June 27, 2026 • 18 min read Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Editor's Note This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information. One of the most popular frequent flyer programs is Delta SkyMiles, the loyalty program of Delta Air Lines.
Joining the program, which has more than 120 million members, is free, and your miles never expire. TPG values SkyMiles at 1.2 cents each in our most recent valuations from June 2026.
You can earn Delta SkyMiles through a variety of methods. Some popular options include flying with Delta and its partners, making purchases with Delta's cobranded cards , transferring points from American Express Membership Rewards , shopping through the Delta SkyMiles Shopping portal , dining through the Delta SkyMiles Dining program and taking advantage of various other promotions offered by the airline.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card : Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles: 80,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership, plus an additional 20,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on purchases ($6,000 total) in the first six months of card membership.
You can also earn Medallion Qualification Dollars to help you reach Delta's four elite status tiers that provide perks like seat upgrades, priority boarding and airport lounge access .
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Delta is a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance . You can earn and redeem SkyMiles when you travel with any SkyTeam airline, including:
Delta has several other partnerships beyond SkyTeam members, giving you numerous options for earning miles even when you aren't flying with Delta or a SkyTeam airline. Nonalliance partners include:
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Just note that each partnership has specific restrictions and requirements .
Related: The best websites for searching SkyTeam award availability
The SkyMiles program offers four elite status tiers for frequent Delta flyers: Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion and Diamond Medallion. Additionally, the airline offers an exclusive invite-only tier called Delta 360 that's only available to its most loyal flyers.
Delta only uses Medallion Qualification Dollars for qualification. You can earn MQDs in the following ways:
Here are some key benefits of each of Delta's published status tiers.
The lowest elite tier in Delta's SkyMiles program is Silver Medallion status and requires 5,000 MQDs. As a Silver Medallion, you'll receive:
Next up is Gold Medallion status, which requires 10,000 MQDs and will give you: