New Qatar Airways Credit Card Offers oneworld Lounge Access

Qatar Airways has announced two new credit cards into the U.S. market. One of the two cards opens the door to lounge access with the included oneworld Sapphire status. I will talk about both cards below and how they can benefit you in your travels.

These two new credit cards were launched in partnership with Cardless and Qatar Airways. The two personal credit cards include the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature credit card and the Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite credit card. Each of these cards offer different benefits, but it is worth noting that only the Privilege Club Visa Infinite card offers lounge access.

For those unfamiliar with Cardless, they are a small credit card issuer based in San Francisco founded in 2019. They currently offer Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards for specific brands including LATAM Airlines, TAP - Air Portugal, Simon (malls), and now Qatar Airways. Cardless can quickly launch a branded credit card for companies in less time than traditional card issuers.

One of the nice aspects of these cards is that they earn Avios as a bonus and everyday spend. Avios can be transferred and used with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and now Qatar Airways. Both cards provide oneworld elite status, either Ruby or Sapphire, depending on which card you choose. Below, I will talk about both cards and their benefits.

Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Signature

• Welcome bonus of 40,000 Avios. Earn 20,000 Avios after the first purchase, plus an additional 20,000 Avios after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months.
• The card offers a year of Qatar Privilege Club Silver status, including a 25% tier bonus, priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage allowance, and more.
• oneworld Ruby status
• Earn 4x Avios on Qatar Airways spending, 2x Avios on dining, and 1x Avios on all other purchases.
• The card offers two Qpoints for every $2,000 spent on the card, offering an opportunity to earn elite status with Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
• Annual Fee is $99 (not waved the first year)

Qatar Airways Privilege Club Visa Infinite Card

• Welcome bonus of 50,000 Avios. Earn 25,000 Avios after the first purchase, plus an additional 25,000 Avios after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months.
• The card offers a year of Qatar Privilege Club Gold status, including a 75% tier bonus, priority check-in and boarding, lounge access, extra baggage allowance, and more.
• oneworld Sapphire status (for one year)
• Earn of 5x Avios on Qatar Airways spending, 3x Avios on dining, and 1x Avios on everything else.
• The card offers 150 Qpoints upon approval, plus two Qpoints for every $1,500 spent on the card, offering an opportunity to earn elite status with Qatar Airways
• The card also offers Visa Infinite perks, like concierge service, rental car privileges, and more.
• Annual Fee is $499 (not waved the first year)

The oneworld Sapphire status is the main selling point of the premium version of this card. From a lounge perspective, this status will allow you access to American Admirals Club (including the American Flagship lounges), Air France lounges, Alaska Airlines lounges, British Airways lounges, Cathay Pacific lounges, and other oneworld affiliated lounges.

Closing Thoughts

If you are interested in lounge access you will need the Privilege Club Infinite card which includes the Sapphire oneworld status. This credit card would be great if you were a regular on oneworld airlines. The American Airlines World Elite Mastercard currently costs $595 per year and does not allow access to the Flagship Lounges. So I would recommend this card over the American Airlines World Elite card.