Avios vs Blue Rewards: which loyalty program wins?

We score Avios and Blue Rewards on the same five factors — earning rate, redemption value, partner network, ease of use, and point expiry — to help you choose the right program for how you actually spend.

Verdict

Avios is best for Frequent travelers, while Blue Rewards is best for Mall shoppers.

Skip Avios if Saudi residents who don't travel internationally, and skip Blue Rewards if Any non-UAE resident expecting the 5–9% cashback rates featured in marketing.

Overall rating

	Avios	Blue Rewards
Overall rating	4.4 / 5	2.6 / 5
Earning	3.0 / 5	2.0 / 5
Redemption	5.0 / 5	3.0 / 5
Network	5.0 / 5	2.0 / 5
Ease of use	4.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Expiry	5.0 / 5	2.0 / 5

Earning structure

Avios	Members earn Avios on Qatar Airways flights - earning rates vary by route, fare class, and booking class. Earnings also accrue on flights with oneworld alliance partners (American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Iberia, Finnair, Royal Jordanian, and others) and on 90+ global partners including hotels (Marriott, IHG), car rentals (Hertz, Avis), retail, dining, and financial services. Avios are credited up to two hours before takeoff after check-in. Members can also purchase Avios to top up their balance, gift them to family and friends, or transfer between accounts. There is no Saudi bank co-branded credit card for Avios as of 2026.
Blue Rewards	Saudi members earn 1% cashback on purchases at participating Al-Futtaim brand stores. Cashback is credited to the Blue Wallet within the app. Additional Blue Points can be earned through in-app games, quizzes, achievements, referrals, and special promotions. Scan-and-earn at participating Al-Futtaim malls (where available). The Blue FAB credit card with 5-9% cashback rates is currently available only in the UAE - Saudi residents earn at the base 1% cashback rate without bank card amplification.

Redemption structure

Avios	Avios redeem on Qatar Airways and oneworld alliance flights worldwide - economy, business, and first class. Cabin upgrades to Business class on Qatar Airways are available. Cash + Avios allows part-payment for flights, giving flexibility on Avios-poor or last-minute bookings. At Qatar Duty Free in Hamad International Airport (Doha), Avios redemptions save up to 20% on luxury brands and dining. Members can also redeem at the Privilege Club Collection (lifestyle merchandise) and convert Avios with partner programs. Expired Avios can be revalidated at USD 0.015 per Avios - unique flexibility among airline programs.
Blue Rewards	Blue Wallet cashback is redeemed for vouchers, brand purchases, or Blue Gift cards through the Blue Rewards app. Blue Points are converted to vouchers and exclusive offers from top brands. Members can purchase Blue Gift cards (digital gift cards) with a 2% top-up bonus, usable across participating Al-Futtaim brands. Exclusive offers include 2-for-1 deals on dining, entertainment, and lifestyle activities. Festival Malls Gift Cards are available for use across mall stores. Redemption is digital-first via the Blue Rewards app. Saudi members access the same redemption catalog as other markets, though some partner offers may be UAE-specific.

Partner network · Tiers & status · Point expiry policy

	Avios	Blue Rewards
Number of partners	0	0
Partners	—	—
Number of tiers	4	0
Top tier	Platinum	—
First-tier qualification	150 points	—
Point expiry	36 months inactivity (reset on earn)	fixed

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