How the Delta Reserve Amex helped me reach airline elite status for the first time
Before my days at TPG, I didn't know much about airline elite status nor did I particularly care. Lounge access and first-class upgrades felt like something only attained by road warriors who flew weekly and only saw their families on the weekends.
Related: How the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card elevated my trip to Paris
However, I was wooed by the limited-edition (and no longer available) version of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card made with metal from a retired Boeing 747. (I also have a floral-patterned version of The Platinum Card® from American Express and usually choose beers based on the label art, if that tells you anything about how I make life decisions.) The Delta card helped me realize it was possible to earn Delta SkyMiles elite status through a mix of flights and credit card spending.
In fact, I hit Delta Silver Elite status within the first few months of 2024 after Delta made significant changes to its Delta SkyMiles program and locked in Delta Gold Medallion status just before the end of the year.
In addition to jumpstarting elite status, the Delta Reserve Amex has many other travel-friendly benefits. It offers 15 SkyClub lounge visits per year, an annual companion certificate, priority boarding, a 15% discount on award travel, a statement credit for Global Entry ($120 every four years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4 1/2 years) and more.
With the Delta Reserve, you can earn 70,000 bonus SkyMiles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. According to TPG's October 2025 valuations, that bonus is worth $840, but you can technically squeeze even more value out of those miles thanks to Delta's TakeOff 15 feature that let's you save an additional 15% on award tickets.
Here's how I earned Delta Gold Medallion status and how I plan to maintain it in the coming year.
How to qualify for Delta Medallion status
As of 2024, Medallion Qualification Dollars are Delta's only elite qualification metric. You must reach a certain MQD threshold within the calendar year to earn one of Delta's four elite status tiers:
- Silver Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 5,000 MQDs
- Gold Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 10,000 MQDs
- Platinum Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 15,000 MQDs
- Diamond Medallion: SkyMiles members who have earned 28,000 MQDs
The more MQDs you earn throughout the year, the higher status you'll achieve, with each tier providing more and better benefits than the last.
When you hit one of these thresholds and earn elite status, you'll begin enjoying the benefits right away, as well as through January of the following year. For example, because I hit Gold Medallion status in December 2024, I'll keep that status through Jan. 31, 2026.
All SkyMiles members earn 1 MQD per $1 spent on flights operated by Delta or one of its partner airlines. Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders earn additional MQDs on purchases made with their card, thanks to the program's MQD Boost.
You earn 1 MQD for every $20 in purchases with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card and 1 MQD for every $10 in purchases with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
Delta flights
I still don't consider myself part of the camp of frequent flyers who I mistakenly thought were the only ones who could earn elite status. However, I did fly quite a bit for work and pleasure last year. (As a writer who primarily covers theme parks and family travel, most of my trips were a bit of both.)
In 2024, I earned 3,203 MQDs on 17 flights (32 total flight segments). That averages out to only about 1 1/2 one-way Delta flights per month, far from the type of traveler who only sees their families on weekends and holidays.
Delta Reserve Amex credit card spending
As I mentioned, my Delta Reserve Amex earns 1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card. I wouldn't say I went out of my way to put spending solely on this card, but I was conscious of using it frequently enough to see if I could hit the threshold for Silver Medallion and then Gold.
Looking back over my 2024 credit card statements, I earned between 37 MQDs and 406 MQDs per month. The high end of that spectrum was thanks to putting all of my family's December 2024 spending (including Christmas shopping) on my Delta Reserve Amex when I realized Gold Medallion status was within reach.
In total, I earned 2,523 MQDs via credit card spending in 2024.
Annual MQD Headstart and other ways to earn
There are other card perks that automatically earned me even more MQDs and made Gold Medallion possible.
Each year, Delta Amex cardholders earn a 2,500 MQD Headstart. Delta also issued a one-time 1,000 MQD bonus as a result of the changes to the SkyMiles program.
Luckily, Delta also offers occasional opportunities to earn MQDs on categories that don't typically earn MQDs. Last year, Delta offered a promotion to earn MQDs on rental cars and hotel stays booked through the Travel Extras portal. My husband also travels for work, so we took advantage of that for about 600 additional MQDs.
Keep an eye on your inbox (or on TPG's deals page) so you don't miss out on special offers like this one that can help you earn additional MQDs.
My Medallion status benefits
When I hit Silver Medallion, I began to enjoy some of the benefits of elite status. I received the occasional Comfort upgrade and was once upgraded to first class on a red-eye flight home after a work trip. Getting even a few hours of sleep (and a glass of Champagne) made Silver Medallion worth it, in my opinion.
I haven't flown yet now that I've hit Gold Medallion, but these are the benefits I have to look forward to:
- Complimentary Delta One upgrades for flights within the U.S. (except on basic economy "E" fares) on the day of departure
- Complimentary first-class upgrades from 72 hours before departure (except on basic economy "E" fares)
- Upgrades to Comfort within 72 hours of departure (except on basic economy "E" fares)
- Waived same-day confirmed changes
- Sky Priority
- Two complimentary checked bags
- 8 miles per dollar spent
I have two Delta trips booked already this year, and I'm curious to find out if I'll get more frequent upgrades.
Bottom line
Earning Silver Medallion status this year should be fairly simple. The 2,500 MQD headstart will push me to the halfway mark, and even if I only fly the exact number of Delta flights I did last year, I'll easily cross the 5,000 MQD mark.
Whether or not I see a major difference between the perks of Silver Medallion and Gold Medallion status will probably determine whether or not I shoot for Gold again this year. If the upgrade frequency is about the same, I'll probably be fine keeping Silver Medallion status because so many of the benefits come from having the Delta Reserve Amex and not necessarily from my status tier.
Even if you are only a semi-frequent traveler like myself, you should be able to employ my somewhat loosey-goosey strategy of combining flights and credit card spending to hit Delta Medallion status, too.
Related reading:
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.