If you're flying with Qatar Airways regularly, you’re probably already collecting Avios — but most travellers still miss out on the best ways to squeeze real value from them. Used well, Avios can cut hundreds of pounds off your flights, especially when you mix smart redemptions with everyday earning tactics. Before you dive in, check Groupon’s latest Qatar Airways discount codes to stack even more savings onto your trip.
And if you're planning a cash booking too, our Privilege Club review and Qatar student discounts guide are handy reads for extra ways to save.
Quick Wins: The Fastest Ways to Save with Qatar Airways Avios
- Transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Avios when a bonus promo is running.
- Link your British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Privilege Club accounts for more award options.
- Look for business-class sweet spots — these often deliver 2p–3p per Avios.
- Use Cash + Avios when you’re short on points or when cash fares spike.
Why Qatar Airways Avios Are Worth Paying Attention To
Qatar Airways uses a distance-based award chart, which means your Avios value can swing dramatically depending on the route. A good rule of thumb is that one Avios is worth around 1p — but with the right flight, you can easily double that.
| Redemption Type | Typical Value | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|
| Short-haul business class | 2p–3p per Avios | High value with low Avios cost |
| Long-haul business class | 1.5p–2p per Avios | Best for premium travel |
| Economy redemptions | ~1p per Avios | Baseline value — but peaks during busy seasons |
How to Earn Qatar Airways Avios Faster in the UK
Qatar Airways doesn’t offer a UK credit card — but that doesn’t slow you down. You can earn Avios quickly with partner cards and transfer programmes.
Best UK Credit Cards for Avios Earning
These cards earn Avios that you can instantly transfer into your Qatar Privilege Club account:
| Card | Earn Rate | Why It’s Useful |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways Amex | 1 Avios per £1 | Strong welcome bonuses + everyday earning |
| BA Amex Premium Plus | 1.5 Avios per £1 | Best for heavy spenders |
| Barclaycard Avios Rewards | 1 Avios per £1 | No Amex acceptance issues |
Tip: Time your card applications around welcome bonuses — it’s the quickest way to earn your first big stash of Avios.
Transfer Points from Amex Membership Rewards
Amex Membership Rewards points convert to Avios, usually at a 1:1 ratio. Think of them as your Avios “backup generator.” When you’re short on points for a redemption, a quick transfer fills the gap.
- Transfers are instant
- Occasional bonus promos offer even better value
- Great for topping up before a business-class booking
Earn Avios Through oneworld Airline Partners
Your Qatar Airways Privilege Club number can earn Avios on flights with British Airways, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and other oneworld partners. On some routes, partner airlines even offer better earning rates than Qatar itself.
How Qatar Airways Cash + Avios Works
Cash + Avios lets you pay with a mix of money and points. It’s perfect when you’re low on Avios or when cash fares are unusually high. But it’s not always the cheapest option — so run the numbers before you book.
Cash vs Avios vs Cash + Avios
| Payment Method | Example Fare: UK → Doha | Value per Avios |
|---|---|---|
| Full Cash | £800 | N/A |
| Full Avios | 43,000 Avios | 1.9p per Avios |
| Cash + Avios | £400 + 25,000 Avios | 1.6p per Avios |
TL;DR: Full Avios redemptions usually deliver the best value. Cash + Avios is for flexibility, not maximising every penny.
Tips That Stretch Your Avios Further
Once you’ve built up your balance, the real savings start when you redeem strategically — not just for the nearest available flight.
Partner Airline Sweet Spots
Some partner redemptions offer superb value. For example, JetBlue’s transatlantic Mint business class often costs around 78,000 Avios — and can deliver better value than an equivalent Qatar Airways route depending on cash prices.
Upgrade with Avios Instead of Paying Cash
If the fare difference between economy and business is small, upgrading with Avios can deliver significantly better value than redeeming for a full ticket. It’s a neat way to enjoy premium cabins for less.
Link Your Qatar Airways and British Airways Accounts
You can freely transfer Avios between Qatar Privilege Club and British Airways Executive Club. This unlocks more availability, more routes, and more sweet spots across both airlines’ networks.
FAQs
Is Cash + Avios better than paying with just Avios?
Not always. It’s best when you’re short on points or when cash fares are unusually high. Always calculate the value per Avios before deciding.
Can I move Avios between Qatar Airways and British Airways?
Yes — and it’s instant. Linking your accounts gives you access to both award charts and their partner networks.
What’s the best UK credit card for earning Qatar Airways Avios?
The British Airways Amex and Barclaycard Avios Rewards cards are the fastest way to build a balance. You can then transfer your points directly into your Qatar account.
How much is one Avios worth?
Roughly 1p — but you can push this to 2p or even 3p with business-class sweet spots.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Link BA and Qatar accounts for instant transfers
- Use Amex Membership Rewards to top up when needed
- Check partner airline earning rates before booking
- Calculate value per Avios for every redemption
- Target business class and short-haul premium sweet spots
- Use Cash + Avios only when the maths works
Next Steps
Ready to put your Avios to work? Before booking your next flight, don’t forget to browse Groupon’s Qatar discount codes to stack even more savings. When you mix smart earning, savvy redemptions, and a well-timed promo, your travel budget goes a whole lot further.
