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.

In 2026, you can achieve Silver Medallion status on Delta entirely through spending by earning $5,000 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). The most efficient way to do this without stepping on a plane is by utilizing the Delta SkyMiles American Express cards. Specifically, the Platinum and Reserve cards (both personal and business) offer an "MQD Headstart" of $2,500 MQDs just for holding the card. This puts you halfway to Silver immediately. To close the remaining $2,500 gap, you can use the "MQD Boost" feature: Platinum cardholders earn $1 MQD for every $20 spent, while Reserve cardholders earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent. Additionally, booking car rentals or hotels through Delta Vacations or Delta Stays earns $1 MQD per $1 spent (excluding taxes/fees). If you have both a personal and a business Reserve card, the dual $2,500 Headstarts would actually grant you Silver status instantly without any flights or additional spending required.