Amex Membership Rewards Adds Qatar Airways as a Transfer Partner

Amex Membership Rewards already has a robust array of more than 20 airline and hotel transfer partners, and today, it gained another.

Qatar Airways Privilege Club, the loyalty program of the Doha-based Oneworld alliance carrier, is the newest Amex transfer partner.

Here’s everything that you need to know.

Transfer Amex Points to Qatar Airways

On July 26, 2023, Amex added the ability to transfer Membership Rewards points to Qatar Airways Privilege Club.

Points can be transferred from Amex to Qatar at a 1:1 ratio, with a minimum of 1,000 points. Transfers should occur instantly.

As with all other partners, you’ll need to provide a Qatar Airways Privilege Club number to link with your Amex Membership Rewards account.

Amex Membership Rewards now joins Citi ThankYou Rewards as a direct transfer partner with Qatar Airways.

However, while this latest development simplifies the transfer experience for Amex cardholders, there has been a backdoor method to redeem directly with Qatar Airways since last year.  

In March 2022, Qatar Airways switched its frequent flyer currency to Avios, joining Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling as the fifth airline to use the currency.

That meant users could instantly transfer British Airways Avios to Qatar Airways Avios at a 1:1 ratio at no cost. With British Airways a longtime Amex transfer partner already, Amex points could be transferred to British Airways and then onwards to Qatar Airways.

The addition of Qatar Airways on Amex’s website now streamlines the process.

Earning and Redeeming Points

The fastest way to earn Membership Rewards points is to apply for an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards, complete the initial spending requirement, and earn a welcome offer.

When it comes to transferring points, one of the best ways to redeem Avios is a one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Doha, requiring 70,000 Qatar Avios. In addition, in June 2023, Qatar reduced the cost of its partner award bookings, and now, these may be a worthwhile redemption opportunity.

A number of niche, non-Oneworld redemptions can be made including with RwandAir, Virgin Australia, Middle East Airlines, and more.

Final Thoughts

While it’s always exciting to have another transfer partner added to the roster, the addition of Qatar Airways Privilege Club to Amex Membership Rewards isn’t as exciting as it might seem on the surface. Still, this provides a straightforward way for cardholders to make a transfer to Qatar.