The invention relates to a novel catalyst based on zeolite, the production of that catalyst, and the use of the catalyst in a method for producing lower olefins from oxygenates and for oligomerizing olefins. The novel catalyst has a SiO2/Al2O3 weight ratio of 2 to 9, a BET surface of 250 to 500 m2/g, and an Na content under 200 ppm. The catalyst includes a crystalline alumosilicate zeolite and a binder. The catalyst is characterized in that the ratio of the peak heights of its IR absorption bands v=3610 cm−1±20 cm−1/v=3680 cm−1±20 cm−1 is greater than 1.8.