Will Delta MQD Rollover in 2026?

If you are working toward Delta Medallion Status, one question can make a big difference when planning your travel: Will Delta MQD rollover in 2026?

The short answer is no. Delta Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) do not roll over from one qualification year to the next under Delta's current rules. MQDs earned during a calendar year are used to determine the applicable Medallion Status, and the MQD balance resets around January 1 of the following year.

That means MQDs sitting in your account at the end of 2026 cannot simply be carried into 2027 to help you reach the next year's status threshold.

Understanding this rule is important because Delta's current Medallion program is based on MQDs rather than the older MQM system. Planning when you earn your MQDs can help you avoid ending the year with an amount that does not contribute toward the next qualification cycle.

What Does Delta MQD Rollover Mean?

The term delta mqd rollover refers to the idea of carrying unused Medallion Qualification Dollars from one qualification year into another.

For example, suppose you finish a qualification year with $12,000 MQDs after earning the status you wanted. Under a rollover system, you might expect those extra MQDs to remain available for the next qualification year.

Delta does not currently operate that way.

Delta states that MQDs will not extend or roll over from year to year. The MQD balance is reset to zero around January 1, while Medallion Status qualification is calculated annually based on activity during the applicable Qualification Year.

Why the Annual MQD Reset Matters

Delta's Qualification Year runs from January 1 through December 31.

MQDs earned during that period count toward the Medallion Status associated with that qualification cycle. For example, spending and qualifying activity during calendar year 2026 is used toward 2027 Medallion Status. Delta currently lists the 2027 thresholds as:

• Silver Medallion: $5,000 MQDs

• Gold Medallion: $10,000 MQDs

• Platinum Medallion: $15,000 MQDs

• Diamond Medallion: $28,000 MQDs

These thresholds apply to activity during January 1 through December 31, 2026.

Once the qualification year ends, the MQD balance does not become a starting balance for the next qualification year.

Do Extra MQDs Carry Over After Reaching Status?

No. Reaching a Medallion tier does not turn unused MQDs into a rollover balance.

Consider a traveler who earns $17,000 MQDs during 2026. That amount is enough to meet the current $15,000 requirement for Platinum Medallion Status for the following Medallion Year. The additional $2,000 does not become a rollover balance for the next qualification year.

The same principle applies regardless of whether your MQDs came primarily from eligible Delta flights, eligible partner activity, Delta Vacations, or qualifying Delta SkyMiles American Express Card activity.

The important distinction is that earning more MQDs can help you reach a higher status tier during the current qualification cycle, but excess MQDs are not banked for future qualification years.

What Happens to MQDs on January 1?

Delta's published terms say MQD balances reset to zero on or about January 1 of each calendar year. The new qualification year then begins with a fresh MQD calculation.

In practical terms:

1. You earn eligible MQDs throughout the year.

2. Your MQDs accumulate toward that year's qualification target.

3. Your final qualifying activity determines the applicable Medallion Status.

4. The qualification year closes on December 31.

5. The MQD balance resets around January 1.

6. You begin earning toward the next qualification year.

This is why travelers should think of MQDs as annual qualification progress, rather than a long-term account balance.

How Can You Earn MQDs in 2026?

Delta currently provides several ways for eligible SkyMiles members to earn MQDs.

Delta and Partner Flights

Eligible Delta-marketed flights can earn MQDs based on qualifying spending. Delta says MQDs generally include the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges while excluding government-imposed taxes and fees. Certain eligible partner-airline activity can also contribute.

Not every amount paid for a trip automatically becomes MQD credit. Items such as certain fees, purchases, and ancillary services may be excluded.

Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards

Eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members can earn MQDs through qualifying card activity.

Delta currently describes MQD Headstart and MQD Boost opportunities for eligible Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve, and Reserve Business cards. For example, eligible cardmembers can receive a $2,500 MQD Headstart during a qualification year, subject to the applicable terms.

The MQDs earned through these benefits are still subject to the annual qualification-year system. They do not create a permanent MQD balance.

Delta Vacations

Eligible Delta Vacations bookings can also generate MQDs. The calculation can depend on the package price, passengers, flight component, and applicable Delta rules.

Because Delta Vacations MQDs can take time to post, travelers should not necessarily wait until the final days of December if they are close to a status threshold. Delta notes that eligible MQDs may take several weeks to appear after qualifying activity.

Is Delta MQD Rollover Different From Rollover MQMs?

Yes, and this distinction causes considerable confusion.

MQDs and MQMs are different things.

Delta previously used Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) as part of its status system. Beginning January 1, 2024, Delta stopped awarding MQMs for Medallion Status qualification.

Delta also provided a temporary conversion process for members who had eligible Rollover MQM balances from the previous program. Those members could convert their final Rollover MQMs into miles, MQDs, or, where eligible, Medallion Status extensions. The selection period ended December 31, 2024.

That historical Rollover MQM process should not be confused with an ongoing delta mqd rollover feature.

There is currently no general provision allowing unused MQDs from one qualification year to be carried into the next.

What Should You Do Before the End of 2026?

If you are trying to qualify for or maintain Delta Medallion Status, keep track of your MQD progress before December 31.

A practical approach is to:

• Check your current MQD balance regularly.

• Confirm which purchases or flights are eligible.

• Calculate how many MQDs you still need for your target status.

• Leave enough time for qualifying activity to post.

• Review your account in the Delta app or on Delta's website.

• Avoid assuming unused MQDs will help you in the following year.

Delta says members can check MQD progress for the current qualification year through their SkyMiles account on Delta.com or in the Fly Delta app.

Don't Confuse MQDs With Miles

SkyMiles and MQDs serve different purposes.

SkyMiles are primarily used for award travel and other redemption opportunities. MQDs, on the other hand, are used to measure qualifying activity toward Medallion Status.

MQDs have no cash value and cannot simply be redeemed like SkyMiles. Delta also states that MQDs are not transferable to another SkyMiles member.

This difference is another reason why an MQD balance should not be treated like a traditional rewards account.

Conclusion

The answer to “Will Delta MQD rollover in 2026?” is currently no. Delta's Medallion program treats MQDs as annual qualification progress, and the MQD balance resets around the beginning of each new calendar year.

For travelers pursuing 2027 Medallion Status, 2026 MQDs need to be earned during the 2026 Qualification Year. The current thresholds are $5,000 for Silver, $10,000 for Gold, $15,000 for Platinum, and $28,000 for Diamond.

The most useful strategy is therefore to monitor your MQD progress throughout the year instead of expecting unused MQDs to carry forward. If you are close to a status threshold near the end of December, also consider posting delays when planning qualifying flights, purchases, or other eligible activity.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Will Delta MQD rollover in 2026?

No. Under Delta's current rules, MQDs do not roll over from one qualification year to another. The MQD balance resets around January 1 each calendar year.

Do unused MQDs expire?

MQDs are tied to the qualification year rather than functioning as an indefinitely available balance. At the end of the qualification year, the MQD balance resets for the new qualification cycle.

Can extra MQDs help me qualify for the next year?

No. Excess MQDs from one qualification year do not become MQDs for the following qualification year.

What happens to my MQDs after December 31, 2026?

Your 2026 qualification activity closes at the end of the calendar year. The MQD balance then resets around January 1, and the new qualification year begins.

Can Delta change its MQD rollover policy?

Delta can change SkyMiles and Medallion Program rules. Therefore, travelers should check the current program terms when planning for a future qualification year.

Do Delta credit card MQDs roll over?

No. MQDs earned through eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card benefits are associated with the applicable qualification year. They do not create a permanent rollover balance.

Can Delta Vacations MQDs roll over?

No. Eligible Delta Vacations MQDs count toward the applicable qualification year and are subject to the same annual MQD framework.

Are MQDs the same as MQMs?

No. MQMs were part of Delta's previous Medallion qualification system. Delta stopped awarding MQMs for status qualification beginning January 1, 2024.

How can I check my MQD balance?

You can check your current MQD progress by signing into your SkyMiles account on Delta.com or using the Fly Delta app.

What are the 2026 MQD thresholds for 2027 status?

For activity during calendar year 2026, Delta currently lists $5,000 for Silver, $10,000 for Gold, $15,000 for Platinum, and $28,000 for Diamond Medallion Status.