Delta lets you move SkyMiles between accounts, but the process and rules depend on who you're sending them to

You can transfer Delta SkyMiles to a family member, friend, or another person's account through Delta's website or by phone. The person receiving the miles must have an active SkyMiles account. Delta charges a fee for transfers — currently $15 per transfer, though this amount can change. The miles arrive in the recipient's account within one to two business days after Delta processes the request.

Not all miles can be transferred. Miles you earned through credit card sign-up bonuses, promotional offers, or certain partner transfers may be locked and unavailable to move. Miles earned through flights, hotel stays, and everyday credit card spending are typically transferable. Before you start, check your SkyMiles account to see which miles are may be able to access.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta charges $15 per transfer and processes requests within one to two business days.
  • The recipient must have an active SkyMiles account before you initiate the transfer.
  • Miles from credit card bonuses and promotions are usually locked and cannot be transferred.
  • You can transfer miles through Delta.com, the Fly Delta app, or by calling Delta Reservations at 1-800-323-2732.
  • There is no limit to how many miles you can transfer at once, but each transfer incurs the $15 fee.

How to transfer miles through Delta's website

Log into your SkyMiles account on Delta.com and go to the "Manage Miles" section. Look for the option labeled "Transfer Miles" or "Send Miles." Enter the recipient's SkyMiles account number and the number of miles you want to transfer. You will see the $15 fee displayed before you confirm.

Review the details carefully — once you submit the transfer, you cannot cancel it. Delta will ask you to confirm the recipient's name and account number match. After you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation email. The recipient will also receive an email notifying them that miles have been transferred to their account.

Transferring miles through the Fly Delta mobile app

Open the Fly Delta app and tap into your SkyMiles account. Select "Manage Miles" and then "Transfer Miles." The process mirrors the website: enter the recipient's SkyMiles number, choose how many miles to transfer, and review the $15 fee. Confirm the transfer and you will get an when ready confirmation on your phone.

The app shows your transferable miles balance separately from any locked miles. If you do not see enough transferable miles for the amount you want to send, the app will tell you the maximum you can move. This prevents you from starting a transfer that will fail partway through.

Transferring miles by phone

Call Delta Reservations at 1-800-323-2732 and tell the agent you want to transfer SkyMiles. Have the recipient's SkyMiles account number ready, along with their full name as it appears in their account. The agent will confirm which miles are transferable and process the transfer over the phone.

Phone transfers take the same one to two business days to complete. The agent will give you a confirmation number for your records. This method works if you prefer speaking to someone or if you have questions about which miles can be transferred.

Miles that cannot be transferred

Credit card sign-up bonuses are permanently locked to your account and cannot be moved. The same applies to miles from promotional offers, limited-time bonuses, or miles you received as a gift from Delta. Some partner transfers — particularly miles transferred from airline partners or hotel programs — may also be restricted depending on the partner agreement.

To find out which miles are locked, log into your SkyMiles account and look at your miles breakdown. Delta shows your total miles and then lists any restricted or promotional miles separately. Only the miles shown as "available to transfer" or "transferable" can be moved to another account.

What happens after you transfer miles

Once the transfer completes, the miles are in the recipient's account and belong to them. You cannot reverse the transfer or ask for the miles back. The recipient can use the miles when ready to book flights, upgrade tickets, or redeem them through Delta's shopping partners.

The $15 fee is charged to your SkyMiles account and deducted from your miles balance or billed to your payment method on file, depending on your account settings. If you transfer miles multiple times, you pay $15 for each separate transfer.

Transferring miles to a family member or household account

Delta does not have a special "family pooling" feature like some other airline programs. Each transfer to a family member counts as a regular transfer and costs $15. There is no discount for transferring to a spouse, child, or parent — the fee and process are the same as transferring to anyone else.

If you want to move a large number of miles to a family member, you can do multiple transfers, but each one will incur the $15 fee. Some families coordinate transfers strategically — for example, transferring miles only when one person has enough to book a specific flight for another family member.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer miles to someone who does not have a SkyMiles account yet?

No. The recipient must have an active SkyMiles account before you transfer miles to them. If they do not have one, they can create a free account on Delta.com first. Once their account is set up and active, you can then transfer miles to it.

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

Delta cannot reverse a transfer once it is processed. Contact Delta Reservations at 1-800-323-2732 when ready to explain the situation. While Delta cannot undo the transfer, the agent may be able to help you work out a solution, though this is not may provide.

Is there a maximum number of miles I can transfer at one time?

Delta does not publish a specific maximum. You can transfer as many of your available miles as you want in a single transfer, though each transfer costs $15. If you are moving a very large balance, you may want to call Delta to confirm the transfer will go through without issues.

Do transferred miles expire?

Transferred miles follow the same expiration rules as any other miles in the recipient's account. SkyMiles expire after three years of account inactivity. Once the miles are in the recipient's account, they are responsible for keeping the account active to prevent expiration.

Can I transfer miles as a gift without the recipient knowing?

The recipient will receive an email notification that miles have been transferred to their account. You cannot send miles anonymously or prevent Delta from notifying them. The email will show the transfer came from your SkyMiles account.