What Happens to MQDs at the End of the Year?

Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) are an important part of the Delta SkyMiles loyalty program. They help travelers qualify for elite status and enjoy benefits such as priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, preferred services, and other travel privileges. However, one common question among frequent flyers is what happens to their accumulated MQDs when the calendar year ends.

Delta MQDs do not roll over from one qualification year to the next. Your MQD balance is reset to zero on or around January 1 each year, and your qualification progress starts again for the new calendar year. The MQDs you earn between January 1 and December 31 determine your eligibility for the corresponding Medallion Status year.

Understanding this annual reset can help you plan your flights, eligible credit card purchases, and other qualifying activities more effectively. Whether you are close to Silver Medallion or working toward Diamond Medallion, knowing how the year-end process works can help you make informed travel decisions.

What Happens to MQDs When the Calendar Year Ends?

Delta SkyMiles uses a calendar-year qualification system. This means your MQD earnings are tracked from January 1 through December 31, rather than over a rolling 12-month period.

At the end of December, Delta reviews your qualifying activity to determine whether you have met the MQD requirement for the applicable Medallion Status level.

Here is what happens at year-end:

• Your annual qualification period closes: December 31 marks the end of the current qualification year.

• Your earned status is determined: Delta evaluates your qualifying MQDs against the published requirements for the applicable status year.

• Your MQD balance resets: Your accumulated MQDs do not carry forward into the next calendar year.

• A new qualification period begins: Starting around January 1, you begin accumulating MQDs toward the next status year.

For example, suppose you earn $8,000 MQDs during 2026. Those MQDs count toward your qualification for 2027 Medallion Status. When the new qualification year begins in January 2027, your previous $8,000 MQD balance does not transfer into the new year's progress.

This distinction is important because your MQD balance and your Medallion Status are not the same thing. Your MQD balance measures your qualifying progress during a particular year, while earned Medallion Status provides benefits for its applicable validity period.

Do MQDs Rollover to the Next Year?

No, Delta Medallion Qualification Dollars do not roll over to the following year. This rule applies to MQDs earned through eligible Delta flights, qualifying partner flights, eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express card spending, and other qualifying activities.

Travelers sometimes confuse MQDs with older Delta Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). Under Delta's former qualification structure, eligible members could carry excess MQMs into a subsequent qualification year. Delta discontinued the MQM earning system beginning January 1, 2024, and introduced MQDs as the primary measure for earning Medallion Status.

The difference matters when planning annual spending and travel.

Consider these examples:

Your situationWhat happens at year-end?

You earn more MQDs than needed for your target statusExcess MQDs do not roll over.

You fall short of the required MQDsThe remaining balance does not carry into the next year.

You earn MQDs through eligible card spendingThey count toward the applicable qualification year, subject to the program rules.

You qualify for Medallion Status before December 31Your earned status follows the applicable validity dates, even when the MQD balance resets.

The main takeaway is that unused MQDs cannot be saved for future qualification. If you are planning to earn status for the following year, your qualifying activity must count within that year's qualification period.

How Delta Medallion Status Qualification Works

Delta determines Medallion Status by the MQDs you earn during the applicable qualification year. Each status level has a specific MQD threshold, and members must meet the published requirement to qualify.

For the 2027 Medallion Status year, the qualification period runs from January 1 through December 31, 2026.

The published MQD thresholds are:

Medallion StatusMQDs required for 2027 Status

Silver Medallion$5,000

Gold Medallion$10,000

Platinum Medallion$15,000

Diamond Medallion$28,000

These thresholds illustrate how much qualifying activity is required for each tier. Meeting a higher threshold can unlock additional benefits, but members should review the current program rules before making travel or spending decisions.

What If You Have More MQDs Than Your Status Requires?

Suppose you earn $17,000 MQDs during the 2026 qualification year. That amount exceeds the $15,000 threshold for Platinum Medallion but remains below the $28,000 requirement for Diamond Medallion.

You would meet the published MQD requirement for Platinum Medallion, assuming all other applicable program conditions are satisfied. However, the additional $2,000 MQDs above the Platinum threshold would not carry forward into 2027 qualification activity.

If you are close to the next status level, compare the remaining MQD requirement with the cost and value of any additional qualifying travel. Avoid spending more than necessary simply to accumulate MQDs that will expire at year-end.

When Does Your New MQD Balance Begin?

The next qualification period begins on January 1. Delta resets the MQD balance to zero on or around that date, although account displays and the posting of eligible transactions may not update immediately.

For that reason, check your SkyMiles account rather than assuming that every late-December purchase or flight has already been credited. Eligible activity may take time to appear, and the applicable transaction or travel dates determine which qualification year receives the credit.

How Can You Earn MQDs Before the Year Ends?

If you are trying to reach a Medallion Status threshold, understanding the available earning methods can help you decide whether to take additional action before December 31.

1. Book Eligible Delta Flights

Qualifying Delta-marketed flights can earn MQDs based on eligible ticket spending. Generally, eligible base fares and carrier-imposed surcharges count, while government-imposed taxes and fees do not.

The amount credited can depend on the ticket type, marketing carrier, and applicable program conditions. Delta Main Basic and similar excluded fares do not qualify under the standard rules.

Before booking a year-end trip, check whether the flight and fare qualify. Also remember that a flight scheduled in December but completed in January may count toward the year in which the qualifying travel occurs, depending on the applicable rules.

2. Consider Eligible Partner Airline Flights

Some flights marketed by eligible partner airlines can also earn MQDs. The earning calculation and eligibility conditions may differ depending on the airline, ticketing arrangements, and fare.

If you frequently travel internationally, review the applicable partner earning rules before booking. Do not assume every partner ticket or every dollar spent will earn MQDs at the same rate.

3. Use Eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards

Certain Delta SkyMiles American Express cards provide opportunities to earn MQDs through eligible spending or annual MQD Headstart benefits.

For eligible cards, the applicable earning rate depends on the card product and its current terms. Some eligible cardholders receive an annual MQD Headstart, while eligible purchases may generate additional MQDs.

Keep in mind that qualifying purchases and the date a transaction is reported can affect the qualification year in which MQDs are credited. Returns, credits, and excluded transaction types may also affect the final balance.

4. Review Eligible Delta Vacations Packages

Eligible Delta Vacations packages can provide another way to earn MQDs under the applicable program terms. The amount earned depends on the eligible package price and the rules governing how MQDs are allocated among travelers.

Before purchasing a package to reach a status threshold, check the earning conditions, eligible expenses, and any restrictions that apply to your booking.

How to Check Your MQD Balance Before December 31

Checking your MQD progress regularly can help you avoid surprises when the qualification year ends.

Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your Delta SkyMiles account.

2. Open the Medallion Status or qualification progress section.

3. Review your current MQD balance.

4. Compare your balance with the threshold for your desired status level.

5. Check whether any recent eligible flights, purchases, or other qualifying activities are still awaiting credit.

6. Review the current program rules if you believe qualifying activity is missing.

If you are close to a threshold, allow sufficient time for eligible activity to post. Delta indicates that flight MQDs can take several weeks to appear, and eligible card-spending MQDs can also take time to reach your account.

Do not rely solely on an unposted transaction when deciding whether you have met the annual requirement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Year-End MQDs

Several misunderstandings can make it harder to plan for Medallion Status.

• Expecting excess MQDs to carry over: Unused MQDs are not transferred into the next qualification year.

• Confusing MQDs with redeemable miles: MQDs measure progress toward elite status; they are not a currency for booking award travel.

• Waiting until the last day to check progress: Delayed posting can make it difficult to confirm your final qualification position.

• Assuming all ticket costs qualify: Taxes, fees, excluded fare types, and certain additional charges may not earn MQDs.

• Ignoring the date rules: The timing of completed travel and reported eligible purchases can determine the applicable qualification year.

• Spending unnecessarily to reach a tier: Compare the benefits you expect to use with the additional cost before booking extra travel.

A little preparation can make the year-end process easier and help you avoid spending money based on an incorrect understanding of the rules.

Conclusion

Delta Medallion Qualification Dollars are calculated on an annual basis, making December 31 an important deadline for frequent flyers who want to earn elite status. MQDs do not roll over, and your balance resets to zero on or around January 1 each year.

Your qualifying activity during the calendar year determines whether you meet the requirements for the applicable Medallion Status level. By checking your progress, understanding eligible earning methods, and allowing time for transactions to post, you can make better decisions before the qualification period closes.

The most important rule to remember is simple: earn the MQDs you need within the correct qualification year, because unused MQDs cannot be carried forward to help you qualify the following year.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Do MQDs roll over from one year to another?

No. Delta MQDs do not roll over from one qualification year to the next. Your balance resets to zero on or around January 1 each year.

What happens to unused MQDs at the end of December?

Unused MQDs expire for qualification purposes when the annual period closes. They cannot be saved and added to the following year's MQD balance.

Do MQDs reset on January 1?

Yes. Delta resets MQD balances to zero on or around January 1, when the new calendar-year qualification period begins.

If I earn extra MQDs, can I use them for the next status level next year?

No. Extra MQDs from the previous year do not count toward the next year's qualification. You must earn the required MQDs during the new qualification period.

Are MQDs the same as Delta SkyMiles?

No. SkyMiles are the program's redeemable mileage currency, while MQDs measure qualifying activity toward Medallion Status. MQDs have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for award travel.

Can I earn MQDs through credit card spending?

Yes, eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders can earn MQDs through qualifying purchases and, where applicable, MQD Headstart benefits. Eligibility and earning rates depend on the card's terms.

What happens if my MQDs have not posted before December 31?

Review your SkyMiles account and the terms governing the eligible activity. Posting delays can occur, and the relevant travel or transaction date may determine which qualification year receives the credit.

Does my Medallion Status disappear when my MQDs reset?

No. The annual MQD reset does not automatically cancel status you have already earned. Your status remains subject to its applicable validity dates and program conditions.

Can I transfer MQDs to another SkyMiles member?

No. MQDs are not transferable or assignable to another member.

How can I avoid losing progress at year-end?

Track your MQD balance throughout the year, confirm which activities qualify, and compare your progress with the required threshold well before December 31. Remember that excess MQDs will not roll over.