Qatar Airways Privilege Club changed its loyalty programme currency from Qmiles to Avios in March 2022, aligning more closely with other key players in the Avios ecosystem, especially British Airways. Members can transfer points between several different loyalty schemes, including British Airways Club, Qatar Privilege Club, Club Iberia Plus, and Aer Lingus AerClub.
Following other major airlines’ playbook, Qatar Airways has now introduced its own co-branded credit cards that allow you to earn Avios on day-to-day spending, similar to the British Airways American Express credit card or the Avios Barclaycard. With the ability to transfer Avios between Qatar Airways Privilege Club and other programmes, travellers can now add Qatar Airways cards to their points-collecting game plan, giving them even more flexibility to earn and use Avios across different airlines.
In this blog, we explore the credit cards available through Qatar Airways, and how they compare with existing credit cards with airline miles and rewards.
An Overview of Other Credit Cards
Let's start by looking at the other options available to travellers so that they’re better placed to decide which is the best credit card for airline miles and compare what Qatar Airways brings to the equation.
British Airways American Express Cards
British Airways offers two co-branded credit cards in partnership with American Express. From November 1, 2024, there will be updates to the terms for both cards, outlined below:
British Airways American Express Credit Card
- Annual Fee: £0
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 5,000 Avios when they spend £2,000 in the first three months.
- Earning Rate: Cardholders earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent on everyday purchases.
- Companion Voucher: One of the card’s best perks is the Companion Voucher, which travellers can earn after spending £15,000 in a year. Cardholders can take a second passenger on the same reward flight for no additional Avios
This card provides a simple way to collect Avios without an annual fee. While it doesn't provide premium benefits, it's a good option for beginners who want to earn points without committing to a higher annual cost. Avios collected through this card can be used for British Airways reward flights, cabin upgrades, and other travel experiences through the Avios partner network.
British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
- Annual Fee: £300
- Welcome Bonus: New members can earn a 30,000 Avios welcome bonus after spending £6,000 in the first three months.
- Earning Rate: The card offers a higher earning rate of 1.5 Avios per £1 spent on everyday purchases and 3 Avios per £1 on British Airways transactions.
- Companion Voucher: Earn a Companion Voucher when you spend £15,000 within a membership year.
The Premium Plus card includes additional benefits, such as travel accident insurance and exclusive events and experiences. Avios earned with this card can be used for various travel options, including flights with British Airways and other Oneworld partners.
Avios Partnership with Barclaycard
Next up is the Avios Barclaycard, which allows UK residents to earn Avios on their everyday spending while enjoying valuable perks. These cards cater to those who want to boost their Avios balance without necessarily flying. Here's a closer look at the offerings:
Barclaycard Avios Card
- Annual Fee: £0
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can receive a 5,000 Avios welcome bonus when they spend £1,000 in the first three months.
- Earning Rate: Earn 1 Avios for every £1 spent on eligible purchases.
- Upgrade voucher: If cardholders spend £20,000 on the card within a year, they can choose between a cabin upgrade voucher for a British Airways Avios Reward Flight or an additional 7,000 bonus Avios.
The Barclaycard Avios Card provides an easy entry point for those looking to collect Avios without paying an annual fee. It's ideal for those starting their Avios journey and wanting to keep costs down. Avios earned can be used for flights, upgrades, and other travel rewards with British Airways and other Avios partners.
Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard
- Annual Fee: £20 per month (equivalent to £240 annually)
- Welcome Bonus: A more generous welcome offer of 25,000 Avios is available when you spend £3,000 within the first three months.
- Earning Rate: Earn 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on everyday purchases.
- Upgrade Voucher: Cardholders can earn an upgrade voucher after spending £10,000 a year, allowing them to move up one cabin class on an Avios redemption flight.
With its superior earning rate and the opportunity to earn a valuable upgrade voucher, this card is perfect for frequent travellers who want to maximise their Avios collection strategy. Avios earned through Barclaycard can be transferred and used for travel experiences with British Airways and other Avios partners.
How do the Qatar Airways Credit Cards compare?
Qatar Airways offers two co-branded credit cards that allow travellers to earn and upgrade Qatar Airways with Avios on everyday spending. These are:
Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card
Annual Fee: $99
Welcome Bonus: 20,000 bonus Avios after the first transaction. An additional 20,000 bonus Avios after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of account opening, bringing the total welcome bonus to 40,000 Avios.
Fast-Track to Silver Tier: Cardholders are immediately upgraded to Privilege Club Silver tier upon being approved for the card. This status grants access to:
oneworld Ruby status benefits, including priority check-in and additional baggage allowance.
Silver tier benefits like priority support and preferred seating on Qatar Airways flights.
Earning Rate:
4 Avios per $1 spent on Qatar Airways purchases
2 Avios per $1 spent at restaurants
1 Avios per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
Additional Benefits:
2 Qpoints for every 2,000 Avios collected
Fee waivers on award flights when you meet the qualifying criteria
Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $499
- Welcome Bonus: 25,000 bonus Avios after your first transaction. An additional 25,000 bonus Avios and 150 Qpoints after spending $5,000 within the first 90 days, bringing the total welcome bonus to 50,000 Avios and 150 Qpoints.
- Fast-Track to Gold Tier: Upon approval, cardholders are automatically upgraded to the Privilege Club Gold tier, which includes:
- oneworld Sapphire status benefits such as priority boarding, access to Business Class lounges, and an additional baggage allowance.
- Access to Gold tier benefits, including priority check-in, preferred seating, and lounge access at airports.
- Earning Rate:
- 5 Avios per $1 spent on Qatar Airways purchases
- 3 Avios per $1 spent at restaurants
- 1 Avios per $1 on all other eligible purchases
- Additional Benefits:
- 2 Qpoints for every 1,500 Avios collected
- All the advantages of Gold tier status, such as access to premium lounges and priority boarding.
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The Verdict
The Qatar Airways credit cards are undeniably attractive thanks to their generous Avios earning rates, solid welcome bonuses, and the perk of fast-tracking to elite status within the Privilege Club. These features make the cards ideal for frequent Qatar Airways flyers who’re looking to upgrade Qatar Airways with Avios.
However, the high annual fees, especially for the Visa Infinite card, can be a deterrent unless you’re able to take full advantage of the premium perks offered. These cards are most suited to those who fly predominantly with Qatar Airways or its partners, as the rewards are optimised for spending with the airline. For travellers who do not frequently fly with Qatar Airways, the benefits may not justify the costs, especially when other cards offer valuable perks with lower or no annual fees.
In short, the Qatar cards provide excellent value for the airline’s loyal customers, thanks to the high earning potential and luxury travel benefits. However, if your airline usage is more varied or leans towards British Airways or other carriers, you might find better value in the co-branded cards offered by BA or the more flexible earning structure of the Barclaycard Avios cards.
Ultimately, the choice depends on aligning the card benefits with your travel frequency, preferred airlines, and how much you value the specific perks each card offers. Take the time to assess your travel needs and spending habits to make an informed decision that maximises your rewards and benefits in the long run.
