Can you transfer MQMs Delta?

MQMs can be kept by the Basic Card Member or gifted to someone else. MQM gift recipients must have a valid SkyMiles account. If a MQM gift recipient is not designated within 30 days of the MQMs being made available, the MQMs will be deposited in the Basic Card Member's SkyMiles account.



In 2026, you cannot "transfer" MQMs (Medallion Qualification Miles) because the MQM metric was officially retired by Delta in early 2024. Delta now uses a single metric called Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) to determine elite status. Any "MQM Rollover" balances that members had from previous years were converted in 2024–2025 into either MQDs or SkyMiles at the member's choosing. If you are looking to boost your 2026 status, you must earn MQDs through ticket spend (excluding taxes/fees), using an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express card (which provides an "MQD Headstart"), or booking through Delta Vacations. For those just short of the next tier at the end of the year, Delta occasionally offers the "Elevate Your Status" program, allowing a one-time MQD purchase to bridge the gap. While you can still "Transfer Miles" (SkyMiles) to another person for a fee of 1 cent per mile, these are purely for award redemptions and have zero impact on Medallion Status, as status is an individual achievement based on your personal travel and spending activity with the airline.

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You might even be able to use a Delta SkyMiles credit card to earn Silver Medallion status without ever flying if you're a big enough spender. For example, with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you can earn 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 you spend — up to four times annually through Dec. 31, 2023.

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MQMs are earned based on distance flown and your fare class, excluding Basic Economy. MQSs are earned based on the number of flights you take, excluding Basic Economy. Plus, get even closer to Medallion® Status with this special offer with eligible Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cards.

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MQMs reset each calendar year as you track toward a new year of Status. Delta follows the same policy as American for its “Medallion Year,” meaning that your status will be valid until January 31 two years after the calendar year in which you earned it.

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You are always better off using your SkyMiles to book an award ticket for a friend or family member instead of transferring miles. Our Advice: Instead of gifting or transferring miles it is always a better value to use your miles to purchase an award ticket for the intended recipient.

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100,000 Delta miles are worth an average of $1,120, according to WalletHub data. You will get the best value for your Delta miles if you use them for flights booked through Delta, though there are a few other redemption options to choose from.

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Full fare First and Business Class tickets (F, J fares) are eligible for a 100% MQM bonus. Discounted First, Delta Premium Select, Business, and Premium Main Cabin tickets (P, A, G, C, D, I, Z, Y, and B fares) are eligible for a 50% MQM bonus.

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You'll only roll over additional MQMs if you earned at least Silver Medallion status last year for 2023. If not, you reset back to zero. Trying to figure out how many Delta MQMs you'll roll over? Subtract the number of MQMs required to earn your current level of status from how many MQMs you earned in 2022.

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In short, Delta SkyMiles is the rewards currency you earn and spend to book award flights on Delta and its partners, while MQMs help you earn elite status with Delta but cannot be redeemed for flights.

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Diamond Medallion is the highest level of Delta Air Lines status available and therefore grants the most generous benefits. Diamond Medallions receive the highest complimentary upgrade priority, with upgrades clearing up to five days before departure and complimentary Clear membership.

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