Delta allows you to transfer miles to another person's account, but the process has strict rules about who can receive them and how much it costs

You can transfer Delta SkyMiles to a family member, friend, or anyone else with a SkyMiles account. Delta charges a fee based on how many miles you're moving: $0.01 per mile, with a $35 minimum and $250 maximum per transfer. So transferring 5,000 miles costs $50 (5,000 × $0.01), but transferring 30,000 miles still costs the $250 cap. The recipient's account must be active and in good standing, and you cannot transfer miles to someone under 18 or to a business account.

Transfers take 2 to 4 business days to show up in the recipient's account once Delta processes your request. You'll need the recipient's SkyMiles number and full name exactly as it appears on their account. There's no limit on how many transfers you can make, but Delta flags unusual activity—transferring miles repeatedly in a short period or to multiple accounts may trigger a review.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta charges $0.01 per mile transferred, with a $35 minimum and $250 maximum fee per transaction.
  • The recipient must have an active SkyMiles account in their own name and be 18 or older.
  • You initiate transfers through your Delta account online or by calling Delta Reservations; the process takes 2 to 4 business days.
  • Miles transferred as a gift cannot be transferred again by the recipient—they're locked into that account once received.

How to start a transfer through your Delta account online

Log into your SkyMiles account on Delta's website and go to the "Manage Miles" section. Look for the option labeled "Transfer Miles" or "Send Miles." You'll enter the recipient's SkyMiles number, their full name as registered on their account, and the number of miles you want to send. Delta will show you the fee before you confirm.

Review the details carefully—the recipient's name and account number must match exactly, or the transfer will fail or go to the wrong person. Once you confirm, Delta processes the request and sends a confirmation email to both your account and the recipient's registered email address. The miles won't appear in their account immediately; allow 2 to 4 business days.

Transferring miles by phone with Delta Reservations

Call Delta Reservations at 1-800-323-2732 and tell them you want to transfer miles. Have the recipient's SkyMiles number and full name ready. A representative will walk you through the transfer, confirm the fee, and process it over the phone. This method takes the same 2 to 4 business days to complete as online transfers.

Phone transfers are useful if you're unsure about the recipient's account details or if you run into an error online. The representative can verify the recipient's account is active and may be able to access before you pay the fee, which saves you money if there's a problem. You'll receive a confirmation number for your records.

What happens if the transfer fails or the recipient rejects it

If Delta can't complete the transfer—usually because the recipient's account number or name doesn't match—the miles stay in your account and you're not charged. Delta will email you explaining why the transfer didn't go through. You can correct the information and try again.

Once miles land in a recipient's account, they own them and can't send them back to you. Delta doesn't reverse transfers or refund the fee if you change your mind. If you're transferring miles as a gift and want to make sure the recipient knows, send them a separate message with the confirmation details.

Rules about who can receive transferred miles

The recipient must be 18 or older and have an active SkyMiles account. Their account cannot be suspended, closed, or flagged for fraud. Business accounts and corporate SkyMiles programs cannot receive transferred miles. If the recipient's account is in their legal name but they go by a nickname or middle name, use the legal name registered with Delta—mismatches cause transfers to fail.

You cannot transfer miles to a minor, even if they have a SkyMiles account. If you want to give miles to a family member under 18, you'll need to wait until they turn 18 and have their own account, or explore other options like booking a ticket for them directly using your own miles.

Alternatives if you don't want to pay the transfer fee

Instead of transferring miles, you can book a ticket for someone else using your miles and have them use that ticket. This avoids the $0.01-per-mile fee entirely. You'll need the passenger's name and date of birth, and you can book the ticket directly through your SkyMiles account or by calling Delta.

Another option is to add someone as an authorized user on your SkyMiles account if you're comfortable sharing access. Authorized users can view your balance and book flights using your miles, but they can't transfer miles out. This works well for spouses or adult family members you trust with your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer miles to someone in another country?

Yes, as long as they have an active SkyMiles account. The account must be registered with a valid name and address, but it doesn't have to be in the United States. The transfer fee and timeline are the same.

What's the maximum number of miles I can transfer at once?

There's no limit on the number of miles per transfer, but the fee caps at $250. You can transfer 100,000 miles and still pay only $250. You can make multiple transfers if you want to move more miles to different people.

Do transferred miles expire?

Transferred miles follow the same expiration rules as miles you earn. SkyMiles don't expire as long as your account has activity (flights, purchases, transfers) within 24 months. Once transferred, the miles are the recipient's responsibility to use or maintain.

Can the recipient transfer the miles I send them to someone else?

No. Miles received as a transfer cannot be transferred again. They're locked into that account permanently. The recipient can only use them to book flights or other Delta rewards.

Is there a waiting period before I can transfer miles after earning them?

No. You can transfer miles immediately after they post to your account. There's no holding period, though Delta may review accounts that transfer miles very frequently or in unusual patterns.