We learned a few weeks ago that Qatar Airways will be launching credit cards within the U.S., but details so far have been scant. We now know how many cards are coming, the rewards they’ll earn, and what type of welcome offers you can expect.
Let’s take a look at the details of these news cards.
Qatar Airways’ New U.S. Credit Cards
Qatar Airways’ new credit cards are issued by Cardless and are now available to apply for.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club Infinite Credit Card
Coming in hot at $499 per year, the Qatar Airways Infinite card offers 50,000 Avios plus 150 Qpoints as a welcome bonus: 25,000 Avios after card approval and 25,000 Avios plus the 150 Qpoints after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days.
The earning ratio for this card is heavily geared to those spending on Qatar Airways flights:
- Earn 5x Avios on Qatar Airways purchases
- Earn 3x Avios at restaurants
- Earn 1x Avios on everything else
There are 2 other notable features of the card:
- Fast-track to a year of Qatar Airways Privilege Club Gold status
- Earn 2 Qpoints toward elite status for every $1,500 spent on the card, with no limit
Beyond this, the Qatar Airways Infinite card is a Visa Infinite card. This means that cardholders will have access to programs such as concierge services, the Luxury Hotel Collection, complimentary travel insurance, a free Shipt membership, and more.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card
With an annual fee of $99, the Qatar Airways Visa Signature card is Qatar’s lower-tier card. Despite this, it’s still offering a pretty decent welcome offer:
- Earn 40,000 Avios: 20,000 Avios after card approval and another 20,000 Avios after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
Like the Qatar Airways Infinite card, the Qatar Airways Visa Signature card is most rewarding on Qatar Airways purchases:
- Earn 4x Avios on Qatar Airways purchases
- Earn 2x Avios at restaurants
- Earn 1x Avios on everything else
The Qatar Airways Visa Signature card also offers elite status and the ability to earn Qpoints:
- Fast-track to a year of Qatar Airways Privilege Card Silver elite status
- Earn 2 Qpoints toward elite status for every $2,000 spent on the card, with no limit
Hot Tip:
Though the waitlist is now closed, those who joined previously can earn up to 10,000 additional Avios (5,000 on the Qatar Airways Visa Signature card and 10,000 on the Qatar Airways Infinite card).
Is It Worth It?
Well, $499 is a lot to shell out for any credit card, but a 50,000 welcome bonus can certainly sweeten the pot. Most interesting here is that the Qatar Airways Infinite card will get you Qatar Airways Gold elite status, which in turn awards you Oneworld Sapphire.
This is a great option for American Airlines flyers since they’d then be able to access airport lounges when flying, even domestically. It’s also cheaper than other options since the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® charges a $595 annual fee for the same access.
The Qatar Airways Visa Signature card is cheaper at just $99, but the Silver status it grants comes with fewer benefits.
Still, earning 40,000 Avios is a nice bump, especially since those can be transferred to any of the loyalty programs participating in Avios, like British Airways Eecutive Club, Iberia Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub, and Finnair Plus.
Hot Tip:
Final Thoughts
Qatar Airways has debuted 2 new credit cards for U.S. customers. While the rewards may not be exceptional, there is certainly value to be found, especially if you joined the waitlist and want to take advantage of the welcome bonuses.
The information regarding the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Infinite Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
