What Happens to Unused MQDs?

Delta Air Lines uses Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) to determine whether SkyMiles members qualify for elite Medallion Status. If you regularly fly with Delta or use an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express card, you may accumulate MQDs throughout the year. However, what happens when you finish the year with more MQDs than you need—or fall short of the next status level?

Unused MQDs do not roll over to the following year. Delta calculates Medallion Status using qualifying activity during the calendar year, from January 1 through December 31. Your MQD balance resets to zero around January 1, and you must earn MQDs again for the next qualification year.

Understanding this rule can help you plan flights, track eligible spending, and avoid assuming that extra MQDs will give you a head start on next year's status.

Do MQDs Rollover Delta?

No. Under Delta's current Medallion qualification rules, MQDs do not carry over from one calendar year to another. Any MQDs remaining after the qualification year ends cannot be saved for future Medallion Status qualification.

For example, suppose you earn $16,500 MQDs during a qualification year. If you have already reached the threshold for Platinum Medallion Status, the additional amount does not transfer into the next year as a rollover balance.

Likewise, if you finish the year with $4,500 MQDs, you cannot add that amount to the MQDs you earn in the following year. Your new qualification period begins with a reset balance.

This policy applies to MQDs earned through qualifying flights and eligible card benefits, including applicable MQD Headstart and MQD Boost benefits.

Why Does Delta Reset MQDs Each Year?

Delta evaluates Medallion Status annually. Members must meet the applicable MQD requirement during the relevant qualification year to earn the corresponding status for the following Medallion Year.

The annual system means that:

• MQDs earned during one qualification year count toward the applicable status qualification.

• Excess MQDs do not become a balance for the next year.

• Members who do not meet a status threshold must begin accumulating MQDs for the next qualification year.

• Eligible credit card benefits may contribute to the current year's qualification, subject to their terms.

The key distinction is that MQDs are qualification credits, not redeemable SkyMiles. They have no cash value and cannot be exchanged for award tickets or transferred to another member.

What Happens to Extra MQDs After You Reach Medallion Status?

Earning more MQDs than required for your target status does not automatically provide additional elite benefits. Delta uses the applicable annual thresholds to determine your Medallion tier, and surplus MQDs do not roll over into the next qualification year.

For the 2026 qualification year, Delta's published thresholds for earning 2027 Medallion Status are:

Medallion StatusMQDs Required

Silver$5,000

Gold$10,000

Platinum$15,000

Diamond$28,000

These thresholds illustrate why tracking your progress matters. If you reach a particular tier early, additional qualifying activity may still help you reach the next tier, provided you earn enough MQDs before December 31.

However, once the qualification year closes, unused MQDs are not carried forward. There is no standard rollover allowance for members who exceed their target or narrowly miss the next tier.

Can You Use Unused MQDs for Award Flights?

No. MQDs are not the same as redeemable SkyMiles.

Delta uses MQDs to determine eligibility for Medallion Status, while redeemable SkyMiles can be used for eligible rewards, including award travel.

Here is the difference:

• MQDs: Count toward Medallion Status qualification during the applicable year.

• Redeemable SkyMiles: Can be used for eligible award travel and other available rewards.

• Unused MQDs: Cannot be exchanged for miles, converted into cash, or saved for a later qualification year.

If you want to use your rewards for a future trip, focus on accumulating redeemable SkyMiles rather than treating MQDs as a travel currency.

How to Make the Most of Your MQDs Before Year-End

Although Delta does not offer standard MQD rollover, you can make informed decisions to maximize your progress during the current qualification year.

1. Check Your Current MQD Balance

Log in to your SkyMiles account on Delta's website or open the Fly Delta app. Review your current MQD total and compare it with the threshold for your desired Medallion tier.

Check whether recently completed flights and eligible card activity have posted. Some qualifying activity takes time to appear in your account.

2. Calculate How Many MQDs You Still Need

Subtract your current MQD balance from your target tier's requirement.

For example, if your target is Gold Medallion Status, which requires $10,000 MQDs for the 2026 qualification year, and your balance is $8,200, you need another $1,800 MQDs to reach that threshold.

This calculation can help you decide whether additional qualifying travel or eligible card activity makes sense for your circumstances.

3. Understand Which Purchases Earn MQDs

Delta offers several ways to earn MQDs, but not every travel-related expense qualifies.

Depending on the applicable terms, eligible methods include:

• Qualifying Delta-marketed flights.

• Eligible flights marketed by participating partner airlines.

• Eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express card benefits.

• Qualifying Delta Vacations packages and other eligible travel purchases.

For qualifying Delta-marketed flights, MQDs are generally based on the eligible ticket price, including the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges but excluding government-imposed taxes and fees. Basic Economy and other excluded fares may not qualify.

Eligible cardholders may receive MQD Headstart benefits or earn MQDs through eligible purchases under the terms of their particular card.

Always check the current eligibility rules before making a purchase solely to earn MQDs.

4. Avoid Spending Only to Prevent MQDs From Going Unused

Since MQDs expire for qualification purposes at the end of the year, it may be tempting to book unnecessary travel or make additional purchases to increase your balance.

Before doing so, consider the actual value of reaching the next Medallion tier. Compare the cost of qualifying activity with the benefits you realistically expect to use.

If you are far from the next threshold, spending extra money solely to increase your MQD balance may not be worthwhile. If you are close to a tier that offers benefits you frequently use, additional qualifying activity may be more useful.

5. Monitor Posting Deadlines

Do not assume that a booking made near December 31 will necessarily count toward that year's qualification.

Eligibility and posting depend on the type of activity and the applicable program rules. For flight-related MQDs, Delta advises members to allow time for qualifying activity to post after travel.

Check your account regularly, particularly near the end of the year, and contact Delta if eligible activity appears to be missing.

Are MQDs and Rollover MQMs the Same?

No. The confusion often comes from Delta's previous qualification system, which used Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) alongside other qualification measures.

Beginning January 1, 2024, Delta changed its standard Medallion qualification structure to use MQDs. The previous MQM system was discontinued for earning new qualification credit.

Some members had accumulated rollover MQMs under the former system. Delta provided eligible members with options to convert their remaining rollover MQMs into redeemable miles, MQDs, or certain Medallion Status extensions under the transition rules.

Those historical rollover options should not be confused with the current MQD policy.

FeatureMQDsFormer rollover MQMs

Main purposeQualify for Medallion StatusPrevious qualification currency

Standard earning systemCurrent programDiscontinued in 2024

Annual rolloverNoHistorical transition rules applied

Redeemable for award travelNoEligible conversion options were available under the transition rules

If you have questions about a historical MQM conversion or a special status extension, check the specific terms associated with your account. Those arrangements are different from carrying unused MQDs into a new year.

Conclusion

Unused MQDs do not roll over under Delta's current Medallion qualification rules. Your qualification activity is measured annually, and the MQD balance resets around January 1. Even if you finish the year above your target or just below the next status level, the remaining balance cannot be saved for the following year.

The most practical approach is to track your MQDs throughout the year, understand which activities qualify, and compare the cost of additional earning opportunities with the benefits of the next Medallion tier.

If you are planning your next qualification year, remember one simple rule: earn the MQDs you need within the calendar year, because unused MQDs will not give you a head start next year.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Do unused Delta MQDs expire?

Unused MQDs do not carry forward after the qualification year ends. Delta resets the qualification balance to zero around January 1, and the next year's status qualification begins with a new balance.

Do MQDs rollover Delta members can use next year?

No. Delta does not provide standard MQD rollover. MQDs earned during one calendar year cannot be added to the next year's balance.

What happens if I earn more MQDs than I need?

You may qualify for a higher Medallion tier if you meet its threshold before the qualification year ends. Any remaining excess MQDs do not roll over after the year closes.

Can I transfer unused MQDs to another SkyMiles member?

No. MQDs are not transferable or assignable to another member and cannot be gifted. They are tied to the qualifying member's account.

Can unused MQDs be converted into redeemable SkyMiles?

No. MQDs have no cash value and cannot be exchanged for redeemable SkyMiles or award travel.

When does Delta reset MQDs?

The qualification year runs from January 1 through December 31. Delta states that MQD balances reset to zero on or about January 1 of each calendar year.

Do MQDs earned with a Delta American Express card roll over?

No. MQDs earned through eligible card benefits count toward the applicable qualification year and do not roll over. Card-specific earning rates, eligibility rules, and posting timelines still apply.

Do Delta MQDs count toward the following year's Medallion Status?

MQDs earned during a qualification year determine eligibility for the subsequent Medallion Year. For example, qualifying activity during 2026 determines eligibility for 2027 status. However, the MQDs themselves do not carry into 2027 as a rollover balance.

What is the difference between MQDs and SkyMiles?

MQDs measure progress toward Medallion Status. Redeemable SkyMiles are a separate reward currency that members can use for eligible award travel and other rewards.

Can I earn MQDs after reaching Platinum Medallion Status?

Yes. Eligible activity can continue to increase your MQD total during the qualification year. Additional MQDs may help you reach Diamond Medallion Status if you meet its threshold, but any remaining balance will not roll over into the next year.