# Delta holds 2027 Medallion MQDs at 5,000 to 28,000 for a third year

_Oct 22 17:45_

Tags: Delta Air Lines, loyalty program, policy change, airline, credit card, devaluation, elite status, program change

Type: Program change

## Summary

Delta said 2027 Medallion qualification will match 2026, keeping Silver at 5,000 MQDs and Diamond at 28,000. Gold stays at 10,000 MQDs. Platinum stays at 15,000 MQDs. The same bars now apply for a third year, after Delta cut the late-2023 thresholds by roughly 15%.

SkyMiles members still get 1 MQD per dollar on Delta-marketed flights and Delta Vacations toward 2027 status. Partner-marketed flights award MQDs from distance and fare class, not dollar spend. Delta American Express cards can credit MQDs from spend, and some of those cards add a 2,500 MQD head start each year. MQDs reset on January 1, 2027 and amounts above a threshold do not roll over. Status from 2027 activity expires January 31, 2029.

United and Southwest recently changed their own status rules. American has not published 2027 requirements. Plan 2027 Medallion on these MQD totals and any 2,500 MQD card head start rather than waiting for a hike.

## Key facts

- **Announced**: Oct 22, 2026
- **Starts**: Jan 1, 2027
- **Numbers**:
  - 5,000 MQDs: Silver Medallion qualification threshold
  - 10,000 MQDs: Gold Medallion qualification threshold
  - 15,000 MQDs: Platinum Medallion qualification threshold
  - 28,000 MQDs: Diamond Medallion qualification threshold
  - 1 MQD: MQDs earned per dollar on Delta-marketed flights or Delta Vacations
  - 2,500 MQDs: annual MQD head start on some Delta American Express cards
  - 15%: amount Delta cut thresholds after the late-2023 overhaul backlash
- **Who qualifies**: SkyMiles members earning or renewing Medallion status from 2027 activity
- **Takeaway**: Use the current MQD thresholds and card boosts to map 2027 status, and remember MQDs reset January 1 with no rollover.

## Sources cited

- [The Points Guy](https://thepointsguy.com/news/delta-medallion-2027-requirements) — Just in: Delta confirms Medallion status requirements for 2027
- [Frequent Miler](https://frequentmiler.com/delta-elite-status-requirements-not-changing-in-2027) — Delta elite status requirements not changing in 2027

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