Can I earn Delta Medallion status using only my Amex points?

Not quite. You can’t earn status from points alone — but by booking paid Delta flights using Amex Travel with Membership Rewards and choosing the right flights, you'll still earn MQDs toward elite status.

Do flights using Insider Fares actually count toward status?

Yes, as long as they are paid flights (not award-only tickets) and qualify under Delta’s MQD guidelines, you can rack up Medallion Qualification Dollars efficiently.

Is booking through Amex Travel more expensive than booking directly with Delta?

Not always. In fact, Amex Insider Fares can be cheaper than those listed on Delta.com. Plus, with the 35% rebate on points, you’re getting more value per trip.

Does the Amex Business Platinum 35% rebate apply to all flights?

No — it only applies when you use Membership Rewards points to book flights in business/first class or economy on your selected airline. Make sure Delta is your selected carrier to activate this perk.

Is this worth it for people who don’t travel for work?

Absolutely. Even if you fly only occasionally but value perks like upgrades, lounge access, and waived baggage fees, this strategy can be extremely worthwhile — especially if you’re already earning Amex points through personal or side business spend.

How I Leveraged My Amex Business Platinum Benefits for Delta Medallion Status in 2025

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You can earn Delta Medallion Status without setting foot on a plane — by making the most of your Amex Business Platinum Card perks.
Insider Fares and a 35% points rebate helped me stretch my Membership Rewards and score elite status perks like upgrades and waived fees.
Delta Medallion Status tiers — Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond — offer increasing benefits valued by frequent and luxury flyers.
This travel hack is ideal for entrepreneurs, business travelers, and digital nomads looking to add comfort to their journeys with smart credit card use.
Learn exactly how I leveraged my Amex Business Platinum benefits for Delta Medallion status, and how you can do it too in 2025.

Why Earning Delta Medallion Status Without Flying Is a Game-Changer

Delta Medallion Status has long rewarded loyal flyers with extra comfort and convenience. But for many travelers, especially those mixing work and leisure or running their own businesses, clocking the actual air miles can be a challenge.

That’s where the Amex Business Platinum steps in — if you’re already spending for your business (or even remote work life), it makes sense to funnel that spend through a card that comes packed with travel perks.

Here’s why combining Amex and Delta is so powerful:

Delta’s elite tiers come with lounge access, waived fees, better seat selection, and free upgrades — even on award tickets.
The Amex Business Platinum Card earns Membership Rewards® points, which you can redeem for flights through Amex Travel with significant rebates.
By selecting Delta as your preferred airline, you unlock up to 35% of your points back on eligible flights booked with points.
Booking through Amex Insider Fares often means lower fares, allowing you to stretch your points — and credit card perks — further.

For example, when booking a $500 Delta flight, instead of paying 50,000 points, you might use just 40,000 (with Insider Fare) and still get 14,000 back due to the rebate — turning one fare into multiple qualification opportunities.

Best Way to Leverage Amex Business Platinum Benefits for Delta Medallion Status

So, how exactly did I leverage my Amex Business Platinum benefits for Delta Medallion status?

Here’s the strategy I used:

✅ I selected Delta as my designated airline in my American Express account settings (a crucial first step to qualify for the 35% rebate and fee credits).
✈️ I searched Delta flights on the Amex Travel portal and specifically targeted flights that earned Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), not just SkyMiles.
💺 I used points to book “Insider Fares,” which are often discounted compared to publicly available rates on Delta.com.
🔁 After booking, I received 35% of the points back in my Membership Rewards account, effectively discounting each flight substantially.
🪙 By focusing on high-MQD flights (often longer domestic or international legs), I stacked up enough spend to qualify for Delta Silver Medallion in just a few months.

What Are the Delta Medallion Tiers — and Are They Worth It?

Here’s a quick breakdown of Delta’s elite tiers and what you get for each:

Tier	MQD Requirement (2025)	Key Benefits
Silver	$6,000 MQDs	Free upgrades, 1st checked bag, priority boarding
Gold	$12,000 MQDs	Better upgrade priority, lounge access (with Amex Platinum if flying Delta), waived fees
Platinum	$18,000 MQDs	Regional upgrade certificates, even higher upgrade chances
Diamond	$28,000 MQDs	International upgrade eligibility, Sky Club membership, complimentary CLEAR Plus

And the value? According to estimates from frequent flyers and analysts, even Silver status can be worth $800–$1,200 annually, depending on how often you fly Delta.

For business travelers, remote workers, or luxury nomads constantly on the move, this is a smart way to convert everyday spend into elite treatment.

If you want the full story behind this strategy, check out Eric Rosen’s breakdown in the article, How I leveraged my Amex Business Platinum benefits for Delta Medallion status.

How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way

If you’re interested in replicating this strategy for yourself, here’s how to break it down:

✅ Choose Delta as your preferred airline in your Amex Business Platinum settings (do this first).
🏃‍♂️ Open your Amex Travel account and search Delta flights that earn MQDs — not award-only or basic economy fares.
🛫 Use your points to book “Insider Fares” — they’re often cheaper and less restrictive than public options.
🪙 Confirm you’re getting the 35% points back (applies only if Delta is your selected airline).
📊 Track both your MQDs and points balances — Delta’s site and the Amex account portal both make this easy.
🧳 Pack like a pro with reliable smart travel gear for business trips or high-efficiency getaways.

If you’re flying soon, you can compare flights for your dates and check if your route qualifies toward MQDs.

HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for This Trip

This is precisely the kind of tactical move that aligns with the HopStrip travel mindset — be smart, flexible, and intentional about your trips. Here are some of our favorite supporting strategies:

Stack Business Platinum benefits with airline loyalty to maximize lifestyle and convenience without overspending.
Combine your Delta flights with curated destinations from the best guided experiences and tours on the ground.
Use airport lounge access while in transit (Amex Platinum includes Centurion and Delta Sky Clubs when you fly Delta).
Book accommodation early and check hotel prices for your stay to align your trip seamlessly with conference travel or tax-deductible work-related bookings.
Need an airport pickup or tight transfer window? Get peace of mind and book a fixed-rate airport transfer with pickup scheduling.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

FAQ: How I Leveraged My Amex Business Platinum Benefits for Delta Medallion Status

Q: Can I earn Delta Medallion status using only my Amex points?
A: Not quite. You can’t earn status from points alone — but by booking paid Delta flights using Amex Travel with Membership Rewards and choosing the right flights, you’ll still earn MQDs toward elite status.
Q: Do flights using Insider Fares actually count toward status?
A: Yes, as long as they are paid flights (not award-only tickets) and qualify under Delta’s MQD guidelines, you can rack up Medallion Qualification Dollars efficiently.
Q: Is booking through Amex Travel more expensive than booking directly with Delta?
A: Not always. In fact, Amex Insider Fares can be cheaper than those listed on Delta.com. Plus, with the 35% rebate on points, you’re getting more value per trip.
Q: Does the Amex Business Platinum 35% rebate apply to all flights?
A: No — it only applies when you use Membership Rewards points to book flights in business/first class or economy on your selected airline. Make sure Delta is your selected carrier to activate this perk.
Q: Is this worth it for people who don’t travel for work?
A: Absolutely. Even if you fly only occasionally but value perks like upgrades, lounge access, and waived baggage fees, this strategy can be extremely worthwhile — especially if you’re already earning Amex points through personal or side business spend.

Final Thoughts: Why This One Card Can Upgrade Your Entire Year

If there’s one travel hack that changed how I plan flights, it’s realizing how I leveraged my Amex Business Platinum benefits for Delta Medallion status without spending a cent on over-the-top mileage runs.

With smart booking choices, Insider Fares, and a dash of strategy, you can unlock elite travel treatments — free upgrades, priority access, and waived fees — in a way that feels earned, not forced.

Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or starting to fly more for business or leisure, this move puts comfort and convenience within your reach — without breaking your travel budget.

Looking to take this even further? Pair flights with local discoveries by booking unique tours and activities once you land, and treat yourself to the full premium travel lifestyle — one hop at a time.