The flag carrier of Qatar is introducing two new cobranded credit cards aimed at US travelers. The cards will collect Avios frequent flyer points and provide opportunities for cardholders to enjoy elite status with oneworld alliance carriers. The move comes as Qatar Airways looks to expand its Privilege Club airline loyalty program in the United States, following several similar card announcements from the likes of Breeze Airways and avianca.
Simple Flying previously revealed there will be two versions of the card, both issued by Visa in partnership with Cardless. Designated as the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card and Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card, the new products will enable oneworld passengers and Qatar Airways Privilege Club members in the US to collect Avios (the rewards currency of six airline loyalty programs) on their everyday spending and a fast-track to Silver or Gold tiers which equate to oneworld alliance Ruby and Sapphire status.
Cardholders can spend the Avios on flights across Qatar Airways, oneworld, and partner airlines, as well as upgrades, preferred seat selection, extra baggage, and more. Avios can even be transferred to other programs at a 1:1 ratio, including the British Airways Executive Club and American Express membership rewards points. Away from the airport, members can link their credit cards to their Privilege Club account to collect and spend Avios at participating retail, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle venues. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Thierry Antinori, expressed excitement for the launch:
“As the loyalty programme to a leader in the aviation industry, we strive to uphold the same level of dedication in providing our members with the best benefits across the globe.
“We are proud to be partnering with Cardless to introduce the first Qatar Airways Privilege Club Credit Cards in the U.S. market, which also includes being the first international airline loyalty programme to offer a Visa Infinite credit card. This partnership with Cardless demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with pioneers in the financial technology industry to enhance the benefits for our Privilege Club members.”
Photo: Qatar Airways
The application portal with further information is now live on the airline’s website. This will be the fourth card that offers Avios in the United States. Chase currently provides three cards for Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Iberia.
This entry-level card comes with an annual fee $99, and a strong sign up bonus. Cardholders will automatically receive 20,000 bonus Avios with the first purchase and 20,000 more after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days. These air miles are in addition to the bonus for anyone who signed up for the waitlist.
The earning rates are quite strong, allowing passengers to earn points for travel and airline loyalty. Passengers will earn 4 Avios for every $ 1 spent with this credit card on Qatar Airways purchases, 2 Avios on restaurant spending, and 1 Avios on all other purchases.
With Qatar Airways being the only airline out of the trio of Gulf carriers to be in an alliance, Privilege Club offers plenty of exclusive benefits.
Notably, the card also provides multiple options to increase airline status with the carrier. Upon approval, cardholders receive Silver Tier status for a year with Qatar Airways Privilege Club, which comes with all the benefits of the oneworld Ruby tier. Members will also collect 2 Qpoints for every $2,000 spent with this credit card, giving them a new way to collect the points required to upgrade or retain their tier with Qatar Airways Privilege Club. The remaining features include the following.
Photo: GingChen | Shutterstock
Membership to the Silver Tier is only guaranteed for one year, after which passengers must maintain elite status the traditional way.
The premium card will be the first Visa Infinite credit card to launch for an international airline loyalty program in the US market. The card comes with a matte metal design, additional benefits compared to the Visa Signature product, and an annual fee of $499. Headline features for the product include the significant signup bonus, Gold tier status, and Visa Infinite-exclusive savings:
The Visa Infinite option provides a premium option in a space primarily dominated by cards used by American Express, so it should provide an exciting alternative. Cardless, the airline’s partner in the project, is also behind recent cobranded credit cards for TAP Air Portugal and avianca. Mr Michael Spelfogel, a Co-Founder and President of Cardless, highlighted the historic nature of this agreement:
“We are thrilled to unveil this strategic partnership with Qatar Airways Privilege Club and introduce their first credit cards in the U.S. market. This collaboration underscores the synergies between our innovative financial solutions and Qatar Airways Privilege Club’s commitment to enhancing the premium travel experience. Together, we are poised to deliver unparalleled benefits and convenience to our customers, facilitating their travels to world-class destinations around the globe.”
Photo: Faiz Zaki | Shutterstock
There are also several perks that are exclusive to the Visa Infinite product that are extended to cardholders of the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card:
Will you be applying for the new Qatar Airways credit cards? Let us know in the comments below…
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