Qatar Airways' New Credit Cards Offer Automatic Elite Status for One Year

07.05.2024 - 21:21 / cntraveler.com

Qatar Airways has long been known for having a top-notch inflight experience, especially if you’re sitting up front in the airline’s Qsuites business class. The Doha-based carrier is consistently ranked as one of the best international airlines in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Add in a newly renovated Hamad International Airport—recently awarded the title of best airport in the world—and you have the makings for a solid travel day.

Now, it’s easier than ever for US travelers to earn and use points and miles with the world-class airline thanks to Qatar Airways’ first-ever cobranded credit cards specifically designed for Americans. The two cards released on Tuesday are issued by fintech startup Cardless, and offer ways to accumulate miles faster, as well as an opportunity to get on a fast track toward coveted elite status.

You can apply for the new Qatar Airways Privilege Club Credit Cards on the airline’s website. But before your do, here’s everything to know about Qatar Airways’ new credit cards.

Instead of unveiling a single product, Qatar Airways and Cardless are coming out from the get-go with two cards, each tailored towards a different type of traveler. Both earn “Avios" points, the loyalty program currency used by Qatar and partner airlines including British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, and Finnair.

First up, the $99-per-year Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature Credit Card is an ideal fit for travelers who don’t want to spend hundreds on a high-annual fee card, but are at least semi-loyal to the airline. This Visa Signature card offers four Avios per dollar spent on Qatar Airways purchases, two Avios per dollar spent on restaurants, and one Avios per dollar spent on all other transactions.

Meanwhile, the $499-per-year Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Credit Card is for diehard airline loyalists. That includes travelers who are itching to earn mid- to upper-tier levels of status with Qatar Airways. This card has an even higher earning rate than its more affordable sibling: five Avios per dollar on Qatar Airways purchases, three Avios per dollar on restaurants, and one Avios per dollar on all other spending. As a Visa Infinite-branded card, members can take advantage of select concierge, luxury hotel, and rental car privileges.

The real kicker, however, is that spending will count towards elite metrics on both cards, providing a tangible and all-new way to upgrade or retain status within Qatar Airways Privilege Club.

Visa Signature cardholders (with a $99 annual fee) earn two elite-qualifying Qpoints for every $2,000 spent, while Visa Infinite cardholders (with a $499 annual fee) earn two elite-qualifying Qpoints for every $1,500 spent. (QPoints are