Unpacking Delta’s New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status

Post originally Published May 5, 2024 || Last Updated May 6, 2024

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Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - Delta's MQD Revamp - A Game-Changer for Elite Status Chasers


Unpacking Delta’s New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status

Delta's recent MQD revamp is poised to reshape the landscape for elite status chasers.

Starting in 2024, Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Platinum Business Reserve, and Reserve Business American Express Card Members will receive a valuable 2,500 MQD headstart, providing a significant boost towards earning their desired Medallion Status.

Furthermore, Delta is introducing the MQD Boost feature, enabling cardholders to earn MQDs through everyday spending on their eligible cards.

The increase in MQD thresholds by 33% for most Medallion tiers, except Silver, will undoubtedly raise the bar for elite status attainment.

However, the new Medallion Status Match Challenge and enhancements to the Million Miler program offer alternative pathways for frequent flyers to maintain their coveted elite privileges.

These changes underscore Delta's commitment to rewarding its most loyal customers while adapting to the evolving needs of the modern traveler.

The 33% increase in MQD thresholds for all Medallion tiers, excluding Silver, is designed to encourage Delta SkyMiles members to spend more to achieve elite status.

The introduction of the MQD Boost feature allows Delta SkyMiles American Express Card members to earn MQDs through everyday purchases, diversifying the pathways to elite status qualification.

The Medallion Status Match Challenge in 2024 will enable eligible members from other airline loyalty programs to match their status with Delta, potentially drawing in new high-value customers.

Delta's adjustments to the Million Miler program, which recognizes frequent flyers who have accumulated a significant number of miles, demonstrate the airline's commitment to rewarding long-term loyalty.

The ability to earn MQDs through partner flights opens up new avenues for Delta SkyMiles members to qualify for elite status, potentially making it more accessible for some travelers.

The 2,500 MQD Headstart offered to Delta Platinum, Platinum Business Reserve, and Reserve Business American Express Card Members gives a significant boost towards achieving the required MQD thresholds for Medallion Status.

What else is in this post?

  1. Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - Delta's MQD Revamp - A Game-Changer for Elite Status Chasers
  2. Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - Reserve Card Spending - The Key to Unlocking Medallion Tiers
  3. Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - MQD Waivers - Spending Your Way to Silver, Gold, and Platinum
  4. Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - The Diamond Dilemma - A $250,000 Spend Requirement
  5. Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - The Rise of Delta Credit Cards in the Elite Status Race
  6. Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - Maximizing MQDs - Strategies for Savvy Delta Flyers

Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - Reserve Card Spending - The Key to Unlocking Medallion Tiers


Delta's Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Cards offer unique benefits for earning Medallion elite status, including a 2,500 MQD headstart and the ability to earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card.

This provides an opportunity for cardholders to earn Medallion status without extensive flying, potentially making elite benefits more accessible.

The introduction of the MQD Boost feature also allows Delta SkyMiles American Express Card members to earn additional MQDs through everyday spending, further diversifying the pathways to elite status qualification.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders can earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) for every $10 spent on their cards, a more favorable earning rate compared to 1 MQD per $20 spent on other Delta co-branded cards.

Delta introduced an "MQD Boost" benefit that allows Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders to earn additional MQDs based on their annual spending, providing a further path to Medallion status qualification.

Existing Delta Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders receive a one-time 2,500 MQD boost, putting them just 500 MQDs away from achieving Gold Medallion status with $5,000 in annual card spending.

Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders enjoy a 2,500 MQD headstart at the beginning of each Medallion Qualification Year, giving them a significant head start towards earning their desired Medallion tier.

The Delta Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) requirement for all tiers, except Silver, has increased by 33%, raising the bar for elite status attainment and encouraging greater spending on eligible Delta co-branded cards.

Delta's Medallion Status Match Challenge in 2024 will allow eligible members from other airline loyalty programs to match their status with Delta, potentially attracting high-value customers to the SkyMiles program.

Enhancements to the Delta Million Miler program, which recognizes frequent flyers who have accumulated a substantial number of miles, demonstrate the airline's commitment to rewarding long-term customer loyalty.

Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - MQD Waivers - Spending Your Way to Silver, Gold, and Platinum


Unpacking Delta’s New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status

Delta's new MQD strategy allows cardmembers who spend at least $25,000 in a calendar year on the Delta Gold, Platinum, or Reserve credit cards to have their MQD requirement waived for Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medallion status.

This waiver is enough to satisfy the MQD requirement for those achieving the lower Medallion tiers, making it easier for some Delta loyalists to maintain their elite status.

Additionally, Delta Reserve cardmembers can earn a one-time 2,500 MQD boost, putting them just $500 away from Gold Medallion status with $5,000 in annual card spending.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card allows you to earn a one-time boost of 2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), leaving you just 500 MQDs shy of achieving Gold Medallion status with only $5,000 in annual card spending.

Both the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve cards offer an MQD waiver for Silver, Gold, and Platinum status if you spend at least $25,000 on any and all purchases with the card in a calendar year.

Delta's new MQD strategy enables you to earn $1 MQD per $1 spent on the ticket price for a Delta-marketed flight operated by Delta or one of their partner airlines.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card allows you to earn 15,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) by spending $30,000 throughout the year, which is almost enough to automatically get Delta Silver Medallion Status without taking a single flight.

Delta is introducing an "MQD Boost" feature, which enables cardholders to earn additional MQDs through everyday spending on their eligible Delta co-branded cards, further diversifying the pathways to elite status qualification.

The MQD requirement will increase by 33% for Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion elite status in 2024, raising the bar for elite status attainment and encouraging greater spending on eligible Delta co-branded cards.

Delta is offering a Medallion Status Match Challenge in 2024, which will allow eligible members from other airline loyalty programs to match their status with Delta, potentially attracting high-value customers to the SkyMiles program.

Delta is enhancing its Million Miler program, which recognizes frequent flyers who have accumulated a significant number of miles, demonstrating the airline's commitment to rewarding long-term customer loyalty.

Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - The Diamond Dilemma - A $250,000 Spend Requirement


Delta has significantly increased the spending requirement for its top-tier Diamond Medallion status, now requiring an astronomical $250,000 in annual credit card spend to waive the Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) requirement.

While Delta's Reserve Amex card offers workarounds by allowing cardholders to earn MQMs and MQDs through spending, many frequent flyers have criticized this move as pricing out all but the wealthiest travelers from obtaining Diamond status.

The $250,000 spend requirement for the Diamond Medallion status MQD waiver on Delta is one of the highest such thresholds in the airline industry, making it extremely challenging for all but the most frequent Delta flyers to achieve.

However, Delta's Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Cards offer a 2,500 MQD headstart, putting cardholders just $500 away from earning Gold Medallion status with $5,000 in annual card spending.

Spending $25,000 on a Delta Gold, Platinum, or Reserve credit card can waive the MQD requirement for Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medallion status, providing a workaround for the elevated spending thresholds.

Delta's Reserve Card allows members to earn 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 spent, up to four times per year, potentially enabling Silver Medallion status without any actual flying.

The introduction of the "MQD Boost" feature enables Delta SkyMiles American Express Card members to earn additional MQDs through everyday purchases, diversifying the paths to elite status qualification.

Delta has increased the MQD thresholds by 33% for all Medallion tiers except Silver, raising the bar for elite status attainment and encouraging greater spending on eligible Delta co-branded cards.

The Medallion Status Match Challenge in 2024 will allow eligible members from other airline loyalty programs to match their status with Delta, potentially attracting high-value customers to the SkyMiles program.

Enhancements to the Delta Million Miler program, which recognizes frequent flyers who have accumulated a substantial number of miles, demonstrate the airline's commitment to rewarding long-term customer loyalty.

While the elevated $250,000 spend requirement for the Diamond Medallion status MQD waiver is undoubtedly steep, Delta's co-branded credit card benefits and alternative pathways provide opportunities for dedicated flyers to maintain their elite privileges.

Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - The Rise of Delta Credit Cards in the Elite Status Race


Delta's revamped MQD strategy has led to the rise of its credit cards as a key pathway to earning elite status.

The Delta Reserve card, in particular, offers valuable benefits like a 2,500 MQD headstart and the ability to earn MQDs through everyday spending, making it easier for cardholders to achieve higher Medallion tiers.

While Delta has increased the MQD thresholds for most status levels, the credit card perks provide workarounds and alternative routes for frequent flyers to maintain their coveted elite privileges.

Delta's new MQD strategy has made it simpler to earn elite status, with the Delta Reserve card offering a one-time 2,500 MQD boost, putting users just 500 MQDs away from Gold Medallion status.

By spending $5,000 on the Delta Reserve card, users can earn 500 MQDs, allowing them to reach Gold Medallion status after spending just $50,

The Delta Reserve card provides a 2,000 Delta flight credit after 10,000 in eligible purchases, offering additional benefits beyond elite status.

To extend Delta status to 2026, users must earn the required number of Medallion Qualification Dollars during a three-month period, with 1,250 MQDs needed for Silver and 2,500 MQDs for Gold.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers a one-time 2,500 MQD bonus, making it easier for cardholders to earn elite status.

In 2024, Delta will require $5,000 in MQDs for Silver Medallion status, causing some backlash from travelers, but Delta credit cards can help earn MQDs through spending.

Delta Reserve Amex cardholders earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) for every $10 spent, and receive a 2,500 MQD boost each year.

The Delta Platinum and Reserve cards both offer a 2,500 MQD Headstart, putting cardholders halfway towards earning Silver status.

Spending $25,000 on a Delta Gold, Platinum, or Reserve credit card can waive the MQD requirement for Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medallion status.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card allows users to earn 15,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) by spending $30,000 throughout the year, almost enough to automatically get Delta Silver Medallion Status without flying.

Unpacking Delta's New MQD Strategy How Reserve Card Spending Impacts Status - Maximizing MQDs - Strategies for Savvy Delta Flyers


Delta flyers can maximize their MQD earnings by strategically utilizing partner flights, Delta-branded credit cards, and programs like the Travel Extras portal.

By leveraging these various avenues to accrue MQDs, Delta loyalists can efficiently work towards achieving their desired Medallion elite status tier while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.

The introduction of the MQD Boost feature on Delta's co-branded credit cards allows cardholders to earn additional MQDs through everyday spending, providing an alternative path to qualify for elite status.

Additionally, the 2,500 MQD headstart offered to select Delta Reserve card members gives them a significant head start towards earning their Medallion tier.

Delta's Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Cards offer a 2,500 MQD headstart, putting cardholders just $500 away from earning Gold Medallion status with only $5,000 in annual card spending.

Delta SkyMiles American Express Card members can earn additional MQDs through the new "MQD Boost" feature, which allows them to earn MQDs on everyday purchases, diversifying the paths to elite status qualification.

The MQD requirement for Diamond Medallion status has been significantly increased to an astronomical $250,000 in annual credit card spend, potentially pricing out all but the wealthiest travelers.

Spending $25,000 on a Delta Gold, Platinum, or Reserve credit card can waive the MQD requirement for Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medallion status, providing a workaround for the elevated spending thresholds.

Delta's Reserve Card enables members to earn 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 spent, up to four times per year, potentially allowing them to achieve Silver Medallion status without any actual flying.

The 33% increase in MQD thresholds for all Medallion tiers, except Silver, is designed to encourage Delta SkyMiles members to spend more on eligible Delta co-branded cards to achieve elite status.

Delta's Medallion Status Match Challenge in 2024 will allow eligible members from other airline loyalty programs to match their status with Delta, potentially attracting high-value customers to the SkyMiles program.

Enhancements to the Delta Million Miler program, which recognizes frequent flyers who have accumulated a substantial number of miles, demonstrate the airline's commitment to rewarding long-term customer loyalty.

Delta's Reserve Amex card offers a 2,000 Delta flight credit after 10,000 in eligible purchases, providing additional benefits beyond elite status.

To extend Delta status to 2026, users must earn the required number of Medallion Qualification Dollars during a three-month period, with 1,250 MQDs needed for Silver and 2,500 MQDs for Gold.

Delta's new MQD strategy has made it simpler to earn elite status, with the Delta Reserve card offering a one-time 2,500 MQD boost, putting users just 500 MQDs away from Gold Medallion status.

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