Qatar Airways is currently offering a bonus on purchased Avios through its Privilege Club program. Between February 10 and February 16, 2026, members can earn between a 30% and 50% bonus depending on the amount purchased. The promotion results in a cost of 1.53 cents per Avios with the maximum bonus, raising the question of whether this is a worthwhile opportunity for frequent travelers.
Understanding the Promotion
The bonus structure is tiered:
- 12,000–21,000 Avios: 30% bonus
- 22,000–31,000 Avios: 40% bonus
- 32,000–250,000 Avios: 50% bonus
The usual cost of Avios is between 2.3 and 2.8 cents each, but with the 50% bonus, the effective price drops to approximately 1.53 cents per Avios when buying the maximum amount (250,000 + bonus). This makes it one of the cheapest ways to acquire this currency.
Why This Matters
The shift towards using Avios as Qatar Airways’ primary rewards currency has increased its utility. Previously, many sought alternative programs for better redemption rates; now, Qatar Airways often restricts business class award availability to Avios redemptions, making direct acquisition more appealing.
The flexibility of the Avios ecosystem also matters. Accounts can freely transfer Avios between Aer Lingus, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, and Qatar Airways, providing options for maximizing value across different loyalty programs.
Redemption Rates and Value
Qatar Airways Avios can be redeemed for flights to various destinations. Here are some sample costs:
- US to Doha (One-Way): 35,000 Avios (Economy) / 70,000 Avios (Business)
- US to Delhi (One-Way): 40,000 Avios (Economy) / 80,000 Avios (Business)
- US to Maldives (One-Way): 42,500 Avios (Economy) / 85,000 Avios (Business)
The value of Qatar Airways Avios varies by individual usage, but a conservative estimate places it around 1.3 cents each. However, strategic redemptions, particularly on partner airlines like JetBlue through Privilege Club, can yield significantly higher returns.
Purchasing Considerations
- Purchase Limits: Members can buy up to 250,000 Avios per calendar year (before bonuses).
- Account Activity: An existing balance of at least 1,000 Avios is required to be eligible for purchase.
- Credit Card Usage: Purchases are processed through points.com, meaning they don’t qualify as airfare for credit card spending bonuses. Choose a card with maximum return on everyday expenses.
Conclusion
The current Qatar Airways Avios promotion offers a potentially good deal, especially for those with a clear redemption plan. While numerous ways exist to earn Avios through transferable points, the discounted purchase rate may be worthwhile for immediate travel needs or access to restricted award availability.
The key to maximizing this promotion lies in having a specific redemption in mind rather than simply buying points speculatively.
