Delta SkyMiles Amex Changes

Delta SkyMiles and American Express have now responded to members’ feedback and revamped the SkyMiles program significantly.

By introducing Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) as the primary qualifier for Delta elite status, they have replaced Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs).

This Delta Amex Change in the program aims to make Medallion Status more attainable and accessible with enhanced earning potential.

Effective from January 1, 2024, it promises to redefine the SkyMiles experience for all without much hassle of different qualification criteria.

The elimination of MQMs and MQSs has simplified the tracking progress for earning a Delta status. It has streamlined the process and offered greater clarity to all SkyMiles members for achieving the status solely based on accumulating enough Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).

Delta offers three diverse ways to qualify for an elite status level. These options include earning $1 MQD per dollar spent on Delta and partner flights, through Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards, and by booking Delta Vacations.

Such Delta Amex 2024 Changes empower you to reach your desired Medallion Status through various spending avenues, including the option to accumulate MQDs on everyday purchases, providing flexibility.

In an effort to make Medallion Status more achievable and simplified, Delta has revised the MQD thresholds for each tier.

These new criteria pave the way for more members to attain Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Medallion Status, aligning with Delta’s commitment to rewarding loyalty and dedication. The adjusted thresholds are:

• Silver – $5,000 MQDs
• Gold – $10,000 MQDs
• Platinum – $15,000 MQDs
• Diamond – $28,000 MQDs

This Delta change recognizes the diverse needs and spending capacities of Delta SkyMiles members, creating a more inclusive and rewarding loyalty program.

American Express co-branded cards like Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card offer a Medallion Qualification Dollars headstart of $2,500 MQDs per Card type for the current Medallion Qualification Year.

In addition to receiving an MQD Head Start, cardholders also receive MQD Boost – a new way to get closer to Medallion Status by earning MQDs when you make everyday purchases with your eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Credit Card. 

• Earn $1 MQD for every $20 of Purchases made on Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business Card.
• Earn $1 MQD for every $10 of Purchases made on Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Card.

This innovative approach accelerates members’ pathways to Delta Medallion Status, combining automatic boosts with an opportunity for additional earning potential from card spending. 

The MQD headstart jumpstarts your qualification journey, while the MQD boost makes the elite status more achievable while incentivizing card usage.

With this Delta Amex Change can unlock higher status levels through their spending habits, accelerating their progress toward Medallion status.

The latest changes to Delta’s American Express co-branded credit cards can bring mixed reactions from cardholders.

Despite the substantial increase in annual fees across Delta’s card lineup, the introduction of valuable statement credits can offset various expenses and even mitigate the impact of fee hikes.

From May 1, 2024, both personal and business Delta SkyMiles Card will see a considerable increase in annual fees.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card changes include a rise of $100 in annual costs, marking an 18% surge, and the Delta Amex Platinum changes translate to a 40% boost, i.e., an increase of $100 in fees.

With the new statement credits, such as Delta Stays Credit, Resy Credit, and Rideshare Credit, you get substantial savings opportunities and an array of benefits.

By leveraging these credits, Delta SkyMiles cardholders can effectively reduce the net cost of ownership and continue to enjoy the perks and rewards associated with their cards.

Delta has introduced and updated various Choice Benefits for Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members this year, which offer a selection of perks and rewards tailored to individual preferences and lifestyles. 

One of the key offerings is the MQD Accelerator, allowing members to expedite their progress towards the next Delta Medallion Year. All the Diamond Members can earn $2,000 MQDs, and the Platinum Members can earn $1,000 MQDs, making it easier to climb up in the SkyMiles loyalty program.

Additionally, Delta has revamped the Delta SkyClub membership options for those with Diamond Medallion Status, where they can opt for unlimited access to Delta Sky Clubs through an Individual Membership, along with their existing Executive Membership option. It can be achieved in exchange for 2 Choice Benefit Selections.

These Delta Amex Changes 2024 with enhanced selections provide greater value and flexibility to elite members, enriching their overall travel experience with personalized benefits.

Both the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card now come with annual Companion Certificates upon renewal.

These certificates enable cardholders to book round-trip tickets in select fare classes, providing flexibility in travel options. 

One of the most notable improvements in the New Companion Certificate is expanded redemption options with flights across all 50 U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. 

Furthermore, the eligibility criteria for using Companion Certificates have been refined.

With this enhanced coverage and flexibility, travelers enjoy more value and versatility, enabling them to save on a wide range of destinations and itineraries. 

While the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offer validity for economy tickets in specific fare classes, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card extend the privilege to first class, Delta Premium Select, and Delta Comfort+ in addition to the economy. 

This upgrade in benefits caters to diverse preferences and enhances the overall travel experience for cardholders.

It serves as an invaluable asset for budget-conscious travelers, providing an efficient means to enjoy premium travel experiences at a fraction of the cost.

The Companion Certificate’s value is further amplified by its cost-saving benefits – an excellent Delta Amex Change! With a nominal payment of government-imposed taxes and fees, travelers can unlock significant savings on round-trip domestic and international flights.