Live | CIMB Launches 30% Bonus Avios with Qatar Airways
- Refined Points
- May 1
- 3 min read
CIMB Bank has launched an attractive 30% Bonus Avios promotion in partnership with Qatar Airways, running from 1 May 2025 to 31 May 2025.
You may access the link to convert your CIMB Bonus Points above.
In Malaysia, Refined Points recognises CIMB as the only bank that offers a true direct conversion to Qatar Airways' Avios. We do not consider the HSBC TravelOne Mastercard a serious option, given its extremely poor conversion rates — a deal so unfavourable it borders on being a scam.
As a result, CIMB remains the most straightforward and accessible way for Malaysians to redeem flights on Qatar Airways, home to some of the world's best airline products, notably the award-winning QSuites Business Class.
Long-time Refined Points readers will know that I’ve written extensively about Qatar Airways’ QSuites. With its outstanding seats, top-tier catering, and spectacular lounges at Hamad International Airport, experiencing this product at least once should be on every traveller’s bucket list — especially if you are planning a trip to Europe or the United Kingdom.
Given this, don’t miss out on the opportunity to convert your CIMB Bonus Points to Avios with the added 30% bonus. As a reminder, the best use of CIMB Bonus Points has always been for Avios conversions, whether to British Airways or Qatar Airways.
I’ve often said that CIMB’s partnership with Avios is a hidden gem many still overlook, particularly because the MPR (Miles Per Ringgit) rates offered are arguably better than those available even through banks in Qatar itself.
For the Miles Experts
For those already familiar with airline loyalty programs and the mechanics of Oneworld status, this section is for you. To recap, Qatar Airways is a member of the Oneworld alliance and uses Avios as its frequent flyer currency — similar to how Malaysia Airlines uses Enrich Miles.
Importantly, other Oneworld airlines such as British Airways, Finnair, and Iberia also use Avios as their primary mileage currency. The crucial advantage here is that Avios can be freely transferred between these programs. For instance, you can move your Avios from Qatar Airways to British Airways or Finnair, depending on where you find award seat availability.
Why is this flexibility so valuable? Different airlines release different inventories for redemption. A seat you can’t find on Qatar Airways might still be available through British Airways or Finnair. Moreover, it opens up opportunities to redeem Avios on other highly regarded airlines in the ecosystem.
Take Finnair, for example. While it’s not a household name in Malaysia — largely because it does not operate flights to Kuala Lumpur — airline enthusiasts know Finnair for its exceptional and consistently high-quality business class.
Through Avios transfers, you could easily book a Business Class ticket from Singapore to London via Helsinki on Finnair if Qatar Airways options aren't available. This flexibility is precisely what makes converting your CIMB Bonus Points to Avios such a compelling strategy.
Final Thoughts
CIMB's 30% Bonus Avios promotion with Qatar Airways is an excellent opportunity for anyone serious about maximising the value of their CIMB Bonus Points. As the only realistic banking partner in Malaysia offering direct Qatar Airways Avios conversion, CIMB once again reinforces its position as a hidden gem for travel rewards enthusiasts.
If you’ve been sitting on a stash of CIMB Bonus Points, there’s never been a better time to act. Promotions like this don’t come often — and with QSuites, Hamad International lounges, and even Finnair Business Class seats within reach, this is one transfer campaign you won't want to miss.
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