Welcome to a regular feature on Eye of the Flyer! This blog series covers “rookie” topics pertaining to either a Delta or other travel-related theme (sometimes both!) and attempts to break down each topic to a basic level. You can read up on all the previous posts HERE. Now on to this featured subject!
We arrived at that time of year: some people are scrambling to meet their Delta Amex spending goals — either to (re)qualify for status and/or earn bonus MQM.
(Even though all MQM and elite status levels roll over to 2022, it still might be worth requalifying your Medallion status.)
Every year we hear about people who just miss hitting one of their prescribed Delta Amex spending thresholds because of some simple, avoidable errors.
First things first. Let’s give everyone a quick primer. Four Delta American Express cards can help SkyMiles members earn both their MQD spending waiver and bonus MQM:
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- 15,000 bonus MQM for each $30,000 spent during a calendar year. These bonuses are capped at 60,000 MQM earned on the card.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
- 15,000 bonus MQM for each $30,000 spent during a calendar year. These bonuses are capped 60,000 MQM earned on the card.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- 10,000 bonus MQM for each $25,000 spent during a calendar year. These bonuses are capped at 20,000 MQM earned on the card.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
- 10,000 bonus MQM for each $25,000 spent during a calendar year. These bonuses are capped at 20,000 MQM earned on the card.
(During 2021, Delta is awarding 25% bonuses on MQM earned through card spending. For example, the Reserve cards earn 18,750 bonus MQM at each $30,000 threshold. The Platinums earn 12,500 MQM at each $25,000 threshold.)
Plus, spending across one or more of the above cards counts toward your $25,000 MQD waiver for Silver, Gold, or Platinum Medallion status. It’s $250,000 for Diamond Medallion. (Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card spending only counts if you hold one of the above Platinum or Reserve cards.)
Fees and Interest Don’t Count for Anything (Except Financial Loss)
Annual fees, cash advance fees, late fees, interest, etc., are not considered eligible spending for your Delta Amex bonus MQM and MQD thresholds. (Hopefully, the only thing you’re paying is an annual fee. Late fees, cash advance fees, and interest cost you even more money than necessary.)
Purchases are the only spending that counts. Period. End of story.
This poor guy learned that lesson the hard way.
How Can You Keep Track of Your Delta Amex MQM and MQD Spending Totals?
Need to see how close you are to a card’s MQM bonus threshold? Easy. Go to AmericanExpress.com and log into your account. Select your eligible Delta Amex and look for the “Status Boost” widget.
You’ll see a running total of your eligible spending (i.e. fees and interest excluded).
(I didn’t see this feature available on the Amex app. If you found it, please tell us below in the Comments section where to look. Thanks!)
For your eligible MQD waiver spending, simply log on to Delta.com or the Fly Delta app. You’ll see a current-ish total.
Another Warning
If you think you’re going to miss your MQM Status Boost or MQD waiver, do not spend money you don’t have — just to hit those thresholds. Elite status isn’t worth wrecking your credit (and perhaps your life).
Final Approach
Annual fees, cash advance fees, late fees, interest, etc., are not considered eligible spending for your Delta Amex bonus MQM and MQD thresholds. Don’t miss out on bonuses because you miscalculated your spending totals. But also don’t spend money you don’t have — just to get airline elite status.
To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.
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The annual fees should count …..