Delta Air Lines miles can offer excellent value for certain redemptions. Fortunately, if you need to increase your Delta SkyMiles balance, a simple method is by utilizing the SkyMiles Dining program.
This manual explains how to accumulate Delta miles through the SkyMiles Dining program. We’ll also evaluate the top rewards credit cards to utilize and assist you in determining if the SkyMiles Dining program is the optimal dining rewards program for your needs.
How to enroll in the SkyMiles Dining program
You can sign up for the SkyMiles Dining program on the internet by entering your name, ZIP code, SkyMiles number, and email address.
You will also need to set a password for your account and agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. It is advisable to also opt in to receive program emails. This action will make you eligible for higher earnings and the new member bonus (further details provided below).
After joining the program, you need to register at least one credit or debit card. When you use a registered card at participating restaurants, bars, or clubs, you will receive bonus miles via the SkyMiles Dining program.
New member bonus
If you’re a newcomer to SkyMiles Dining, you might be eligible for a new member bonus. The rewards differ based on your sign-up date but typically provide additional miles for your initial few dining experiences within a specified period.
To qualify for bonus miles, you often need to meet a small minimum spending amount each time you eat out. Additionally, you generally must stay subscribed to receive emails and submit an online review within 30 days of each restaurant visit.
Related: These airline and hotel programs provide complimentary points upon registration.
Tips for accumulating miles through the SkyMiles Dining program
To earn miles with the program, you need to dine at a participating restaurant, bar, or club. Visit the SkyMiles Dining website and enter your city or ZIP code to find local participating restaurants.
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After locating a participating restaurant, select “Learn more” to verify that the day you intend to dine is eligible.
Use an enrolled card for payment, and your miles will be credited to your dining account within five days. Your miles should then show up in your SkyMiles account within one to two weeks.
Your earnings are determined by your tier within the SkyMiles Dining program. These tiers are entirely separate from the Delta Medallion elite status levels. The following are the tiers available in the SkyMiles Dining program:
| Level | How to attain this level | Rate of earnings at this stage |
|---|---|---|
| Member | Enroll in the SkyMiles Dining program without opting in for email notifications. | 1 mile per $2 |
| Select | Choose to get email updates from SkyMiles Dining. | 3 miles per dollar |
| VIP | Choose to receive email notifications from SkyMiles Dining and successfully complete 11 eligible transactions within a single calendar year. | 5 miles per dollar |
VIP status remains effective both during the year in which it is achieved and the following year, provided you continue to opt-in for email communications.
Related: How to extract value from 5,000 or fewer Delta SkyMiles
What cards to utilize with the SkyMiles Dining program
You can register nearly any card in the SkyMiles Dining program, with the exception of Diners Club and internationally issued JBL cards. Since the miles accumulated through SkyMiles Dining are in addition to any rewards earned on your credit card, it’s advisable to enroll and use one of the top cards for dining to optimize your earnings. Here are some of TPG’s recommended cards to consider:
To accumulate additional Delta miles, consider signing up for and using a Delta-branded credit card. For instance, theDelta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card from American Express and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card from American ExpressEarn 2 miles for every dollar spent on dining at restaurants across the globe, including takeout and delivery in the United States.
Related: Is it possible to earn points and miles from two different dining rewards programs at the same time?
Is participating in the SkyMiles Dining program beneficial?
It’s definitely beneficial to register your dining cards in a dining rewards program. Enrollment is simple and free, and you can earn extra rewards when you dine at participating restaurants.
The issue at hand is determining which dining rewards program suits you best. Remember, you can only register each card in one of the Rewards Network-operated dining rewards programs at any given time. Here are a few other dining rewards programs to think about:
Certain programs might offer a higher return than the SkyMiles Dining program, particularly if you don’t intend to subscribe to email communications or dine out often enough to achieve VIP status.
The SkyMiles Dining program could be beneficial if you require additional SkyMiles for an imminent redemption or generally receive excellent value when using Delta SkyMiles.
Here are 5 important facts about Delta SkyMiles you should be aware of.
Bottom line
The SkyMiles Dining program is among several dining rewards programs available. To maximize your Delta SkyMiles earnings, consider registering some of the credit cards you frequently use at restaurants with the SkyMiles Dining program.