[Expired] Delta Credit Cards: New Bonus Spending Categories, Spend Towards Elite Status

Eligibility is limited for the Amex Offers discussed in this post. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.

This promotion has ended; please review current/active promotions.

Delta and American Express announced several new developments for Delta credit cards. Through the end of 2020, cardholders can earn more miles on restaurant and Delta purchases. Additionally, Platinum and Reserve cardmembers can temporarily spend their way towards Delta Medallion Status.

Delta Gold Offers

These offers apply to:

• Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles^® Gold Business American Express Card

Through December 31, 2020, cardmembers can earn unlimited 4X SkyMiles at U.S. restaurants (including take-out and delivery) and unlimited 5X SkyMiles on Delta purchases. That's an extra 2X on restaurant purchases worldwide and an extra 3X on Delta purchases.

To receive these increased rates, you have to enroll here first. Only purchases made after enrollment will qualify for higher earning rates.

Delta Platinum and Reserve Offers

These offers apply to:

• 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

Both offers available to Delta Platinum and Reserve cardholders come in the form of an Amex Offer. To view and activate these, log-in to your account via American Express' website or the American Express Mobile App (Apple / Android).

Increased Earnings on Delta Purchases

Through December 31, 2020, cardmembers can earn unlimited 5X SkyMiles on Delta purchases.

Spend Toward Delta Medallion Status

Through December 31, 2020, cardmembers can earn MQMs (Medallion Qualifying Miles) towards Medallion elite status through regular purchases. For every $1,000 spent on an enrolled card, cardmembers will receive 500 MQMs and 500 bonus miles. Cardmembers can earn up to 25,000 MQMs and 25,000 bonus miles.

Unfortunately, purchases made with authorized user or employee cards won't qualify for this aspect of the offer.

How valuable are these bonus categories?

Earn Bonus Miles on Restaurant Purchases

Earning 4X SkyMiles on U.S. restaurant purchases is a pretty good deal, particularly if you're interested in building your stash of Delta miles.

However, even at 4X SkyMiles, the best cards of the restaurant bonus category continue to offer a better return for your restaurant spending. For example, the American Express^® Gold Card always earns 4X Membership Rewards points on restaurant purchases worldwide. Considering Membership Rewards transfer 1:1 to Delta SkyMiles, cardholders can effectively earn this rate year-round with the right card.

Earn Bonus Miles on Delta Purchases

It's a similar story for the bonus on Delta purchases. Earning 5X SkyMiles is great, provided you're specifically interested in earning SkyMiles. Otherwise, you're limiting your earning potential by opting for SkyMiles instead of a more valuable transferable point currency.

The travel bonus category is equally as crowded as restaurants. Most major card-issuing banks have at least one card offering travel purchases as a bonus category. For example, the The Platinum Card^® from American Express offers 5X Membership Rewards points on airfare booked directly with the airline (on $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year).

That means Amex Platinum cardholders can effectively earn 5X on Delta purchases all the time. Simply convert the points to SkyMiles whenever you want to make a redemption.

Bottom Line

Depending on which Delta branded credit card you hold, you can earn 4X on U.S. restaurant purchases or 5X on Delta purchases through the end of 2020. Moreover, if you're a Delta Platinum or Reserve card member, you can spend your way towards Medallion elite status at the same time.

As far as I'm concerned, the bonuses for restaurant and Delta purchases aren't all that exciting unless you are only interested in earning SkyMiles. However, spending your way towards elite status is far more interesting.

While Delta extended elite status, it's possible that enough spending on your Platinum or Reserve credit card could help you reach the next tier. If so, this could be a great way to elevate your travel experiences after restrictions have lifted.

Are these offers enough to put your Delta cards higher in your wallet?

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