Originally Posted by
KDCAflyer
That's the first time I've ever seen a major US airline offer status with an entry level credit card (or any card, for that matter).
fwiw you can get the Delta Amex Plat ($350) and Reserve ($650) which gives you enough starter MQD for Silver Medallion status (comprable to Premier Silver) without taking a single flight! This United offer still requires the 4 PQFs. For delta, you can do it again with the business versions of the cars and get "automatic" Gold with all the starter MQDs added up from the 4 cards!