Delta and American Express Roll Out Expanded Status Boost Benefits

Albeit expensive, the latest change on Delta Air Lines’ high-end co-brand credit cards with American Express can earn status from spending alone. The pair are extending the Status Boost benefit of the SkyMiles Platinum and SkyMiles Reserve cards, adding extra miles for meeting spending requirements.

It’s no secret that Delta Air Lines’ relationship with American Express is lucrative for both parties. Now, to encourage even more spending on the two highest-end airline co-branded cards, the two are offering more elite qualifying miles through the “Status Boost” benefit. CNN Underscored reports the both cards will now earn even more bonus miles when flyers hit spending goals.

Status Boost Moves to 12,500 EQMs for SkyMiles Platinum, 18,750 for SkyMiles Reserve

Starting in the 2021 calendar year, flyers will get even more miles when they hit spending thresholds with the two premier cards offered by Delta SkyMiles and American Express: The SkyMiles Platinum and SkyMiles Reserve cards.

Previously, flyers would earn 10,000 elite qualifying miles for spending $25,000 on the SkyMiles Platinum during a calendar year, while SkyMiles Reserve cardholders would get 15,000 elite qualifying miles after spending $30,000 in the same time period. In 2021, spending $25,000 on the SkyMiles Platinum card in a calendar year will earn flyers 12,500 elite qualifying miles. Those spending $30,000 on the SkyMiles Reserve will get 18,750 elite qualifying miles.

Under the current terms and conditions, Platinum cardholders can earn the bonus twice each year, while Reserve cardholders can earn the boost four times with a spend of $120,000 on the SkyMiles Reserve cards. Maximizing the spend would not only trigger the elite qualifying dollar waiver given to cardholders, but also earn Platinum cardholders 25,000 elite qualifying miles, while maximizing spend from the SkyMiles Reserve would earn 75,000 elite qualifying. Platinum cardholders could potentially earn enough miles to get Medallion Silver status, while Reserve cardholders could maximize their spend to earn Platinum status, respectively.

Current SkyMiles Medallion elite flyers will not need to worry about re-qualifying for their status. In April 2020, the Atlanta-based airline announced all status would be extended for an additional year, giving current elites Medallion recognition through the 2021 calendar year.

American Express Remains SkyMiles Biggest Partner

While the additional miles are a generous nod to big spenders, it also directly benefits both Delta and credit card partner American Express. In a September 2020 presentation on the SkyMiles program, Delta noted that the financial institution was their largest loyalty partner, contributing over $4 billion to the program in 2019 alone – nearly quadruple the business compared to 2009.