Marriott launches its first co-branded credit card in Qatar

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) and Marriott Bonvoy have launched a new co-branded credit card in Qatar.

Marriott Bonvoy, the travel programme by Marriott International, said that it is “Qatar’s first hospitality co-brand credit cards in collaboration with Visa.”

Cardholders can earn Marriott Bonvoy points on local and international spends as well as on their stays at more than 8,000 hotels across over 130 countries.

The new Marriott Bonvoy QIB Credit Cards are available in three levels – Infinite, Signature and Platinum.

Infinite cardholders will receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status which includes benefits such as 25 per cent bonus points on eligible stays at participating hotels, room upgrades and 2pm late check out facilities.

Signature and Platinum cardholders meanwhile will receive Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status which gives members 10 per cent bonus points on eligible stays at participating hotels and priority late check out.

The welcome offer, applicable on all three cards during the launch stage, include the opportunity to earn double welcome points, plus an option for a one-time purchase of Marriott Bonvoy points during the card application to boost their points balance.

With the launch of the Marriott Bonvoy QIB Credit Cards, QIB is also introducing its first eco-friendly recycled material card plastics. The bank said that it will subsequently roll out its eco-friendly cards across its entire portfolio.

D. Anand, QIB’s general manager personal banking group, said, “Distinguished as Qatar’s first hospitality credit cards, these cards empower holders to amass points through their everyday transactions. These accumulated points can then be redeemed for stays and experiences across the globe, opening doors to a variety of enriching experiences beyond just accommodations.”

Neal Jones, chief sales and marketing officer, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, added, “Marriott Bonvoy sits at the heart of our consumer strategy, and we remain committed to offering our members more ways to earn and redeem points. We know that residents of Qatar are passionate about travel and this collaboration with QIB reflects our localisation strategy which focuses on delivering extra value to our members in the country.”

Marriott’s other co-branded credit card programmes

Elsewhere in this region, Marriott Bonvoy partnered with American Express Saudi Arabia to launch the kingdom’s first hospitality credit card last year. The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Credit Card is a US dollar card that provides a zero per cent foreign exchange fee when spending in Saudi Riyals.

More recently, in India, Marriott International launched what it says is India’s first co-branded hotel credit card, in partnership with HDFC Bank. Cardholders can also earn up to three additional free night awards when reaching pre-determined annual spend thresholds. Other benefits include complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide (12 domestic and 12 international entries per year), as well as access to participating golf courses twice per quarter, and insurance covering baggage, lost passports and missed connections.

Read: Marriott launches all-new Four Points Express by Sheraton brand

This article originally appeared on Business Traveller Middle East