Your ultimate guide to the Delta Choice Benefits program
Editor's Note
Many travelers believe the Delta SkyMiles program has decreased in value over the years. However, Delta Medallion status can be extremely valuable if you travel with Delta Air Lines regularly. One particularly valuable perk is the Choice Benefits program available to Platinum and Diamond Medallion members.
Whether you’re a newly minted Delta Medallion member or a longtime Delta loyalist, here’s what you need to know about Delta Choice Benefits, including how to earn them, when to select them and which benefits are best.
How to earn Delta Choice Benefits
You earn Delta Choice Benefits each calendar year you qualify for Platinum or Diamond Medallion status. Specifically, you earn one Choice Benefit when you qualify for Platinum Medallion status and three Choice Benefits when you qualify for Diamond Medallion status.
Delta now only uses one metric — Medallion Qualification Dollars — for elite qualification. Here are the current calendar year requirements for the two tiers of Delta Medallion status that offer Choice Benefits as a perk:
- Platinum Medallion status: 15,000 MQDs
- Diamond Medallion status: 28,000 MQDs
You can earn MQDs on flights and other transactions with Delta and its partners, including vacation packages and spending on cobranded Delta credit cards. Plus, those with the following premium cobranded Delta credit cards get a boost of 2,500 MQDs toward status qualification every year:
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
You earn one 2,500 MQD boost for each card type. Having one or more of these premium Delta cards in your wallet can be extremely helpful if you want to earn Delta Medallion status.
Related: Which credit card should you use for Delta Air Lines flights?
When to select Delta Choice Benefits
You can select Delta Choice Benefits after earning Platinum or Diamond Medallion status based on activity within a calendar year. You must select your Choice Benefits by the day your status expires if you don’t requalify.
So, if you qualified for 2025 Medallion year status based on activity in 2024, you’d need to select your Choice Benefits by Jan. 31, 2026. Likewise, if you qualified for 2026 Medallion year status based on activity in 2025, you’d need to select your Choice Benefits by Jan. 31, 2027.
You can currently select Delta Choice Benefits via the Delta website or app. However, Delta will remove the ability to select Choice Benefits via its website starting June 1, 2025. From that point on, you must make your selection(s) via the Delta app.
Some Choice Benefits expire on a set date regardless of when you select the benefit. So, you’ll get the most value from some Choice Benefits by selecting the benefit as soon as you’re eligible.
Related: Your guide to Delta Million Miler lifetime status
Options you can select as Delta Choice Benefits
Here’s a look at your Delta Choice Benefits options if you earned Platinum or Diamond Medallion status for the 2025 or 2026 Medallion year:
| Platinum Choice Benefits (choose one) | Diamond Choice Benefits (choose three) | |
|---|---|---|
Upgrade certificates | Four regional | Four global, eight regional, or two global and four regional (may only select this Diamond Choice Benefit once per Medallion year) |
Bonus miles | 30,000 | 35,000 |
Delta Sky Club membership | None | One executive membership (requires three choices) or one individual membership (requires two choices) |
MQDs toward the next Medallion year | 1,000 (toward the 2026 Medallion year) if you earned Platinum Medallion status for the 2025 Medallion year
1,000 (toward the 2027 Medallion year) if you earned Platinum Medallion status for the 2026 Medallion year | 2,000 (toward the 2026 Medallion year) if you earned Diamond Medallion status for the 2025 Medallion year
2,000 (toward the 2027 Medallion year) if you earned Diamond Medallion status for the 2026 Medallion year |
Gift Delta Medallion status | Two Silver Medallion | Two Gold Medallion |
Delta Vacations Experience credit (can only select once per Medallion year) | $400 | $500 |
Delta American Express statement credit (only available on select cards; can only select once per Medallion tier, per Medallion year) | $400 | $700 |
Delta travel voucher | $300 | $350 |
Wheels Up flight credit (can only select once per Medallion tier, per Medallion year) | $1,500 | $2,000 |
Sustainable aviation fuel contribution | $250 | $250 |
Starbucks Rewards Stars (can only select once per Medallion tier, per Medallion year) | 6,000 | 6,000 |
Now, let’s examine each option for those who earned Platinum or Diamond Medallion status for the 2025 or 2026 Medallion year and the value they might provide.
Upgrade certificates
After earning Platinum Medallion status, you could use your one Choice Benefits selection for four regional upgrade certificates. And if you earned Diamond Medallion status, you could use a choice to get one of the following:
- Four global upgrade certificates
- Eight regional upgrade certificates
- Two global and four regional upgrade certificates
These upgrade certificates give higher priority than Medallion complimentary upgrade requests and can get you a one-class, space-available upgrade on most fares except Delta basic economy.
However, regardless of when you select your Choice Benefits, you must book and fly using these certificates by the end of the Medallion year associated with that Choice Benefits selection. So, if you earned Platinum or Diamond Medallion status for the 2025 Medallion year, you’d need to fly using these certificates by Jan. 31, 2026.
Related: Secure a better seat: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Delta flights
Bonus miles
With your Choice Benefits, you can select bonus miles for yourself, another SkyMiles member or a SkyWish charity. You could choose 30,000 bonus miles (worth $360 based on TPG’s January 2024 valuations) at the Platinum Medallion tier and 35,000 bonus miles (worth $420) per choice at the Diamond Medallion tier.
Delta Sky Club benefits
At the Diamond Medallion tier, you could trade all three Choice Benefits choices for a Delta Sky Club executive membership or two Choice Benefits choices for an individual Delta Sky Club membership.
The executive membership — typically costing $1,495 or 149,500 miles — gives you and up to two guests (or your spouse or domestic partner and children under 21) unlimited complimentary Delta Sky Club access. Meanwhile, the individual membership — typically costing $695 or 69,500 miles — gives you unlimited complimentary Delta Sky Club access for yourself.
However, these Delta Sky Club memberships are only valid through the end of the Medallion year associated with that Choice Benefits selection. So, if you earned Diamond Medallion status for the 2025 Medallion year and used all three choices for an executive membership, your membership would be valid through Jan. 31, 2026.
MQDs toward the next Medallion year
You can use Choice Benefits selections for MQDs toward the next Medallion year. You could choose 1,000 MQDs toward the next Medallion year at the Platinum Medallion tier and 2,000 MQDs per choice toward the next Medallion year at the Diamond Medallion tier.
Gift Delta Medallion status
You can use your Choice Benefits to gift Delta Medallion status to someone else. Each choice is worth two gifts, with Platinum Medallion members able to gift Silver Medallion status to a pair of travelers and Diamond Medallion members able to gift Gold Medallion status.
The gifted status is valid through the end of the Medallion year associated with the Choice Benefits selection. So, for Choice Benefits tied to the 2025 Medallion year, the gifted status would last through Jan. 31, 2026.
Delta Vacations Experience credit
You could use your one Choice Benefits selection after you earn Platinum Medallion status for a $400 credit toward a Delta Vacations package. Or, you could wait until you earn Diamond Medallion status for a $500 credit. However, you can only select a Delta Vacations Experience credit as a Choice Benefit once per Medallion year.
The credit is valid for one year after being issued for a flight-and-hotel package, and you are the only one who can use it. A two-night minimum stay is required for Choice Benefits selections tied to the 2025 Medallion year, while a four-night minimum stay is required for selections tied to the 2026 Medallion year.
Delta American Express statement credit
If you are the primary cardmember of the Delta Platinum Amex, the Delta Platinum Business Amex, the Delta Reserve Amex or the Delta Reserve Business Amex, you can choose a statement credit on your card as a Choice Benefit at each Medallion status tier.
You can choose a $400 statement credit at the Platinum Medallion tier and a $700 statement credit at the Diamond Medallion tier. However, you can’t use multiple Choice Benefits to get multiple statement credits at the Diamond Medallion tier.
Related: Delta SkyMiles Reserve vs. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business: Which card is right for you?
Delta travel voucher
With your Choice Benefits, you can select a Delta travel voucher. A Platinum Medallion choice is worth $300, and each Diamond Medallion choice is worth $350.
You’re the only one who can use the voucher, but you can use it toward the Delta flight portion of a Delta Vacations package. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from their issuance, which should occur within 48 hours of when you select the voucher.
Wheels Up flight credit
You could choose a $1,500 Wheels Up private aviation flight credit at the Platinum Medallion tier or a $2,000 flight credit at the Diamond Medallion tier.
You can only apply Wheels Up flight credits to new Wheels Up bookings (excluding Wheels Up Shared Flights and Hot Flights). Flight credits expire 12 months after issuance, and you can only select a Wheels Up flight credit once per Medallion year.
Sustainable aviation fuel contribution
You can use your Choice Benefits to support Delta’s use of sustainable aviation fuel. Delta will apply $250 for each choice toward the incremental cost of sustainable aviation fuel instead of traditional jet fuel.
Related: How you can donate your points and miles to charity
Starbucks Rewards Stars
Finally, U.S.-based SkyMiles members enrolled in Starbucks Rewards may choose 6,000 Starbucks Rewards Stars as a Choice Benefit once at each tier. However, Stars will expire six months after the calendar month they were deposited.
Related: The best credit cards to use at Starbucks
Which Delta Choice Benefit is best?
The best Delta Choice Benefits depend on your specific situation. However, the best Delta Choice Benefits are usually upgrade certificates, bonus miles, American Express statement credits and the Wheels Up private aviation flight credit.
Of course, you can’t get the statement credit if you don’t have an eligible Delta Amex card, and you won’t find the Wheels Up flight credit valuable if you don’t need to fly privately at least once per year. Likewise, some travelers don't want to deal with trying to maximize upgrade certificates. So, bonus miles may be the most valuable if none of these other three higher-value Choice Benefits are appealing.
If you are reading this guide later in 2025 or in January 2026 and still have 2025 Medallion year Choice Benefits that you must select by Jan. 31, 2026, you’ll likely want to avoid benefits that expire on that date. Specifically, as Jan. 31, 2026, nears, the best Delta Choice Benefits for the 2025 Medallion year will become bonus miles or the Delta Vacations Experience credit.
Related: Breakfast, upgrades and more: TPG staffers reveal their favorite elite status perks
Bottom line
There are many options when it comes to Delta Choice Benefits. These benefits can provide significant value, so making an informed choice is important — especially since some perks may expire quickly if you choose them near the end of your Medallion year.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.