Qatar Airways is an award-winning airline and the flag carrier of Qatar. From its hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar Airways operates more than 170 international routes, and ranks second in revenue, brand value, and available seat miles in the Middle East. Globally, it is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading and most highly-rated airlines.
Qatar Airways’ frequent-flyer program, called Privilege Club, lets members accumulate points called Avios. Avios can be redeemed for flights with Qatar Airlines and its airline partners, cabin upgrades, extra baggage, and a variety of non‑flight rewards such as shopping, dining, hotel stays, and car rentals.
For frequent travelers in Qatar, several locally issued, co-branded Qatar Airways credit cards are available. These cards allow their users to accelerate Avios earnings on everyday purchases. They often come significant sign-up bonuses, and a fast-track to Privilege Club Silver or Gold Tier, which comes with benefits like priority check-in, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance.
The following four credit cards offer among the highest mile-earning rates, the most generous welcome bonuses, and some appealing travel and lifestyle perks.
Best Qatar Airways Credit Cards
Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card by Doha Bank
Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card, issued by Doha Bank, blends premium travel privileges with an attractive loyalty program, and a generous welcome bonus. Combined with extensive lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance, this card presents a well‑rounded package for frequent flyers seeking to maximize their Qatar Airways loyalty benefits.
The Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card by Doha Bank offers a substantial welcome bonus, delivering a sign‑up bonus of up to 85,000 Avios. For new cards issued against a salary transfer, the first purchase earns 40,000 Avios, and an additional 40,000 Avios is granted once QAR 50,000 (US$13,700) is spent within the first three months. Cards issued against a deposit provide 20,000 Avios after the initial purchase and the same 40,000 Avios after meeting the QAR 50,000 (US$13,700) three‑month spend threshold. A further 20,000 Avios is added after total spending reaches QAR 120,000 (US$33,000) within the first twelve months.
Cardholders earn 5,000 Avios when they book their first premium class flight or 3,000 Avios when they book their first economy class flight on the Qatar Airways website using their card. In addition, a fast-track to Privilege Club Gold tier is available for the first year when the cardholder makes a QAR 14,000 (US$3,800) flight purchase on Qatar Airways’ website or mobile app.
Additionally, the card awards 2 Avios for every QAR 3 (US$0.82) spent on Qatar Airways, 1 Avio for every QAR 3 (US$0.82) spent on international purchases, 1 Avio for every QAR 4 (US$1.1) spent on domestic purchases in Qatar, and 1 Avio for every QAR 6 (US$1.65) spent on purchases in European Economic Area.
Beyond Avios accrual, the card includes complimentary access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide and multi‑trip travel insurance covering a broad range of travel‑related risks.
The Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card by Doha Bank requires a monthly salary between QAR 30,000 (US$8,230) and QAR 70,000 (US$19,200), or a deposit ranging from QAR 250,000 (US$69,000) to QAR 1 million (US$274,000). The blocked amount for the credit line must be held in an Al Dana Savings Account for at least one month, with a minimum lien of QAR 100,000 (US$27,400).
QNB Qatar Airways Visa Infinite First Plus Credit Card
The QNB Qatar Airways Visa Infinite First Plus Credit Card is a co-branded offering from Qatar National Bank (QNB), and Qatar Airways, positioned for high-income customers who want to earn Avios on everyday spending while enjoying a suite of premium lifestyle benefits.
The card carries a “free for life” promise, meaning the annual fee is waived permanently. Cardholders benefit from an interest‑free credit period of up to 45 days on all purchases, with a minimum payment set at the greater of 3 % of the outstanding balance or QAR 100. Multiple repayment channels are supported, including QNB internet and mobile banking, ATMs, self‑service kiosks and redemption of Life Rewards points. Every transaction triggers an SMS notification, and 3D Secure adds an extra layer of protection for online shopping.
Cardholders earn 1 Avio for every QAR 7 (US$1.92) spent on general purchases and 1 Avio for every QAR 15 (US$4.12) spent on government‑sector transactions. Accumulated Avios can be redeemed for complimentary flights, seat upgrades, extra baggage allowances and other Qatar Airways rewards.
Through the QNB First Lifestyle Privileges Programme, members gain access to exclusive deals and discounts across a range of sectors, including leading local and international hotels, luxury retail outlets, restaurants, health‑and‑beauty spas and automobile dealers. Unlimited complimentary visits to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide are also included, in addition to a 24-hour concierge service.
To qualify for the QNB Qatar Airways Visa Infinite First Plus Credit Card, applicants must earn a minimum monthly salary of QAR 100,000 (US$27,400) or maintain an average daily balance of QAR 2 million (US$549,000), or an equivalent in another currency.
QIB Qatar Airways Visa Platinum Card
The QIB Qatar Airways Visa Platinum Card is a co‑branded card by Qatar Islamic Bank and Qatar Airways that rewards spend with Avios and which offers a range of travel and lifestyle perks. Cardholders earn one Avios for every QAR 8 (US$2.19) spent on international purchases and 1 Avio for every QAR 9 (US$2.47) spent on domestic purchases, and receive complimentary lounge access at 25 airports, with the list of venues available through the Visa Airport Companion service.
Purchases made with the card are automatically protected against loss, theft or damage for up to 365 days when the receipt shows a value above US$100, and the card also includes purchase‑protection coverage. Additional protections include a Credit Shield Takaful program that can be enrolled for a nominal monthly fee, providing coverage of the outstanding balance in the event of death or permanent disability.
The QIB Qatar Airways Visa Platinum Card costs QAR 350 (US$96) annually. The issuance fee for the primary card stands at QAR 350 (US$96), while supplementary cards carry a QAR 100 (US$27) fee for issuance and annual renewal. Cash withdrawals attract a 3% charge and currency conversion fees range from 2% to 3% depending on the currency.
AlRayan Bank Qatar Airways Visa Infinite Credit Card
The AlRayan Bank Qatar Airways Visa Infinite Credit Card is a co-branded credit card by AlRayan Bank and Qatar Airways targeted at premier and private banking customers.
The card’s Avios‑earning rate is QAR 4 per Avio for both international and domestic spend, while bookings made directly on Qatar Airways’ website or mobile app earn 2 Avios for every QAR 4 (US$1.1) spent. New‑to‑bank customers receive a joining bonus of 50,000 Avios, and an additional 25,000 Avios are awarded for annual spend of QAR 250,000 (US$69,000). First‑flight bonuses grant 10,000 Avios for a business‑class ticket and 5,000 Avios for an economy‑class ticket.
Cardholders also enjoy unlimited lounge visits for themselves and one guest at more than 1,000 lounges worldwide, provided they have completed at least one international transaction of US$1 within the preceding 90 days. Travel benefits extend to hotel and car‑rental offers, while insurance coverage includes multi‑trip travel insurance, rental‑car collision‑damage waiver, event‑ticket cancellation, and global medical and travel assistance.
Lifestyle services feature a 24‑hour concierge, merchant offers across dining, shopping and retail, and protection measures such as fraud‑misuse protection, buyers protection and extended warranty. The card also provides a profit‑free grace period of up to 45 days, a 100% cash‑withdrawal limit, and compatibility with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay.
To qualify for the AlRayan Bank Qatar Airways Visa Infinite Credit Card, applicants must a minimum monthly salary of QAR 50,000 (US$13,700) or make a QAR 350,000 (US$96,000) deposit.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Middle East, based on images by erprekurat via Unsplash, and superart via Freepik
