Do Delta MQDs Reset Every Year?

Yes, Delta Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) reset every year. Delta SkyMiles members must earn MQDs during each calendar year to qualify for Medallion elite status for the following year. Your unused MQD balance does not carry forward into the next qualification year.

Delta uses MQDs to determine whether members qualify for Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Medallion status. Because the qualification period runs from January 1 through December 31, the amount you earn before the end of the year matters. If you finish December with MQDs left over after reaching your desired status, those extra dollars will not count toward the following year's qualification.

Understanding this rule can help you plan flights, eligible credit card spending, and other qualifying activities more effectively. If you are wondering, "do MQDs rollover Delta?" the answer is no under Delta's standard Medallion qualification rules.

What Are Delta MQDs?

Medallion Qualification Dollars are a measure of qualifying activity in Delta's SkyMiles loyalty program. They help determine whether you earn elite status and the associated travel benefits.

MQDs are different from redeemable SkyMiles. SkyMiles can be used for eligible award travel and other redemptions, while MQDs are used to measure progress toward Medallion status.

You can generally earn MQDs through qualifying activities such as:

• Eligible Delta flights: Qualifying spending on Delta-marketed flights can earn MQDs.

• Eligible partner flights: Certain partner-airline bookings qualify under Delta's applicable earning rules.

• Eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express cards: Qualifying cardholders may earn MQDs through eligible card spending or annual MQD Headstart benefits.

• Eligible Delta Vacations packages: Qualifying package purchases can contribute toward MQD earnings under the applicable terms.

Not every travel expense counts. Government-imposed taxes and fees, certain ancillary charges, and other excluded purchases may not earn MQDs. The applicable rules depend on the type of transaction and booking.

When Do Delta MQDs Reset?

Delta's MQD qualification year follows the calendar year, rather than your personal membership anniversary or the date you opened a credit card.

Here is how the schedule works:

• January 1: A new MQD qualification year begins, and the previous year's MQD balance resets to zero.

• January through December: You earn MQDs through eligible flights, qualifying card activity, and other approved activities.

• December 31: The qualification year closes. Your eligible MQDs earned during that year determine your status qualification.

• Following year: Your earned Medallion status provides benefits during the applicable status year, while your MQD earning starts a new qualification cycle.

For example, if you earned $12,000 MQDs during 2026, those MQDs count toward your 2027 Medallion status qualification. When the new qualification year begins in January 2027, your MQD counter resets for the new year.

This reset does not mean you automatically lose status you have already earned. Your existing Medallion benefits continue for the applicable status period, subject to Delta's program rules.

Do MQDs Rollover Delta to the Next Year?

No. Delta does not allow standard MQD balances to roll over from one calendar year to another.

Suppose you earn $16,000 MQDs during a qualification year. If your target is Platinum Medallion status, you may exceed the required amount. However, the extra MQDs will not be transferred into the next qualification year.

The important distinction is that unused MQDs are not saved for future status qualification. Each year, you must build a new qualifying balance.

Consider this example:

Qualification activityExample

MQDs earned during 2026$16,000

MQDs needed for Platinum status for 2027$15,000

Amount above the target$1,000

MQDs carried into 2027$0

The $1,000 above the example threshold does not become a head start for the next qualification year. The following year starts a new MQD earning cycle.

Why Doesn't Delta Allow MQD Rollover?

Delta's qualification system measures eligible activity within a defined annual period. This allows the airline to assess status qualification consistently for each year.

For members, this means it is important to monitor progress throughout the year instead of assuming that a high balance will remain available indefinitely.

If you travel frequently, review your MQD total before the final weeks of December. If you are close to the next status tier, you can evaluate whether additional qualifying activity makes sense for your travel plans and budget.

Are MQDs Different From Rollover MQMs?

Yes. This distinction is important because older Delta SkyMiles information may mention rollover balances.

Delta previously used Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) as part of its status qualification system. Under the former program, members could have rollover MQMs that carried forward under the applicable rules.

Delta changed its qualification structure beginning in 2024, moving to an MQD-based system. The former rollover MQM arrangements should not be confused with today's MQD rules.

In particular:

• MQDs: Used to qualify for current Medallion status; the annual balance resets.

• MQMs: A former status-qualification measurement that is no longer earned under the current standard program.

• Redeemable SkyMiles: A separate currency that members can use for eligible rewards and does not follow the same annual MQD reset rule.

If you have seen advice suggesting that Delta automatically carries unused MQDs forward, check whether that information refers to the older MQM program instead.

How Many MQDs Do You Need for Delta Medallion Status?

Delta uses annual MQD thresholds to determine its four standard Medallion status tiers. For the 2027 Medallion status year, qualification is based on MQDs earned during the 2026 calendar year.

The published thresholds are:

Medallion statusMQDs required

Silver Medallion$5,000

Gold Medallion$10,000

Platinum Medallion$15,000

Diamond Medallion$28,000

These are qualification thresholds, not fees that you pay directly to Delta. MQDs represent qualifying activity under the program's earning rules.

For example, if you earn $10,000 MQDs during 2026, you meet the standard MQD threshold for Gold Medallion status for 2027. If you earn $14,000, you remain below the $15,000 Platinum threshold.

Meeting a threshold does not mean you should spend unnecessarily. Consider the benefits you expect to use, your planned travel, and the additional qualifying activity required before pursuing a higher tier.

How to Track Your MQD Progress

You can check your current qualification progress through your Delta SkyMiles account.

Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your SkyMiles account on Delta's website or open the Fly Delta app.

2. Navigate to your Medallion status or qualification progress section.

3. Review your current MQD balance and the threshold for your target tier.

4. Check whether recent eligible flights or card activity have been credited.

5. Recheck your balance as the year progresses, particularly near December 31.

Qualifying activity may not appear immediately. Delta indicates that flight-related MQDs can take several weeks to post, so allow sufficient time for eligible activity to be credited.

If a qualifying transaction appears to be missing, review its eligibility and contact Delta or the relevant card issuer when necessary.

How to Earn MQDs Before the Annual Reset

Because MQDs do not roll over, planning your qualifying activity before the end of December can help you make better use of the current qualification year.

1. Review Your Upcoming Flights

Check your planned Delta trips and estimate how much qualifying spending they may generate.

For eligible Delta-marketed flights, MQDs are generally based on the qualifying ticket price and carrier-imposed surcharges, excluding government-imposed taxes and fees. Other fare and booking rules can affect eligibility.

If you are close to a status threshold, calculate your expected earnings before booking another trip solely to obtain status.

2. Understand Eligible Credit Card Benefits

Certain Delta SkyMiles American Express cards offer MQD benefits, including MQD Headstart deposits and MQD earning on eligible purchases, subject to the specific card's terms.

Before relying on a card benefit, confirm:

• Whether your card qualifies for MQD Headstart or MQD Boost.

• The applicable earning rate and eligible purchase categories.

• When MQDs are expected to post.

• Whether your card account meets the applicable eligibility requirements.

Do not assume every purchase earns MQDs or that a new card benefit will post before the annual deadline.

3. Consider Eligible Delta Vacations Packages

Eligible Delta Vacations packages can earn MQDs under the program's applicable conditions. Review the package's qualifying price, passenger allocation, and other terms before estimating your expected earnings.

This option may be relevant if a vacation is already part of your plans. Compare the overall package cost with other available travel arrangements rather than booking a more expensive trip just to increase your MQD balance.

4. Set a Realistic Status Target

Identify the status tier that best matches your expected travel needs. Then calculate the gap between your current MQD balance and that tier's threshold.

For example, if you have $8,500 MQDs and are targeting Gold status at $10,000, you need another $1,500 in qualifying MQDs. Your actual spending requirement may differ depending on the eligible activity you choose.

This approach can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and focus on qualifying activity that fits your existing plans.

Conclusion

Delta MQDs reset every year, and unused balances do not roll over into the next qualification period. Your MQD earnings from January 1 through December 31 determine your progress toward the applicable Medallion status year.

If you are asking, "do MQDs rollover Delta?" remember that the answer is no under the standard program rules. Keep track of your MQD balance, understand which activities qualify, and plan ahead if you are approaching a status threshold. By focusing on eligible activity that fits your travel needs, you can pursue Medallion benefits without making unnecessary purchases simply to accumulate MQDs.

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. Do Delta MQDs reset every year?

Yes. Delta resets MQD balances around January 1 each calendar year. You must earn new MQDs during the next qualification year to qualify for the corresponding future Medallion status.

2. Do MQDs rollover Delta allows members to carry forward?

No. Under Delta's standard rules, MQDs do not roll over. Any unused balance from the previous qualification year cannot be applied toward the following year's status qualification.

3. When do Delta MQDs expire?

MQDs are not a traditional redeemable currency that expires after a set number of months. Instead, they apply to a specific calendar year's status qualification and reset around January 1 of the next year.

4. If I earn extra MQDs, can I use them next year?

No. MQDs earned above your target do not carry into the next qualification year. For example, earning $18,000 MQDs does not give you an $3,000 MQD head start the following year if you needed $15,000 for your target tier.

5. Does my Delta Medallion status disappear when MQDs reset?

No. The annual MQD reset does not automatically cancel status already earned for its applicable validity period. You start earning toward the next qualification cycle while retaining eligible benefits for the status period you have earned.

6. Do Delta credit card MQDs reset too?

MQDs credited through eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express card benefits are subject to the applicable annual qualification rules. MQDs do not roll over simply because they were earned through a credit card. Card-specific eligibility and posting rules also apply.

7. Are rollover MQMs the same as rollover MQDs?

No. Rollover MQMs belonged to Delta's former Medallion Qualification Miles system. Delta transitioned to MQD-based qualification beginning in 2024. Historical information about rollover MQMs does not mean current MQD balances carry forward.

8. What happens if my MQDs post after December 31?

Posting delays can affect which qualification year receives credit. Eligibility and crediting rules depend on the type of activity and the relevant transaction or travel dates. Check your account and the applicable Delta terms if qualifying activity has not appeared before year-end.

9. Can I earn Delta MQDs without flying?

Yes, eligible card benefits and qualifying Delta Vacations packages can provide ways to earn MQDs without relying exclusively on flight spending. Eligibility, earning rates, and restrictions vary by activity.

10. How can I avoid losing unused MQDs at year-end?

Track your balance, estimate expected qualifying activity, and review your status target before December 31. Remember that unused MQDs cannot be saved for the following year, so avoid spending money on travel you do not need just to increase your balance.