Avios vs Marriott Bonvoy: which loyalty program wins?

We score Avios and Marriott Bonvoy 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 Marriott Bonvoy is best for Saudi-based travelers.

Skip Avios if Saudi residents who don't travel internationally, and skip Marriott Bonvoy if Anyone wanting to earn through daily spend.

Overall rating

	Avios	Marriott Bonvoy
Overall rating	4.4 / 5	4.1 / 5
Earning	3.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Redemption	5.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Network	5.0 / 5	5.0 / 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.
Marriott Bonvoy	Members earn 10 base points per USD spent at most Marriott brands including Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, W, Westin, Sheraton, Le Méridien, Renaissance, Autograph, Marriott, Courtyard, Aloft, and Four Points. Earnings drop to 5 points/USD at Element, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Protea, and Homes & Villas; 4 points/USD at StudioRes; and 2.5 points/USD at Marriott Executive Apartments. Elite tier members receive bonus points: Silver +10%, Gold +25%, Platinum +50%, Titanium and Ambassador +75%. Members can also earn through Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty car rentals and point purchases.

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.
Marriott Bonvoy	Points redeem for hotel stays at 9,000+ Marriott properties across 143 countries. Dynamic award pricing applies - costs shift based on cash rates and demand. The 5th Night Free benefit gives the lowest-value night free on redemptions of 5+ consecutive nights - Marriott's most valuable redemption perk. Free Night Awards (from credit cards or Annual Choice Benefits) can be topped off with up to 25,000 points (increased from 15,000 in March 2026). Transfer to 40+ airline partners at 3:1 ratio (typically 60,000 Bonvoy = 25,000 miles + 5,000 bonus). Other options include gift cards, merchandise, dining experiences via Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and instant redemptions for room credits.

Partner network · Tiers & status · Point expiry policy

	Avios	Marriott Bonvoy
Number of partners	0	0
Partners	—	—
Number of tiers	4	6
Top tier	Platinum	Ambassador Elite
First-tier qualification	150 points	—
Point expiry	36 months inactivity (reset on earn)	24 months inactivity (reset on earn)

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