Bilt adds Qatar Airways Privilege Club as a new transfer partner

Bilt Rewards’ list of transfer partners continues to grow. After adding Japan Airlines and Southwest Rapid Rewards in the last month, Bilt has announced its newest partner: Qatar Airways Privilege Club.

Bilt Points will transfer to Qatar Avios at a 1:1 ratio, and transfers should process almost instantly, according to a press release from its vice president of travel Richard Kerr. Bilt members can transfer their points to Qatar starting May 21.

This latest addition brings Bilt’s transfer partner list to 16 airline partners and five hotel partners in addition to Virgin Red, which offers cruise and hotel redemption opportunities.

Bilt points could already transfer to Aer Lingus AerClub, British Airways Club and Iberia Plus — three of the five airline programs that use Avios. Since Avios can transfer between the five airline programs that use it, Bilt members could previously redeem their Bilt points through Qatar Privilege Club. However, the ability to transfer directly to Qatar will simplify the process.

Should you transfer Bilt points to Qatar?

Qatar Airways Privilege Club has seen some disappointing changes in recent years: It has lost some sweet spots, increased cash surcharges and added peak and off-peak award pricing. However, there are still some great deals available. And, since each airline program that uses Avios is a little different, you may find better prices or availability on some routes through Qatar than, say, British Airways.

One of our favorite ways to use Qatar Avios is by booking the airline’s business-class Qsuite. For instance, for a one-way ticket from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar charges 70,000 Avios on off-peak dates plus $100 in taxes and fees. That’s a steal for 12 hours in one of the best business-class products in the sky.

The same route in economy would set you back only 35,000 Avios on off-peak dates or 47,500 Avios on peak dates, plus $65.

Bottom line

As the Bilt transfer family continues to grow, the program seems committed to adding value in other ways, too. Bilt members can now pay student loan debt with Bilt points and pay rent with other credit cards. Bilt has also hinted at plans for new reward categories, like mortgage payments — an exciting prospect for home-owning Bilt members and nonmembers alike.