Delta has sent out an e-mail to American Express Delta cardholders informing them about an important change (change is also announced here with some F.A.Q). The e-mail states the following:
- As a Credit Card Member, we want you to be aware that starting January 1st, 2018, the Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) Waiver for Diamond Medallion Status is increasing. The MQD Waiver for Diamond Medallion Status is currently earned by spending $25,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year on a SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express. It is being adjusted to $250,000 in a calendar year.
This is only affecting Diamond status, the MQD waiver will still work for Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
Contents
Delta Diamond
To qualify for Delta Diamond status you need:
- 125,000 MQMs (Medallion Qualifying Miles) or 140 MQSs (Medallion Qualifying Segments)Â AND
- $15,000 MQDs (Medallion Qualifying Dollars) or MQD Waiver Qualification
The MQD waiver basically meant you didn’t need to spend $15,000 with Delta. With this new change you’ll need to spend $250,000 to receive a MQD waiver.
Our Verdict
If you’ve been taking advantage of the MQD waiver then this is obviously horrible news, I don’t think spending $250,000 on Delta cards is realistic due to their poor earning rates and the opportunity cost of not putting that spend on a card that earns at a higher rate. If you’re a Delta Diamond member that doesn’t take advantage of the MQD waiver then this is actually good news for you as it means there will be less Delta Diamond’s in the system. I personally don’t chase status, but I know this will affect a lot of readers who do.
