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The Best Qatar Airways Credit Cards for Earning Avios

Compare Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios-earning credit cards; our review covers each credit card's fees, Avios-earning rates, interest rates and signup bonuses, as well as how to convert credit card points into Avios.
Updated 9 August 2024
Summary
  • The only credit cards currently available that earn Qatar Airways Avios in New Zealand are select American Express and BNZ cards.
  • For AMEX, the card most popular with Qatar Airways frequent flyers is the American Express Gold Rewards Card ($200/year fee). This card earns Membership Rewards Points (2 Membership Rewards Points per NZ$1 spent). You can then convert Membership Rewards Points into Qatar Airways Avios at a rate of 3:1 (3 Membership Rewards points = 1 Qatar Airways Avios). The estimated transfer time is up to one business day, and the minimum transfer amount is 750 Membership Rewards Points.
  • For the BNZ, 250 BNZ Points = 50 Avios, and there is a minimum transfer of 500 BNZ Points. Two cards earn BNZ points, as outlined on the BNZ website, but the rate of earning is very low. For example, a $100 spent = 100 and 167 BNZ points with the BNZ Advantage Visa Classic and BNZ Advantage Visa Platinum, which translates to 20 and 33.4 Avios. This is 20% to 33% of the points an AMEX card earns for the same spend, which we deemed to be very poor. For this reason, we have not focused on the BNZ cards, but you can review them here.
  • We calculate that American Express cards effectively earn Avios at a rate of $1 spent = 0.667 Avios, given the American Express earning rate ($1 = 2 Amex points) and the conversion rate (3 Amex points = 1 Qatar Airways Avios).
  • American Express periodically offers signup bonuses of Membership Rewards Points, which can be automatically converted into Qatar Airways Avios.
  • With Qatar Airways flying from Auckland to Doha daily and offering what is regarded as the world's best business class per this NewsHub story from May 2024, more people are looking at Qatar Airways credit cards to boost the Avios they have earned from flights. Our review of a 2024 Auckland to Doha flight has more details. 

In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of having an American Express credit card, the Qatar Airways Avios-earning options and must know facts. Our guide covers:
Read this First
  1. Our guide has been written to appeal to anyone looking to earn Qatar Airways Avios beyond flying Qatar Airways or a partner airline.
  2. Cardholders earn Membership Rewards points; what you earn depends on how much you spend.
  3. Our guide is informational only and does not constitute financial advice.
  4. As stated above, American Express credit cards are provided directly by American Express. This means cards are not available through banks or finance companies.
  5. Qatar Airways' Privilege Club is one of many partners American Express offers points. You can transfer to any of the partners, as outlined in our review here.

Advertising Disclaimer: We may receive a payment if you sign up for a credit card via MoneyHub - please read our advertising policy for more details. 

What is Privilege Club, and what's the difference between Avios and Qpoints? How does it compare to Air New Zealand Airpoints?

Privilege Club is Qatar Airways' loyalty program, where you earn and redeem Avios points. Membership levels in the Privilege Club offer various benefits based on your tier (Burgundy, Silver, Gold, and Platinum). Within Privilege Club, there are Avios and Qpoints:
  • Avios: These are the frequent flyer points you earn with Qatar Airways and its partners by flying or converting credit card spending from AMEX cards. For example, you may earn 10,000 Avios for a flight you buy from Auckland to London. Avios can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards. If you're an Airpoints member, Avios operate just like Airpoints Dollars.
  • Qpoints: Points earned through flying with Qatar Airways and its partners that help you achieve higher tiers (Silver, Gold and Platinum) within the Privilege Club. They differ from Avios and cannot be used for redemptions but are crucial for climbing the status tiers to enjoy enhanced benefits. If you're an Airpoints member, Qpoints operate just like Status Points.

MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his views about Best Qatar Airways' Privilege Club loyalty program, and choosing an Avios-earning credit card:

"Qatar Airways offers a daily flight from Auckland, ensuring convenience and flexibility for Kiwi travellers. With economy and business class award seats available on every flight via Privilege Club (except during peak periods like Christmas), you have more opportunities to use your Avios points for award travel. Many airlines restrict award seats on their Auckland services, but Qatar Airways doesn't, meaning the Avios you earn using an AMEX card or by flying give you flexibility.

Qatar Airways runs an Airbus A350-1000 on its Auckland to Doha route, which offers the award-winning Qsuites. From Doha, it connects to over 100 destinations worldwide, including popular spots for New Zealanders such as London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Berlin.

With Qatar Airways credit cards, you'll earn AMEX Membership Rewards which can be converted for Avios points and redeemed for award flights, upgrades, and more, providing great value and flexibility.

Overall, AMEX cards earning Qatar Airways Avios allow New Zealanders to accumulate valuable points, enjoy luxurious travel experiences with Qsuites (or economy class flights), and access a wide network of destinations. With consistent award seat availability and daily flights from Auckland, Qatar Airways is arguably a leading choice for those looking to enhance their travel experiences and benefit from a reliable and trusted airline that serves more destinations than any other airline flying to New Zealand.

American Express helps bridge the gap by swapping its Membership Rewards points for Avios. However, as with any credit card, all the benefits are lost if you don't pay the balance in full every month.

Whatever you decide, make sure it's the best for your immediate needs. There's no point getting a card "for later," as you'll either overpay and/or get the wrong rewards. For this reason, we've explained the cards in detail to help your decision-making process. If you are in any doubt about what you can afford, it's likely that the best credit card is "no credit card".
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder
MoneyHub's Qatar Airways Privilege Club-Earning American Express Cards - apply in minutes for a credit card that delivers the best value for money based on your needs:
  • Our research highlighted two leading AMEX cards that reliably and consistently reward New Zealanders with Qatar Airways Avios and offer many benefits, perks and award-earning opportunities.
  • Please note both cards earn at a rate of 2 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent. You can convert your balance to Qatar Airways; 3 Membership Rewards points = 1 Qatar Airways Avios.
  • For example, if you spend around $4,000 a month on your credit card, you'll earn around 32,000 Qatar Airways Avios per year.
  1. Our pick for earning Qatar Airways Avios (most popular): The American Express Gold Rewards Card - $200/year fee. You'll also get a $200 statement credit when you apply online, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only.
  2. ​Important: MoneyHub suggests that anyone unable to pay off a monthly credit card balance should look for an alternative source of credit. Most credit cards, with AMEX being no exception, charge interest rates that can make repayments challenging to manage.

American Express Credit Cards - General and Specific Pros and Cons

Pros:
  1. The only New Zealand credit cards to earn Qatar Airways Avios - $1 spent = 1=0.667 Qatar Airways Avios (based on current conversion rates).
  2. Travel perks – both cards offer free travel insurance, bonuses for joining and bonuses.
  3. Favourable Customer Dispute Terms – if you experience fraud or wish to question a transaction, American Express will actively fight in your corner.
  4. Customer Service – With American Express, you have a direct line, but if you use Visa and Mastercard, you'll have to deal with your bank. Most New Zealand banks use a multi-option call centre for credit card help with standard office hours. Any troublesome issues may be ‘referred’ to Visa or Mastercard for ‘review’ and 'decision'. American Express operates specific 0800 hotlines which are open 24/7 and makes decisions directly.
  5. Cards are increasingly accepted at major New Zealand retailers – you can use an American Express card at Countdown, New World, PAK'nSAVE and other supermarkets. Other retailers include most petrol stations and airline websites.
  6. You don't need to convert points to Qatar Airways Avios - there are dozens of partners and reward options

Cons:
  1. Many non-chain retailers don’t accept it – unlike Mastercard and Visa, which is primarily due to the high merchant fee Amex charges and favourable cardmember terms when disputes are raised.
  2. ​Membership points partnerships – if you don’t spend at least $20,000 a year, a points-earning card would struggle to offer value.

Beyond Qatar Airways' Avios Conversion - Explaining American Express Membership Rewards Points

Membership Rewards is American Express' awards program. You earn different numbers of points depending on where you spend. These points can be redeemed for Qatar Airways Avios as well as vouchers from supermarkets, travel agents and online.

For example, if a card earns 2 points for every $1 spent, $8,000 spent at Petrol Station Partners = 16,000 Membership Reward Points. This converts to:
  • 5,333 Qatar Airways Avios
  • $100 Bunnings Gift Card (1.26% reward value)
  • $100 New World Voucher (1.26% reward value)
  • 107 Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars (1.34% reward value)

Membership Rewards - Our Thoughts:
  • If you spend $200 to $300 a week on groceries and petrol, the rewards are significant, and the flexibility of reward options makes the points useful.
  • Our view is that it's one of the best reward schemes available, when compared to the reward schemes offered by a number of New Zealand banks. You keep the flexibility of a range of choices to redeem American Express points which never expire.
  • You can read more about Membership Rewards Points here.

The Best Qatar Airways Avios-Earning Credit Cards

There are currently two Qatar Airways Avios-earning American Express credit cards offered:

Best Card for Diners and Travellers: The American Express Gold Rewards Card

Basics:
​Annual Fee: $200
Airpoints or Membership Rewards? Membership Rewards
Annual percentage interest rate: 19.95% p.a.
Bonus offer: $200 statement credit when you apply online, are approved and spend $1,500 on your new Card within the first 3 months. New Card Members only. 
Earn Membership Rewards: The Gold Card earns at a rate of 2 points for every $1 spent. You can use Membership Reward points to pay for travel with American Express directly, or you can convert them to other airline and hotel programs.
Conversion Rate: 3 Membership Rewards points = 1 Qatar Airways Avios

Read more: AMEX Gold Rewards Card Review

​Benefits include:
  • Two $100 dining credits every year - American Express has a number of dining partners throughout New Zealand. If you visit them and spend over $100 on one bill, you’ll get $100 credited to your statement. The dining credit resets every six months. The participating restaurants are located all over New Zealand, although Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown have the widest choices.
  • Comprehensive domestic and international travel insurance.
  • There is no supplementary card fee.

Learn more or apply

Applying for an American Express Credit Card

To apply for any American Express credit card, you will need to:
  1. Be over 18 years of age.
  2. Have a good credit history.
  3. Be a permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand.
  4. Meet the minimum income criteria for your chosen Card.
  5. If you are self-employed, you will need to have been trading for at least 18 months or 12 months if you have an existing American Express-issued Card.

You will need to provide:
  1. A copy of your New Zealand driver’s licence (if you hold one)
  2. Personal information, including your current address details.
  3. A current email address and a mobile or landline number.
  4. Financial Information, including your annual income, household income (if married/de facto), monthly living expenses, employment details, superannuation (if retired), or other sources of income.
  5. Details about any other credit cards and loans you have and their balances.

Final steps:
  1. American Express will perform a credit check to assess your financial history
  2. After that, American Express will assess your credit card application and provide a response in between 5 and 10 working days from when you submit your application.

Five Must-Know American Express Credit Card Facts

​Selecting a Membership Rewards Points American Express needs consideration

  • Any Membership Rewards points you transfer into Qatar Airways Avios will need to be used for international travel. This will need to be to the Middle East, Africa, India or Europe, given that's where Qatar Airways serves.
  • If you don’t fly that often (whether on Qatar Airways or not) and don’t spend a regular amount on a credit card, it may be worth considering the American Express Airpoints Card which earns Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars but doesn’t charge an annual fee. These can be redeemed widely by flying Air New Zealand, a partner airline, or at the Airpoints Store.

Our view:
  1. For anyone looking for a Qatar Airways credit card, the entry-level American Express Gold Rewards Card ($200/year fee) offers value by way of travel insurance, dining vouchers and 0.66 Avios with every NZ$1 spent.
  2. As an example, spending an average of $3,000 per month will earn you over 24,000 Qatar Airways Avios.

Where you spend makes a big difference when it comes to earning Qatar Airways Avios

Important: Your ability to earn rewards will also depend on where you spend and whether or not American Express is accepted. Supermarkets, petrol stations and big retailers are almost certain to accept American Express, but independent retailers may be a different story. For this reason you'll need to have a debit card as a backup. 

Our guide to where AMEX is accepted has more information.

To earn Qatar Airways Avios, you'll need to be a member of their Privilege Club program

Signing up is free and bonus Avios are awarded if you fly within a certain timeframe.  with many offers available online to do so. There are no annual fees to be a Privilege Club member.

American Express cardholders are offered curated tickets via ‘American Express Experiences’

Generally, American Express states that for certain concerts and events, cardholders have access to ‘the best-reserved tickets’.

American Express Membership Rewards Points don't expire

Membership Rewards points have no expiration date. However, points may be forfeited if you breach the terms and conditions of the program. You can also decide when to convert points into Qatar Airways Avios, and this usually takes around one business day to process and appear in your Privilege Club account.

Warning: Avios are valid for three years and expire at the end of the half-year period in which they were earned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit cards can earn Qatar Airways Avios?

Only the American Express Gold Rewards Card ($200/year fee).

What credit card earns the most Qatar Airways Avios?

Both American Express cards give the same points (0.66 Avios per $1 spent) since they earn the same amount of Membership Rewards Points, and the transfer/conversion rates to Qatar Airways are the same. However, each card has a different one-off signup bonus which means the Gold card offers fewer Qatar Airways Avios in this sense.

What is the best frequent flyer credit card in New Zealand? Is it a Qatar Airways Avios Card or Air New Zealand Airpoints Card?

The answer depends on how much you spend per year and your travel or lifestyle demands. Our Air New Zealand Airpoints-earning credit cards review offers alternative cards that arguably offer increased flexibility (by way of Airpoints' ease of use). Saying this, Qatar Airways' program offers better value for anyone looking to fly and redeem business class flights.

Are Qatar Airways Avios credit cards worth the annual fee?

Qatar Airways Avios credit cards have value if you can redeem the Avios for flights. However, it all depends on how much you spend per year - the more you do, it's likely the greater the rewards relative to the annual fee.

Credit Cards vs Charge Cards - What's the Difference?

  • Charge cards look and behave like a credit card, but it doesn’t charge interest if you pay the balance late. Instead, a late fee is charged, which for the American Express Charge Card is currently $20 or 3.25% of the balance, whichever is the greater.
  • This means if you spend $5,000 and don’t make the repayment by the due date, you’ll be charged a whopping $162.50, which will be added to the balance. You’ll continue to pay the late fee every month until the balance is cleared.
  • Charge cards are designed to be paid off immediately, much like store cards from Farmers, and the Q Card are. Charge cards don’t offer 0% interest balance transfers or other low-rate promotions.
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