Avios vs Skywards: which loyalty program wins?

We score Avios and Skywards 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 Skywards is best for Frequent flyers.

Skip Avios if Saudi residents who don't travel internationally, and skip Skywards if Domestic flyers.

Overall rating

	Avios	Skywards
Overall rating	4.4 / 5	3.9 / 5
Earning	3.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Redemption	5.0 / 5	4.0 / 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.
Skywards	Members earn Skywards Miles by flying with Emirates and flydubai (with Tier Miles for status qualification) and through 30+ partner airlines including Air Canada (full partnership December 2025), JetBlue, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, S7, and others (Skywards Miles only - no Tier Miles from partners). Earning also extends to hotel stays with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and ALL Accor; car rentals; dining partners; and retail. Saudi residents can transfer points from BSF Jana (500-point minimum, up to 200,000 per conversion) and anb rewards via published conversion rates. Tier bonuses: Silver +30%, Gold +75%, Platinum +100%. Members can also purchase miles. The Emirates Skywards Mastercard from Citi is US/Europe market only.

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.
Skywards	Miles redeem for award flights and upgrades on Emirates and flydubai, plus partner airlines (Air Canada, JetBlue, Korean, Cathay, Qantas, and 25+ more). Classic Rewards have fixed pricing; Flex Rewards have dynamic pricing with broader availability. Cash + Miles option allows partial payment for flights. Upgrade Rewards available on Emirates flights - particularly valuable on premium-cabin redemptions. First Class redemptions are restricted to Silver, Gold, and Platinum members (Blue members cannot book First). Members can also redeem for hotel stays via partners, car rentals, retail, sporting events, and cultural experiences. Fuel surcharges apply on most premium-cabin partner redemptions. Mile purchases available to supplement award costs.

Partner network · Tiers & status · Point expiry policy

	Avios	Skywards
Number of partners	0	0
Partners	—	—
Number of tiers	4	4
Top tier	Platinum	Platinum
First-tier qualification	150 points	25,000 points
Point expiry	36 months inactivity (reset on earn)	36 months inactivity (reset on earn)

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