credit cards like the Delta Reserve and Platinum Delta Amex offer a MQD Boost plus you can earn MQDs through spending — and get you closer to those valuable Choice Benefits.
(Terms apply)
- 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.
(Terms apply)
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 1X miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (Rates & Fees), and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Rates & Fees)
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