Get Closer to Earning Delta Status When You Book a Hotel or Rental Car

Having elite status can get you the finer things in life, and Delta’s latest promotion may just put you in reach.

“For a limited time, earn $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) per $1 spent plus miles when you book hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals with Delta through June 24, 2024,” the airline shared.

To score the rewards, travelers can log on to the Delta Travel Extras portal with their Delta SkyMiles number to book hotels, vacation homes, and rental cars. As every dollar spent accrues one Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD), fliers can quickly earn their way to Delta elite status in other ways besides flying.

Delta’s Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) are different from SkyMiles, the latter of which are redeemable for free flights. The following MQD thresholds are required to qualify for Delta Medallion status:

• Silver Medallion – $6,000 MQDs
• Gold Medallion – $12,000 MQDs
• Platinum Medallion – $18,000 MQDs
• Diamond Medallion – $35,000 MQDs

Travelers typically earn 1 MQD per $1 spent on flights operated by Delta or partner airlines. Once a certain threshold is achieved, elite status will be granted to the member for the remainder of the year — and the entire year thereafter. 

Spending $35,000 on Delta flights to earn top-tier Diamond status might be out of reach for most travelers. However, the opportunity to earn elite points from hotels and rental cars for a limited time may help them reach that next tier of elite status. 

Earning MQDs from a few of Delta’s personal and business credit cards, which come with a $2,500 MQD headstart for the qualification year, is also possible. Delta Platinum cardholders can earn 1 MQD per $20 spent on purchases, while Delta Reserve cardholders can earn 1 MQD per $10 spent. 

The top-tier Delta Reserve has an exclusive card design right now made out of the airline’s retired Boeing 747 aircraft. Travelers who want their hands on a piece of history — and rack up a ton of MQDs — should consider adding this limited-edition card to their wallet.