You can transfer Delta SkyMiles to another person, but only through specific methods and with restrictions

Delta allows you to move SkyMiles from your account to someone else's, but the process depends on your relationship to that person and whether you're transferring to an existing SkyMiles member or creating a new account for them. You cannot simply send miles to a random email address — Delta requires either a family relationship, a registered transfer partner, or use of their formal gifting program. The recipient must have a valid SkyMiles account (or you create one for them), and Delta charges a fee for most transfers.

The most straightforward route for most people is Delta's SkyMiles gift card, which lets you purchase miles and send them to someone else's account without needing to know their account number. If you want to transfer miles directly from your own account, you'll need to use one of Delta's partner programs or request a manual transfer through customer service, both of which come with costs and waiting periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta's SkyMiles gift card is the easiest way to send miles to anyone with a SkyMiles account, and you can purchase it online without calling customer service.
  • Direct transfers from your account to another person's account require either a family relationship or enrollment in Delta's transfer partner program, and Delta charges per mile transferred.
  • You cannot transfer miles to someone without an active SkyMiles account unless you first help them open one or purchase a gift card in their name.
  • All transfers are permanent and non-refundable once processed, so verify the recipient's account details before completing any transfer.

Using Delta's SkyMiles Gift Card (Fastest Option)

The SkyMiles gift card is Delta's primary tool for sending miles to others. You purchase a specific number of miles through Delta's website, and the recipient receives a code they redeem into their own SkyMiles account. This method works whether the recipient is a family member, friend, or colleague, and you don't need their account number — only their email address to send the gift code.

To buy a gift card, visit delta.com, navigate to the SkyMiles section, and select "Buy SkyMiles." Choose the number of miles you want to purchase (Delta sets minimum and maximum amounts that change periodically), enter the recipient's email address, and complete payment. Delta will email the recipient a code they can redeem immediately. The recipient must have an active SkyMiles account to redeem the code; if they don't have one, they can create a free account first and then redeem the miles.

Delta charges a fee for gift card purchases — the cost per mile is higher than the rate you'd pay if you were buying miles for your own account. This fee is built into the purchase price, so you'll see the total cost upfront before you pay. The exact fee structure varies, so check the current rates on delta.com when you're ready to purchase.

Direct Account-to-Account Transfers for Family Members

If you want to transfer miles directly from your SkyMiles account to a family member's account, Delta allows this without going through the gift card system. Family members are defined as your spouse, domestic partner, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, or grandchildren. You'll need the recipient's SkyMiles account number and their full name as it appears in their account.

To initiate a family transfer, contact Delta SkyMiles customer service by phone at 1-800-323-2323 or through your SkyMiles account online. You'll provide the recipient's account number and the number of miles you want to transfer. Delta will process the transfer, which typically takes 24 to 48 hours. There is no fee for family member transfers, which makes this the most cost-effective option if the recipient is a may have access to relative.

Both you and the recipient must have active SkyMiles accounts in good standing. Delta may ask for proof of the family relationship if the transfer is large or if there's any question about the connection. Once the transfer is complete, it cannot be reversed, so make sure you have the correct account number before you submit the request.

Transfers Through Delta's Transfer Partner Program

Delta's transfer partner program lets you send miles to people outside your family, but it requires both you and the recipient to be enrolled in the program. This is a formal opt-in feature, not automatic for all SkyMiles members. To use it, you must first register for the program through your SkyMiles account, and the recipient must do the same on their end.

Once both accounts are enrolled, you can transfer miles directly. Delta charges a fee per mile transferred — typically a few cents per mile, though the exact rate is set by Delta and can change. The transfer takes 24 to 48 hours to process. You'll need the recipient's SkyMiles account number to complete the transfer.

To enroll in the transfer partner program, log into your SkyMiles account, go to the account settings or preferences section, and look for options related to transferring or gifting miles. If you don't see it immediately, contact Delta SkyMiles customer service to confirm whether the program is currently available and how to register.

What Happens When the Recipient Doesn't Have a SkyMiles Account

If the person you want to send miles to doesn't have a SkyMiles account yet, you have two options: help them open a free account first, or purchase a SkyMiles gift card and have them create an account to redeem it.

Opening a SkyMiles account is free and takes about five minutes. The recipient can do it themselves at delta.com by clicking "Join SkyMiles" and entering their email, name, and date of birth. Once their account is active, you can transfer miles to them using any of the methods above. Alternatively, you can purchase a gift card and send them the redemption code — they can create their account and redeem the miles in the same process.

Fees and Costs You Should Know

Delta charges for most mile transfers, with the exception of transfers to family members. SkyMiles gift cards carry a per-mile fee built into the purchase price, making them more expensive than buying miles for your own account. Transfer partner program transfers also charge a per-mile fee. The exact amounts vary and are subject to change, so check delta.com or contact customer service for current pricing before you commit to a transfer.

There are no fees for transferring miles to a spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild. This is why family transfers are the most economical option if the recipient qualifies. All fees are non-refundable once the transfer is processed.

Important Rules and Restrictions

Delta has strict rules about mile transfers to prevent fraud and account abuse. You cannot transfer miles to someone you don't have a legitimate relationship with, and Delta may investigate large transfers or patterns of transfers that seem unusual. If Delta suspects the transfer is part of a scheme to circumvent program rules, they can deny the transfer or close accounts involved.

All transfers are permanent and irreversible once processed. You cannot cancel a transfer after it's been submitted, so verify the recipient's account number and email address carefully before you initiate anything. Miles transferred to another account cannot be transferred back to you — they belong to the recipient once the transfer completes.

If the recipient's SkyMiles account is closed or inactive, the transfer may fail or the miles may be held temporarily. Make sure the recipient's account is in good standing before you transfer miles to it. If there's any question about account status, contact Delta customer service before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer miles to someone I just met or don't know well?

Yes, you can use the SkyMiles gift card to send miles to anyone with a SkyMiles account, regardless of your relationship. However, direct account-to-account transfers require either a family relationship or enrollment in the transfer partner program. If you want to send miles to a friend or colleague, the gift card is your only option.

What if I send miles to the wrong person by mistake?

Transfers cannot be reversed once they're processed. If you realize you've made a mistake, contact Delta SkyMiles customer service immediately — they may be able to help if you catch it very quickly, but there's no may provide. Always double-check the recipient's account number or email address before you submit a transfer.

Do I have to pay taxes on miles I transfer to someone else?

The IRS generally does not treat transferred miles as taxable income to the recipient, but tax rules can be complex depending on the circumstances. If you're transferring a very large number of miles or if there's money involved, consult a tax professional. For typical gifts of miles to family or friends, there are usually no tax implications.

How long does a transfer take?

Most transfers take 24 to 48 hours to process and appear in the recipient's account. SkyMiles gift card codes can be redeemed immediately, but the miles themselves may take a day to show up in the account. If a transfer hasn't appeared after 48 hours, contact Delta customer service to check the status.

Can I transfer miles if my account is suspended or has a negative balance?

No. Your SkyMiles account must be in good standing to transfer miles. If your account is suspended, closed, or has outstanding issues, you won't be able to initiate a transfer. Contact Delta to resolve any account problems before you attempt to transfer miles.