Avios vs ICSAB+: which loyalty program wins?

We score Avios and ICSAB+ 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 ICSAB+ is best for Households paying SADAD and government bills.

Skip Avios if Saudi residents who don't travel internationally, and skip ICSAB+ if Heavy spenders on groceries, fuel, and restaurants.

Overall rating

	Avios	ICSAB+
Overall rating	4.4 / 5	3.6 / 5
Earning	3.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Redemption	5.0 / 5	3.0 / 5
Network	5.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Ease of use	4.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Expiry	5.0 / 5	3.0 / 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.
ICSAB+	Members earn ICSAB+ points across a wide range of activities: credit card spend (7.5–12.5 points per 100 SAR domestic, 10–15 points international, depending on card type), Mada debit card spend (0.5 points domestic, 1 point international per 100 SAR), digital banking registration and activity (10–40 points), paperless statement enrollment (10–20 points), ITM and e-Desk services (10 points each), AQSAT installment plans (10–30 points), IPO enrollment (20–40 points), and personal/home finance applications (100–200 points). Digital payment behavior boosts earnings: contactless +5%, digital wallet +10%, online purchases +15%, recurring digital payments +20%.

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.
ICSAB+	Points redeem through six channels via SAB Mobile or SAB Online: Instant ICSAB+ Cash (1,000 points = 70 SAR, deposited to account or credit card instantly via app or within 3 working days, 200 SAR minimum), Pay with ICSAB+ for SADAD and government payments directly through SAB, E-vouchers at 150+ merchants (1,000 points = 100 SAR — the highest-value path), Online Travel (flights, hotels, car rentals booked directly through the ICSAB+ portal, 1,000-point minimum), Charitable donations to Ehsan or Joodeskan (500 points = 50 SAR, no upper limit), and Points Exchange transfers to airline, hotel, and telecom partner programs. Travel redemptions cannot be cancelled or refunded once confirmed. Most other redemptions are also non-refundable. Redemption requires accepting program T&Cs on first use

Partner network · Tiers & status · Point expiry policy

	Avios	ICSAB+
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)	12 months

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