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- Airline Programs
Qatar Airways Privilege Club: how to get started
Qatar Airways uses Avios, the same currency as British Airways. Here's how Australians earn it, what Qsuites costs and the tricks that make it go further.
21 October 20262 min read
Qsuites, Qatar Airways's business class with a door, is one of the most sought-after seats in the sky. From Australia to Europe via Doha, it can cost 90,000 Avios one way plus about $400 in taxes and charges.
Here's how Qatar Airways Privilege Club works, how Australians earn Avios and how to make them go further.
What is Privilege Club?
Privilege Club is Qatar Airways's frequent flyer program. Its currency is Avios, the same currency used by British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Finnair. Joining is free.
Qatar is also a major Virgin Australia partner, so Velocity members can earn and redeem Velocity Points on Qatar flights too.
How Australians earn Avios
Bank points. Amex Membership Rewards transfers to Qatar Avios, and CommBank Yello points transfer at 2.5 Yello points per Avios since October 2026. Points transfer partners has the full list.
Flying. Qatar flights earn Avios. A Sydney to London business return can earn between about 38,000 and 65,000 Avios, depending on the fare. You can also credit Qatar flights to Velocity instead.
One currency, several airlines
Because Avios is shared, you can move it between Qatar Privilege Club and British Airways Club at 1:1 once accounts are linked and verified. That matters because each airline prices rewards differently. The same seat can cost fewer Avios through one program than the other, so check both.
What rewards cost
| Reward | Avios, one way |
|---|---|
| Europe to Australia, business (Qsuites on selected routes) | 90,000 plus about $400 |
| Sydney or Melbourne to Bali on Garuda, economy | 16,000 plus about $105 |
| Sydney or Melbourne to Bali on Garuda, business | 40,000 plus about $105 |
Correct as of October 2026.
Watch the price. If no saver seats are left, Qatar shows a much higher "flex" price, often double. That's a sign to try other dates or another program.
Qatar doesn't add fuel surcharges to reward bookings on its own flights, which keeps the cash part of a business class ticket lower than some other airlines charge.
Booking for others
In September 2026, Qatar relaxed one of its rules on using your Avios for other people, through its "My List" feature. If you plan to book for family, check the current rules before you transfer.
Why airlines share a currency
Avios is owned by the same group as British Airways, and Qatar joined it in 2022. A shared currency lets each airline sell points to more partners and gives members more places to spend them. For a member, more places to spend means the currency is worth more, which in turn makes it easier for the program to sell.
What I'd do to get started
- Join Privilege Club for free.
- Search Qatar award seats for your dates, looking for the lower saver price.
- Compare the same seat through British Airways and Velocity.
- Transfer bank points only once you've found the seat.
This guide is general information only and isn’t financial advice. It doesn’t consider your personal circumstances. Check product terms and fees before applying for any credit card. The views here are ours.
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