2 Delta SkyMiles AmEx Cards to Beef Up Status Boost in 2021

Erin Hurd
By Erin Hurd 
Published
Edited by Kenley Young

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» This offer has expired

The offers described in this article have expired. See our details pages on the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for updated offers.

Holders of eligible Delta SkyMiles credit cards who want to earn elite Medallion status in 2021 are getting an early holiday gift.

Amid the corononavirus pandemic, Delta had already extended 2020 Medallion status for an additional year, through Jan. 31, 2022, regardless of how much, or how little, you flew in 2020.

Now, some cardholders will be given easier paths to spend their way to earning status for 2022. (Remember, status earned in 2021 is good for 2022.)

  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: In 2021, cardholders will earn 25% more Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) for every $25,000 spent on the card, up to two times. Since this credit card already comes with two chances at Status Boosts every year, that means you can earn 25,000 MQMs when you spend $50,000 on the card in 2021. Terms apply (see rates and fees).

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: In 2021, those who hold this premium card with a $650 annual fee will be able to earn 25% more MQMs for every $30,000 spent in purchases on the card in the calendar year, up to four times. Combined with the Status Boosts this card already offers, it gives the ability to earn 75,000 MQMs when cardholders spend $120,000 on the card next year. Terms apply (see rates and fees).

In Delta’s SkyMiles program, to gain status you need to earn both MQMs, based on how many miles you actually fly, and Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs), or money you’ve spent with Delta. These cards help you earn both.

NerdWallet recently rated Delta as a top airline to fly during COVID-19, thanks to its flexible change policies and extended middle seat blocking. When you’re ready to return to the skies, Delta is a good bet, and you can get a leg up on elite status with these two AmEx cards.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.

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