Both of my Delta Platinum cards received this targeted offer: for every $1,000 spent, you can earn an extra 500 miles and 500 MQMs. The cap is $50,000 in spending, for a total of up to 25,000 bonus miles + 25,000 MQMs. This is actually a very solid offer, because the card itself already comes with a big-spending bonus of 10,000 MQMs after $25,000 in spending, and you can earn that twice per year. If your welcome bonus at the time you applied included 5,000 MQMs, then by spending $50,000 you could upgrade directly to Delta Gold Medallion status and also earn 75,000 Delta miles total:
- Targeted spending offer: spend $50,000, earn 25,000 miles + 25,000 MQMs
- Big-spending bonus: spend $50,000, earn 20,000 MQMs
- Welcome bonus: 5,000 MQMs
- MQD Waiver: earned after spending $25,000
That adds up to exactly 50,000 MQMs + the MQD Waiver, enough to qualify for Delta Gold.
Even better, Delta MQMs can roll over to the next year. That means you could start next year with 50,000 MQMs, then spend another $50,000 to earn 20,000 MQMs, and after finding another 5,000 MQMs somehow, you could move up to Delta Platinum status.
As for elite benefits, Silver and above get complimentary upgrades and free checked bags. If you reach Platinum, the benefits get even better, and you can choose from the rewards below.
Overall, if you fly Delta often, this is a promotion worth putting some spending on.