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Buy Miles for You FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about buying miles for yourself. If your question or comment has not been addressed, feel free to email us.
- Are these miles different from the miles I earn when I fly?
- What is the maximum number of miles I can purchase?
- Do the miles I receive as a gift or through the SkyMiles Incentives program count toward the 60,000-mile cap?
- Once I purchase miles, how and when can I verify that they've been credited to my account?
- If I use my Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, will I earn double miles?
- Is my order secure, and is the personal information provided for this purchase kept confidential?
- Why does a SkyMiles account have to be 10 days or older and have a Total Lifetime Balance greater than zero before I can Gift or Transfer miles to them?
Are these miles different from the miles I earn when I fly?
Yes. These miles are purchased, but like all Delta miles, these miles are redeemable for Award Travel, upgrades, and non-travel benefits (see the SkyMiles Membership Guide & Program Rules for details). However, purchased miles do not count toward qualification for any Medallion® or Million Miler® status.
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to topWhat is the maximum number of miles I can purchase?
Any individual may deposit a maximum of 60,000 miles in their own account within any calendar year through Buy Miles for You. For example, you can buy 60,000 miles for yourself and a friend or family member can give you a 60,000 mile gift within the same calendar year through Gift Miles. If you purchase another 6,000 miles (purchased in 2,000 mile increments) for yourself later in the year, it will be set aside. You will receive an email notification of the limit, and you'll have the option to either:
- wait for the next calendar year to claim the excess miles, or
- give the miles as a gift to someone else.
Do the miles I receive as a gift or through the SkyMiles Incentives program count toward the 60,000-mile cap?
No. Miles you receive as a gift or from companies or organizations through the SkyMiles Incentives program do not count toward the 60,000-mile cap. Only miles purchased by individuals count toward the 60,000-mile cap.
Once I purchase miles, how and when can I verify that they've been credited to my account?
Most miles will post within 24–48 hours. After that time, you can view your Account History to verify that the miles have posted.
If I use my Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, will I earn double miles?
Yes. As with all Delta purchases, you will earn two miles for every dollar you spend when you purchase miles with your Delta SkyMiles Credit Card. For example, if you charge $236.50 USD to your Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express to purchase 8,000 miles for yourself, American Express will post an additional 473 ($236.50 x 2) miles to your SkyMiles account.
Is my order secure, and is the personal information provided for this purchase kept confidential?
Your order is protected and personal information kept confidential in accordance with our Privacy & Security Policy.
Why does a SkyMiles account have to be 10 days or older and have a Total Lifetime Balance greater than zero before I can Gift or Transfer miles to them?
Due to an increase of fraudulent SkyMiles accounts being established, Delta has implemented restrictions in order to protect the value and security of the SkyMiles Program.
Terms and conditions apply to all offers and SkyMiles benefits. See specific offer for details, and visit SkyMiles Membership Guide & Program Rules.
+Subject to government approval.