Four Delta SkyMiles Amex credit cards will give members a 25% MQM Status Boost bonus during 2021. But should this change your spending plans for next year or inspire you to apply for a Delta Amex?
25% MQM Bonus Boosts
The consumer/personal and business flavors of the Delta Platinum and Reserve cards are eligible for the 25% extra MQMs.
Here’s what the potential earnings look like:
Delta Platinum Amexes
Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card from American Express
During 2021, cardholders earn 12,500 MQM for every $25,000 spent on eligible purchases on a Delta Amex Platinum Card. This is an increase from the standard 10,000 MQM.
Each card receives up to two MQM Status Boosts each calendar year. So that means one card can get you 25,000 MQM if you spend $50,000 in purchases next year.
Delta Reserve Amexes
Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express
Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card from American Express
Cardholders earn 18,750 MQM for every $30,000 spent on eligible purchases on a Delta Amex Reserve Card during 2020. This is an increase from the standard 15,000 MQM.
Each card receives up to four MQM Status Boosts each calendar year. So that means one Reserve card can get you 75,000 MQM if you spend $120,000 in purchases next year. That would net you Platinum Medallion Status without stepping on a plane.
Does This Change Your Credit Card Plans?
Before this announcement, I planned to spend $30,000 on my Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card from American Express in 2021 and get one Status Boost. My business revenue was down in 2020 and I think it’ll take a while into 2021 before things improve markedly.
The 25% MQM boost, though, won’t alter those plans. Sure, I’m always delighted to accept bonus points and was happy to hear this news. But the boost will not make me shift my spending from other cards (especially ones with useful category bonuses!). There have been years past when I spent $120,000 across two Reserve cards and scored 60,000 MQM. But my budget, spending habits, and risk tolerance will be much lower in 2021 than in recent years.
Plus, I don’t yet know when I’ll feel comfortable traveling — or even where I can go without quarantining. Nor do we know if Delta will again extend status and rollover all MQM into 2022 (something tells me they won’t — and this is their way of throwing us a bone).
Should you crank up your spending on the Delta Amex cards — or even apply for one (or more) because of this news?
That’s up to you, your budget, and your travel goals. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a Delta Amex card, this could be a good reason to finally apply for one. It’s certainly a positive bonus.
I don’t know that I’d say You’re crazy if you don’t get a Delta Reserve (or Platinum) Card just because of the 25% bonus! If you can afford to max out the bonuses, then I’d say you should maybe think about it if you really want some MQM. But I wouldn’t go out of my way to spend more on a Delta Amex just because of this.
What Do You Think?
Will this change your credit card strategy for 2021? If you don’t have a Delta Amex — or want another one — is this promotion enough to get you excited? Please share your thoughts in the below Comments section!
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15 Comments
Aren’t MQMs rolling over in 2021? So, wouldn’t you just spend 25k for the waiver (unless you are going for Diamond) to keep your status?
Yes. But in terms of putting more spend on it than needed? Personally, I’m not a fan. Plus, not everyone who reads the blog is a Medallion — so they may not care about status.
I’m keeping mine but why won’t Delta see that we want more help with MQD waiver not MQM? They already gave us a nice boost to the boost last year. I don’t really need another increase to MQM as they’re already giving enough, with existing MQM and status rollover to ensure I’ll be platinum for years to come.
They need to deal with the MQD for sure!!!!
@Barry Graham +1, I am rolling over 100,000 MQM’s to 2021 already. What I really need is some break on the MQD requirement.
I agree with the general sentiment. I will not be putting any spend on my Reserve card until I have a better understanding going forward. I currently have over 200K in spend and have reached out to Delta about an MQD waiver for next year. NADA. And as for MQMs , with all of the restrictions waived (no deposit fees, etc) I am not even sure advanced status is meaningful. Besides, I have choice benefits for 2020 and will have them for 2021, so unless someone has a crystal ball, I am not holding my breath as to the future of airline loyalty.
Continue the good work Chris! Thoroughly enjoy the blog.
Thank you, Mike!
I will not renew my Delta AMEX cards in 2021. I am shifting to no-fee, cash back cards instead. Air travel has lost its appeal.
Thank you for the good info. Your article would be better if you would include a link that confirms the info (increase in MQM).
It was confirmed to me by a PR rep.
I too want MQD relief, not more MQMs.
do you have to register for this extra bonus, or is it automatic?
Automatic.
The announcement is [now live on Delta.com] here:
https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/program-resources/news-and-updates#expander-news-panel-8530731_par_expander_1
Also the news release says this is for 2021 only. You may have meant that when you said “during 2021”.