Over the years, I’ve flown with Delta enough times to earn, and maintain, Medallion status at every level. I’ve been a Silver, Gold, Platinum, and now Diamond Medallion member. I’ve experienced the entire range of benefits, from getting bumped to First Class on a cross-country flight, to receiving priority service during major cancellations.
If you travel often with Delta, or even a few times a year, achieving Medallion status can dramatically improve your flying experience. But earning elite status in 2025 is different from what it was a few years ago. Delta has overhauled the program and now ties everything to how much you spend, not how far or how often you fly.
This guide breaks down each Medallion tier, how to qualify, and what benefits actually matter in practice, based on deep research and my personal experience.
What Is Delta Medallion Status
Medallion Status is Delta’s elite tier program within SkyMiles. It rewards you based on annual qualifying spend with Delta and select partners. In return, you get perks like free upgrades, waived baggage fees, better customer support, and faster service at the airport.
There are four levels of Medallion Status: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Each one builds on the last, with increasing priority for upgrades and access to Delta’s most exclusive benefits.
How Delta Status Works in 2025
As of this year, Medallion tiers are earned solely through MQDs. This means your status is determined by how much you spend, not how far you fly. Flights, vacation packages, eligible partner travel, and specific credit card spending all contribute.
For example, a $450 domestic roundtrip earns $450 MQDs. A $1500 Delta One fare earns $1500 MQDs. If you use a Delta SkyMiles Reserve card, every $10 in eligible purchases earns you 1 MQD; with the Platinum card, it’s 1 MQD per $20.
Personally, I use my Reserve card strategically, charging business expenses and travel to reach my MQD goal more efficiently. With careful planning, I consistently earn $5000–$7000 in MQDs from card spend alone.
Silver Medallion: The Entry Point
You qualify for Silver with $5000 MQDs in a calendar year. While it’s the entry tier, it still offers useful perks. You get one free checked bag, priority boarding, and occasional complimentary upgrades. I started here and remember how helpful it was, especially on short domestic routes. It doesn’t guarantee First Class upgrades, but you’ll notice faster boarding and fewer hassles at check-in.
Gold Medallion: A Noticeable Upgrade
Gold requires $10,000 MQDs and is where benefits become significantly more consistent. You earn bonus SkyMiles on flights, get better upgrade priority, and access to SkyTeam lounges when flying internationally. As a Gold member, I had a strong upgrade rate to Comfort+ and even occasional First Class upgrades when flying midweek or off-peak.
Another benefit I appreciated was waived same-day confirmed change fees, which made short-notice business travel much smoother.
Platinum Medallion: Strong Value Without Going Overboard
Platinum status unlocks at $15,000 MQDs and includes all lower-tier perks with much higher upgrade success and access to Delta’s Choice Benefits. These benefits let you choose between Regional Upgrade Certificates, bonus miles, or giftable status.
I personally choose the upgrade certificates every time, they’ve helped me confirm First Class on cross-country routes at booking, which would’ve otherwise cost hundreds more. You also get priority customer service and greater flexibility with award ticket changes.
Diamond Medallion: Full Service and Highest Priority
Diamond is Delta’s top public tier and requires $28,000 MQDs. It comes with the highest upgrade priority, dedicated elite service lines, and the ability to choose two Choice Benefits.
The most valuable part for me is the global support. If your flight is delayed, the Diamond desk will rebook you faster than anyone else. The Executive Sky Club membership (available as a Choice Benefit) gives unlimited access to lounges, even when I’m flying in economy. I also use Global Upgrade Certificates to fly Delta One internationally, often for the price of a Main Cabin ticket.
Understanding Choice Benefits
Available at Platinum and Diamond levels, Choice Benefits offer flexibility. You can select things like Regional or Global Upgrade Certificates, bonus SkyMiles, Sky Club access, or the ability to gift status to someone else.
I always recommend upgrade certificates for frequent flyers. They consistently deliver the most value in dollar terms and enhance the travel experience far more than bonus miles or travel vouchers.
How to Reach Status Faster
If you want to reach or maintain Medallion status, the most efficient strategy is to combine actual flying with smart credit card spending. Book directly with Delta to ensure your full fare counts toward MQDs. Partner flights also qualify, and Delta Vacations packages credit the full value.
Personally, I time large expenses, like taxes or major purchases, with MQD-earning credit cards. I also book Premium Select or First Class when the price is fair, as these fares earn more MQDs and offer a better experience.
Is Delta Medallion Status Worth It
If you travel with Delta more than a few times a year, yes, Medallion Status can pay for itself in saved baggage fees, faster airport processes, better seats, and flight upgrades. The value grows significantly at Platinum and Diamond, especially if you use your benefits proactively.
Even Silver has merit, especially for those who check bags or fly during holidays. But if you want consistent upgrades and lounge access, the higher tiers are where the real value lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Delta reset MQDs each year?
Yes. MQDs reset every calendar year on January 1.
Do credit cards alone qualify me for Medallion Status?
They help. You can earn MQDs through eligible spend on Delta Reserve and Platinum cards, but you still need to meet the required MQD totals.
Do award flights earn MQDs?
No. Flights booked with SkyMiles don’t count toward MQDs.
Are complimentary upgrades guaranteed?
No. They’re based on availability and your Medallion priority at the time of departure.
Do I get lounge access with Medallion status?
Only Diamond Medallion members can select Sky Club access as a Choice Benefit. Lower tiers need a separate lounge membership or eligible ticket.