Question
While I know there are already many Merrill+ threads, each thread addresses a specific issue of the card. Some seem to have problems redeeming and receiving their Ritz rewards, and others seem to gripe about the FX rate. I was hoping I could open up this forum for all those who have the card to share their overall experience with MBNA and Merrill+.
Also, I am hoping that someone could answer if the Merrill+ card is a Visa Platinum or Visa Signature product? I could not find this from the website, and while it does share similarities with the Signature Product, I wanted to confirm with fellow FTers.
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Merrill+ = "Platinum Plus Visa" per MBNA online statement.
I have had the card for awhile, but only recently began to use it for several purchases in the UK. It appears they have not added any currency conversion fee, but I'll know next week if they do this as a separate line item.
dennis
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While I know there are already many Merrill+ threads, each thread addresses a specific issue of the card. Some seem to have problems redeeming and receiving their Ritz rewards, and others seem to gripe about the FX rate. I was hoping I could open up this forum for all those who have the card to share their overall experience with MBNA and Merrill+.
I think most of the threads in this forum address peoples experiences with the card. Some have problems with the Ritz vouchers and others have problems with direct payments, etc. Don't really understand what other experiences you are looking on information for. Are you wanting to know something specific? Other than those small issues already mentioned, it is a regular charge card like all the other cards out there. You charge....get a bill... pay the bill...nothing else. :eek: Point redemptions are pretty straight forward! Concierge seems to be pretty good based on comments! Phone reps are nice! What else does one need to know? You can find the benefits of the card on this website: (Ritz vouchers not listed for some unknow reason which has been addressed in other threads!)
https://www.card.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/ML-Cards-MERRILL-Plus.htm
Don't know if I would apply for the card so late in the year if you are getting it primarily for the Ritz vouchers. You will only have 6 months to charge either 20k or 50k to get and actually redeem the vouchers by the end of the year. I got the card in Nov. 2004 but waited to use it until Jan. 2005, since you have to requalify each year for the benefits.
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I think most of the threads in this forum address peoples experiences with the card. Some have problems with the Ritz vouchers and others have problems with direct payments, etc. Don't really understand what other experiences you are looking on information for. Are you wanting to know something specific? Other than those small issues already mentioned, it is a regular charge card like all the other cards out there. You charge....get a bill... pay the bill...nothing else. :eek: Point redemptions are pretty straight forward! Concierge seems to be pretty good based on comments! Phone reps are nice! What else does one need to know? You can find the benefits of the card on this website: (Ritz vouchers not listed for some unknow reason which has been addressed in other threads!)
https://www.card.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/ML-Cards-MERRILL-Plus.htm
Don't know if I would apply for the card so late in the year if you are getting it primarily for the Ritz vouchers. You will only have 6 months to charge either 20k or 50k to get and actually redeem the vouchers by the end of the year. I got the card in Nov. 2004 but waited to use it until Jan. 2005, since you have to requalify each year for the benefits.
So the program runs on a caldendar year, and not when the cardmember applies? That is very important to know. Also, who is the concierge service through? Is it VIP Desk like many of the other cards, or another provider? I have read many of the other forums reading the Merrill+ card and just wanted a general overlook. Last a previous OP posted, the card is a Platinum Plus card, and not a signature card so I can expect that it won't fullfill all the traditional Visa Signature benefits. Is the customer service administered through MBNA or Merrill? Sorry if most of my questions, or this thread that I have started is too general.
Also, can existing MBNA cardmembers transfer cards? For example, if I had an existing Quantum Mastercard serviced by MBNA, can I transfer my Quantum MC into the Merril+ Visa without having to go through the application process? Or do I need to cancel the Quantum MC and apply for the Merrill+ Visa? Thanks in advance!
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<<program runs on a calendar year>>
Correct
<<transfer cards?>>
Didn't try, but I did transfer most of a credit line from a dormant card. The web application process was painless.
<<customer service administered through MBNA or Merrill>>
Similar to other cards the funtions are fragmented. The charge transactions are serviced by MBNA. Most rewards are claimed by calling the "MERRILL+ Benefits Center", but some are provided by other firms. "Carlson Companies, Inc. (“Carlson”) manages the travel rewards portions of the Program." (It may be that Carlson operates the Benefits Center.) "Merrill Lynch Concierge services are provided by Circle Company Associates, Inc."
You may wish to explore this document...
https://card.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/MERRILL-Plus/ML-Cards-Merrill-Plus-Card-Details.htm
...in part because it will answer many of your questions, but also because it will give you a good feel for the program. It's very much a cobbled together assembly of largely unrelated offers with explicit restrictions. There's no pattern and it appears to me the details are still quite fluid. I don't think it's an accident that the Ritz Carlton certificates were omitted from the new website, I think this benefit is going away, but maybe they are simple renegotiating for 2006.
The written materials provided with the card include two dense sets of Terms and Conditions. I believe one is titled "Benefits" and the other "Rewards", but there is substantial overlap and some contradictions. My attempt to clarify one important ambiguity by email and phone was ultimately unsucessful because the staff didn't seem to know that the print versions even exist. A few weeks later I received a "revised" version of one through the mail, but the contradition was unresolved.
Bottom line: I would not choose to use the card because of a few specific features, it's too immature.
dennis
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So the program runs on a caldendar year, and not when the cardmember applies?
Yes but really only for the Ritz qualifications. Basically you have to charge 20k in a calendar year to get one free night and 50k to get an additional 3 free nights. This has to be done every year. All of the other benefits are good for the year in which you achieve a level PLUS the following year. Kind of confusing but if you look at all the published info from ML on the card it will explain it.
I got the card because I had several large things I was planning on charging this year (including a pool renovation) so I wanted to take advantage of the Ritz Carlton free nights. It is basically an additional benefit because you also accrue regular points which you can redeem for flights, merchandise, etc. in addition to the free nights. I look at it this way....50k in charges gets me four free nights at a Ritz Carlton plus two R/T airline tickets (each costing 25,000 points). With any other program I would only have gotten 50,000 points which would have gotten me the two flights and NO free Ritz Carlton nights.
As far as the program for 2006 goes, there are rumors that Ritz Carlton MIGHT not be part of the program. If that is true, I will go back to using my SPG AMEX card which I think is one of the best cards out there. I went back to charging on my SPG card as soon as I achieved the 50K level on the ML card anyway. I got my 4 free nights and that was really all I wanted. Will use the 50,000 points for free airline tickets some time in the future.
I too had a credit limit moved to the ML+ account when I was approved. Just like mia, I had a dormant MBNA card that I called to cancel and they moved the credit limit over to the ML+ Visa card for me.
Concierge Services are evidently done by the same company that does them for AMEX Platinum.
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Haven't seen any surcharges for my purchases in Australia last month.
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At first glance, the Merrill+ card looks more like a Visa Signature Card than a Platinum Plus card. It offers the travel perks as well as the concierge service. The rewards program, at least from my perspective, seems quite lucrative and much more competitive than most Signature and World cards.
Is there something I'm missing here? I wonder why MBNA and Merrill offer the card as a platinum level product rather than a signature level product. Anybody know the answer to this? Also, what are the drawbacks of this card compared to a traditional Visa Signataure product? Thanks!
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The Ritz Carlton benefits are again mentioned on the website...
https://rewards.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/MERRILL-Plus/ML-Cards-Merrill-Plus-Benefits.htm
...and also in the Program Rules...
https://rewards.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/MERRILL-Plus/ML-Cards-Merrill-Plus-Card-Details.htm#R_Ritz
I believe this is new "Certificates expiration dates vary depending on when +Levels are earned". I hope this means that certificates earned late in a calendar year will expire sometime the following year, rather than in December of the year earned.
dennis
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According to my broker at Merrill the Ritz part of the program will be discontinued very soon but they will have other things to add to make up for it.
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The Ritz Carlton benefits are again mentioned on the website...
https://rewards.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/MERRILL-Plus/ML-Cards-Merrill-Plus-Benefits.htm
...and also in the Program Rules...
https://rewards.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/MERRILL-Plus/ML-Cards-Merrill-Plus-Card-Details.htm#R_Ritz
I believe this is new "Certificates expiration dates vary depending on when +Levels are earned". I hope this means that certificates earned late in a calendar year will expire sometime the following year, rather than in December of the year earned.
dennis
On the CERTS(4) earned this year, all of them expire 12/30/05. :mad:
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<<On the CERTS(4) earned this year, all of them expire 12/30/05>>
That's what I've read, but I take this new phrasing to mean that certificates earned later in the year will not expire this year. It would be useful to know the cut off date and how far into 2006 they maight be valid, but I doubt we will put $20,000 on this card.
dennis
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Certificates I oredered today have expiration date 6/30/2006.
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Certificates I oredered today have expiration date 6/30/2006.
Same here, 6/30/06
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I spoke to a Merrill+ rep today and he informed me the the Ritz program and rewards would be discontinued this year. All certificates requested will expire 6/30/06. This includes certificates for awards earned in 2004.
At least Merrill didn't abandon it's cardholders. We have an additional 6 months.
He stated that Ritz had increased it's fees & costs for the certificates that it sells to Merrill.
The free night program will be replaced with another hotel group. They will announce the hotel later in the year. The rep. mentioned several companies, he first spoke of Sheraton, Westin and then Four Seasons.
Let's hope for the latter.
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I spoke to a Merrill+ rep today and he informed me the the Ritz program and rewards would be discontinued this year. All certificates requested will expire 6/30/06. This includes certificates for awards earned in 2004.
At least Merrill didn't abandon it's cardholders. We have an additional 6 months.
He stated that Ritz had increased it's fees & costs for the certificates that it sells to Merrill.
The free night program will be replaced with another hotel group. They will announce the hotel later in the year. The rep. mentioned several companies, he first spoke of Sheraton, Westin and then Four Seasons.
Let's hope for the latter.
I would much prefer Sheraton or Westin, since they have a larger network of hotels. The Sheraton brand extends to Westin, W, Luxury Collection, St. Regis, etc... and have as many amenities as Ritz at their high end locations. Four Seasons, which owns a few Ritz Carlton hotels, has a much more limited hotel list. With the Starwood Brand I think card members will have much less of a problem booking rooms, unlike the problems that have been common with Ritz redemptions.
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All this may change further as MBNA has been acquired by Bank of America.
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I would much prefer Sheraton or Westin, since they have a larger network of hotels. The Sheraton brand extends to Westin, W, Luxury Collection, St. Regis, etc... and have as many amenities as Ritz at their high end locations. Four Seasons, which owns a few Ritz Carlton hotels, has a much more limited hotel list. With the Starwood Brand I think card members will have much less of a problem booking rooms, unlike the problems that have been common with Ritz redemptions.
Even though I am a huge Starwood (Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection and soon to be LeMeridien) fan, I wouldn't like to see ML+ Rewards go with them for the free nights vouchers. A lot of people (including myself) earn SPG points either through hotels stays and/or through the SPG AMEX card. ML offered me another luxury alternative and I hope they go that way with their "new" partner if all the rumors are indeed true. I would naturally prefer Four Seasons.
One interesting thing I noted is that ML+ Rewards currently offers Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont, Hyatt, Marriott and Wyndham vouchers as part of the ML+ Rewards gift certificate points redemption program. Wouldn't it make sense for them to offer vouchers from a chain they already work with or would they go out and negotiate with Four Seasons or Starwood? IMHO Fairmont is nice but they don't have enough properties. Hyatt would be good but I would still like either Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons so I can get 4 free Luxury nights. (Spending my 4 Ritz vouchers at the Laguna Niguel property this year!) One more thing...I can't see Starwood working with ML Visa because they really push their AMEX card.
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I wouldn't care who MBNA went with as long as availability was better than Ritz.
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I wouldn't care who MBNA went with as long as availability was better than Ritz.
Couldn't agree more with the last two posters. ^
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Any news of potential changes to this card for 2006? I was thinking of applying, but it appears to be in a state of flux.
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Just to update, I was one of the first to complain about reservation availability at the Ritz on this board. Tried to book ANY NIGHT in Central Park, ANY TIME! Finally the agent confirmed that there was no availability for the next twelve months!
At this points, I stopped using the card - except for the few vendors who do not accept AMEX. Reserved one Saturday night in August at the Ritz in Philadelphia and gave the night to my daugher and son-in-law. They had a great time and I, at least, was happy that it wasn't wasted.
My partner, on the other hand, is sitting with 4 nights and also found out the hard way that NY is off-limits. At least it's good to know that the certificates have an extra six months for him to try somewhere else.
I can't imagine the grief ML has gotten over this and can't fathom that they would reinstate it. I hope they learn from experience and choose a chain that will be more responsive. I also agree that it is unlikely to be Starwood due to their relationship with AMEX. We'll see.
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...
My partner, on the other hand, is sitting with 4 nights and also found out the hard way that NY is off-limits. At least it's good to know that the certificates have an extra six months for him to try somewhere else.
"6 months"??? Don't you mean 4 months? All my certs that I earned this year and last year all expire December 30, 2005. Sucessfully used them at SF Ritz, PalmBeach Ritz, DC-Pentagon City Ritz so far. Have nights booked at SF ritz again for my parents in Oct., and just ended up cancelling free nights booked at New Orleans Ritz in November (for obvious reasons). Still got a few more nights to use up though before year-end.
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pacman-
as I read the other posts, it seemd to indicate that all certificates are being extended until June 30, 2006. Have not checked this personally as I have use the only night I had.
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pacman-
as I read the other posts, it seemd to indicate that all certificates are being extended until June 30, 2006. Have not checked this personally as I have use the only night I had.
Just wanted to clear up a few items; all certificates ordered now will have a 6/30/06 date.
ML did not extend that date for certificates with the 12/31/05 date.
I would suggest waiting until you actually need the certificates before requesting them. They do take a few weeks to arrive, but you can still make the reservation, even if you don't have the certificates. You will need them at check in.
FYI: I was able to book two weekend nights for two rooms in Boston Common location in October.
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I spoke to a Merrill+ rep today and he informed me the the Ritz program and rewards would be discontinued this year. All certificates requested will expire 6/30/06. This includes certificates for awards earned in 2004.
At least Merrill didn't abandon it's cardholders. We have an additional 6 months.
He stated that Ritz had increased it's fees & costs for the certificates that it sells to Merrill.
The free night program will be replaced with another hotel group. They will announce the hotel later in the year. The rep. mentioned several companies, he first spoke of Sheraton, Westin and then Four Seasons.
Let's hope for the latter.
If ML really wanted to take care of it's cardholders especially the ones like myself who are very frustrated with the ritz deal then they should exchange the ones we COULDN'T use for whatever the new program is. :mad:
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i just made level 2 and do they still send out the 1 night ritz cert?
3x
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i just made level 2 and do they still send out the 1 night ritz cert?
3x
You need to call up ML and order the cert. I would wait as long as possible before ordering the cert to get the better expiration date.
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I too just made +3 last month. Can anyone please help explain the expiration date situation? I do not look to use these Ritz Carlton certificates any time soon, so should I wait till next year to get them to send these certificates? What is the chance that they'll change the program to another hotel chain next year?
Can anyone also share their experience in redeeming these certificates for the Lake Las Vegas and NYC locations?
Thank you very much! Any help is appreciated.
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[QUOTE=StarwoodRules]I too just made +3 last month. Can anyone please help explain the expiration date situation? I do not look to use these Ritz Carlton certificates any time soon, so should I wait till next year to get them to send these certificates? What is the chance that they'll change the program to another hotel chain next year?
As of last month, all certificates requested will have the 6/30/06 expiration date. This would be for awards earned in 2004 or this year. Recently, I ordered my wife's certificates for her +3 level earned last year and they arrived in about a week.
I would suggest that unless you are traveling and have your reservations , I wouldn't order your +2 or +3 award certificates for 2005. I will expect that Merrill might purchase certificates with a longer expiration date, especially for cardholders who order them next year.
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FYI:
I was able to book Palm Beach for three free nights in March using my certificates .
The rate was arround $ 500.00 when I asked initially. Not a bad deal. However you have to work find availability.
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I too just made +3 last month. Can anyone please help explain the expiration date situation? I do not look to use these Ritz Carlton certificates any time soon, so should I wait till next year to get them to send these certificates? What is the chance that they'll change the program to another hotel chain next year?
Can anyone also share their experience in redeeming these certificates for the Lake Las Vegas and NYC locations?
Thank you very much! Any help is appreciated.
Was able to get 3 rooms for 2 nights each at SF Ritz for Dec.
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Are you positive? Benefits are calendar based: I would think you lose your certificates if you don't order them by Dec 31. I'm hopefully mistaken...
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Are you positive? Benefits are calendar based: I would think you lose your certificates if you don't order them by Dec 31. I'm hopefully mistaken...
Can anyone please clarify on this very critical point? Thanks!
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Are you positive? Benefits are calendar based: I would think you lose your certificates if you don't order them by Dec 31. I'm hopefully mistaken...
Yes you are.......... not to worry though; if you reach +3 this year , it is not necessary or even required that you order the certificates in the same year that you reach the +3 level. You will have +3 status for the remainder of the year plus the following year as well.
Depending on when you request you certificates for free nights , this will determine the expiration date. Currently all certificates have a 6/30/06 date.
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I spoke to a Merrill+ rep today and he informed me the the Ritz program and rewards would be discontinued this year. All certificates requested will expire 6/30/06. This includes certificates for awards earned in 2004.
At least Merrill didn't abandon it's cardholders. We have an additional 6 months.
He stated that Ritz had increased it's fees & costs for the certificates that it sells to Merrill.
The free night program will be replaced with another hotel group. They will announce the hotel later in the year. The rep. mentioned several companies, he first spoke of Sheraton, Westin and then Four Seasons.
Let's hope for the latter.
Just had a conversation with ML csr and she repeated that Ritz and ML's relationship is ending this year.
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Just had a conversation with ML csr and she repeated that Ritz and ML's relationship is ending this year.
Very unfortunate. Has there been any announcement of what the program the Ritz will be replaced with? I'm hoping it is a chain with more locations, as the Ritz program was very limited.
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I hope Merrill's managers understand that because their benefit levels are determined by calendar year spend it is essential to have the details for 2006 finalized and published well before the end of 2005. They really should not be tampering with it in the Spring.
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I hope Merrill's managers understand that because their benefit levels are determined by calendar year spend it is essential to have the details for 2006 finalized and published well before the end of 2005. They really should not be tampering with it in the Spring.
Since the Merrill+ Card is issued by MBNA, who is now being acquired by Bank of America, any changes may not be publicized until after the transaction has been finalized.
My question is: Does Merrill manage all the benefits of the card and MBNA just services it, or is it under some other different agreement?
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Some info I just got from ML+ Rewards today on the phone:
1. Evidently Ritz-Carlton is history as reported by others! ML+ will not be offering vouchers as part of the program. (Too bad since I just got back from 4 nights at the Ritz-Carton in Laguna Niguel and it was great!! Even got upgraded to the Club floor.)
2. According to the representative, they are going with the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) for 2006. She mentioned that they have 400+ properties so there will be more choices for cardmembers. Details are not yet worked out but she mentioned different things like discounts, free breakfast, free nights, Leader Club Memberships, etc. Will be waiting to see how this works. Could be very interesting considering that some really nice properties like the Setai, Hotel Bel-Air, Fifteen Beacon and Halekulani (just to name a few US properties) are part of LHW. Can't however imagine that the program would award 4 free nights at these properties for spending $50k but you never know.
Evidently the new 2006 benefits will be listed on the web site on Oct. 21.
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Slightly off the subject but there is $75 Best Buy GC sign up bonus -
https://wwwa.applyonlinenow.com/USCCapp/Ctl/entry?sc=LI03&mc=A000001UIS&pid=lf
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Just wanted to give a heads up to the new LHW program that is suppose to replace the Ritz Carlton free night program.
https://www.card.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/Leading+Hotels.htm
Apparently there will not be "free night vouchers" anymore, but rather discounts. It certainly does not have the same appeal as the Ritz Carlton program, but probably better program availablility.
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Just wanted to give a heads up to the new LHW program that is suppose to replace the Ritz Carlton free night program.
https://www.card.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/Leading+Hotels.htm
Apparently there will not be "free night vouchers" anymore, but rather discounts. It certainly does not have the same appeal as the Ritz Carlton program, but probably better program availablility.
This is horrible. I do hope Merrill brings a better deal the following year, perhaps with the W Hotels, because a 12% discount is nowhere near as strong of an incentive to become a "3+" member when compared to free nights at the Ritz. I was planning on moving a significant portion of charges over, but don't see anymore reason to do so now.
I think at the very least, 2+ members should be offered a higher discount rate.
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Just wanted to give a heads up to the new LHW program that is suppose to replace the Ritz Carlton free night program.
https://www.card.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/Leading+Hotels.htm
Apparently there will not be "free night vouchers" anymore, but rather discounts. It certainly does not have the same appeal as the Ritz Carlton program, but probably better program availablility.
THIS IS A JOKE! Not what I was expecting after my conversation with ML+ Rewards last week. What incentive do we now have to spend over $50k with them? I don't think any of the cards users will be happy with this. I would rather have problems redeeming Ritz vouchers than get nothing! (I didn't have any problems redeeming them but I read others did.) Ritz vouchers was the only reason I got this card and charged over $50k on them this year. A big thanks to those that made such a big deal about having problems using their vouchers....now we won't have to worry about that!
Looks like 2006 will be the worst year of credit card benefits for me with this change and the loss of US Airways from AMEX MR. I have been eyeing the Diners Club benefits for a while and with this change I will be moving my non-AMEX business over to them. Just hope and pray SPG AMEX doesn't start messing with their benefits.
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It is certainly a drop in benefits, but remember that this card is fee-free. In my opinion, this card is probably the best fee-free Visa card available in the market today. Four free nights when spending 50,000 per year was a huge benefit, and--how unfortunate it may be--I'm not surprised that it was pulled. I was hoping that they would have offered a hotel benefit along the lines of some major chain (e.g. Hilton, Starwood, Four Seasons, etc). Hilton and Starwood do have a handful of premium hotels, and would offer cardholders better availability when redeeming free nights. LHW definitely has more availability than Ritz Carlton, but are more spread around the world than in the United States. But, I'll definitely have to agree that the new LHW program does not come close to compensating for the Ritz program.
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I just ordered my 4 Ritz Carlton certificates today. I was told their expiration dates are 12/31/2006; and that these certificates won't be available any more when they run out of them. I will definately not use this credit card anymore. IMHO, Amex SPG and Citi PremierePass are better value.
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No surprise, but the Ritz free nights certificates has been officially removed from the Merrill+ benefits website, but still exist in the benefit's details page. The new LHW program was posted earlier last month, but then inadventantly removed.
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Curious what you mean by officially removed from the Merrill+ benefits website? It has not been listed on this (https://www.card.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/MERRILL.htm) page for several months, but as you mentioned is still in the View Full Benefits (https://www.card.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/MERRILL-Plus/ML-Cards-Merrill-Plus-Card-Details.htm#R_Ritz) link. This is the first time I noticed that they specifically excluded stays at the The Ritz-Carlton NY Central Park, and indicated that "The Ritz-Carlton NY Battery Park has limited availability." I suppose they will deemphasize but not officially withdraw the offer until the end of the calendar year.
<< new LHW program was posted earlier last month, but then inadvertantly removed.>>
The page you found previously seemed to be an unfinished draft. Maybe they are still editing.
dennis
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The Ritz benefit was reposted on the regular benefits page a few months ago. I guess I used the word "officially" to liberally. But, yes, the Ritz benefit is still listed on the Full Benefits page. My question is, are they still honoring existing cardmembers that are redeeming for the Ritz certificates after 11/1/05?
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The Ritz benefit was reposted on the regular benefits page a few months ago. I guess I used the word "officially" to liberally. But, yes, the Ritz benefit is still listed on the Full Benefits page. My question is, are they still honoring existing cardmembers that are redeeming for the Ritz certificates after 11/1/05?
The page has been changed, Merrill certs will not be granted starting Jan 1st. LHW program details have been officially posted there too:
CHANGES TO THE RITZ-CARLTON BENEFITS:
Effective January 1, 2006, MERRILL +2 and +3 cardholders will no longer earn the complementary 1-night certificates.
Cardholders that earn the certificates before December 31, 2005 will be entitled to the certificates and can make reservations to stay at participating Ritz-Carlton hotel properties through the end of 2006. (Some cardholders may have certificates with expiration dates prior to the end of 2006 depending on when they earned and redeemed for these certificates).
The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.®
2005 Benefits
All MERRILL+ cardholders
MERRILL+:
Merrill Lynch Special Rate - 12% savings on nightly rate.
One More Night - Stay three consecutive nights and receive the fourth night free.
Breakfast Inclusive - 20% savings on nightly rate plus daily breakfast for two
Leader’s Circle - 10% savings on nightly rate plus a $50 in-house credit that may be applied to any service provided by the hotel with the exception of accommodations.
NOTE: Maximum $100 in-house credit per stay.
MERRILL+2
Three for Two - Stay two consecutive nights and receive the third night free.
MERRILL+3:
Leaders Club Annual Membership: As a MERRILL+3 cardholder you are invited to enjoy Leaders Club Membership while staying at Leading Hotels, compliments of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. and Merrill Lynch. Leaders Club Membership privileges include:
A room upgrade, based on availability at check in.
Early check-in and late check-out, based on availability.
A unique welcome gift from the hotel upon arrival.
Terms:
Special Rates and Packages
Offer expires on 12/31/06.
To receive special rates and packages benefits and other special offers when staying at Leading Hotels, cardholders must make reservations with a Merrill Travel Advisor at 1-800-782-8388.
Advance reservations are required.
Offers are valid at participating hotels and subject to availability.
Restrictions may apply.
Special rates and packages may not be combined with other special rates and packages.
Offers will not be available for existing reservations or when booking directly with the hotels or their website.
Visit card.ml.com to view offers and hotels participating in the Merrill Lynch program.
For questions or changes regarding reservations made online, please call the Leading Hotels Reservations Center at 1-800-225-5549.
Terms:
Leaders Club Annual Privileges
Memberships are limited and will be distributed based upon availability.
Offer expires on 12/31/06.
Leaders Club benefits such as upgrades and early check-in and late checkout are based upon availability at the time of stay and cannot be arranged prior.
To receive Leaders Club benefits and other special offers when staying at Leading Hotels, cardholders must make reservations with a Merrill Travel Advisor at 1-800-782-8388.
Offers are not valid when reservations made directly with the hotel.
After the complimentary 12-month membership expires, customers must meet the minimum stay quota of two reservations per year.
The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. reserves the right to change Leaders Club program requirements at any time.
For assistance with Leaders Club privileges and memberships, please call 1-800-650-2582.
By reading this it would seem all of us that are already Level 3 this year should get the Leaders Club right away?
https://card.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/MERRILL-Plus/ML-Cards-Merrill-Plus-Card-Details.htm#M_Leading
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anyone has problem logging in rewards.ml.com? I can't log in for the whole day..:( :confused: :(
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anyone has problem logging in rewards.ml.com? I can't log in for the whole day..:( :confused: :(
Same here. I wasn't able to log in for the past month. I kept getting the "system being upgrade, check back later" message. I emailed them, heard nothing. I called, and they said the system is begin upgraded, no ETA.
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Just got a physical mailing from Merrill+ today.
Ritz gone.
New benefits at Level 3+:
Annual Membership to American Airlines Admirals Club OR Delta Crown Room Club
Leading hotels of the world, 3 nights for the price of 2
Relais and Chateaux, 3 nights for the price of 2
Ritz loss sucks, but the admirals/crown membership is nice.
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My letter mentions Ritz-Carlton and Leading Hotels of the World, but nothing about Relais and Chateaux or airline clubs. Perhaps this is because I have not spent enough to advance beyond the basic level.
dennis
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My letter mentions Ritz-Carlton and Leading Hotels of the World, but nothing about Relais and Chateaux or airline clubs. Perhaps this is because I have not spent enough to advance beyond the basic level.
Same here, even though I'm +2.
For my 20K spend this year I got 1 night at the Ritz, status match on AA thru 2006, and an iPod Nano. Pretty darn good.
I'm still using it, but only for foreign currency transactions since it doesn't charge 3% like Citi or other MBNA cards as far as I know (and 2% for Amex).
I may not do real spending on it until late 2006, see if status match on AA for 2007 would be worth it. Losing Ritz is a big blow.
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I also received the letter saying we get the benefit from Relais & Chateaux, but the ML travel advisor said NO. And also the ML benefit consultant said NO too. Please help. Unfortunately I threw out the letter in the garbage.
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It will be interesting to see if AA will match status more than once. This feature is of no value to me, too bad they cannot arrange a BA match.
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I also received the letter saying we get the benefit from Relais & Chateaux, but the ML travel advisor said NO. And also the ML benefit consultant said NO too. Please help. Unfortunately I threw out the letter in the garbage.
Best I can do for you:
http://www.bsrdr.com/temp/merrill.jpg
That help?
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Thank you very much! It helped tremendously, I guess no one knows because benefit doesn't start until 2006, therefore they haven't been trained for it yet. Thanks.
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Same here, even though I'm +2.
For my 20K spend this year I got 1 night at the Ritz, status match on AA thru 2006, and an iPod Nano. Pretty darn good.
I'm still using it, but only for foreign currency transactions since it doesn't charge 3% like Citi or other MBNA cards as far as I know (and 2% for Amex).
I may not do real spending on it until late 2006, see if status match on AA for 2007 would be worth it. Losing Ritz is a big blow.
How were you able to get an iPod Nano?
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iPod Nano is listed in Merrill+ catalog (https://rewards.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/wCatalog/searchresults.aspx?type=0&fullType=&text=ML1224). I surmise this has been a popular award because I also see this note ... All Apple iPod Nanos ordered on or before 11/23/05 will be in-home on or before 12/24/05.
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How were you able to get an iPod Nano?
You can redeem points for merchandise instead of flights. Most items are below 1% cash back though. The 4 GB iPod Nano was on special at 20,000 points, a $250 value, so 1.25% effective.
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iPod Nano is listed in Merrill+ catalog (https://rewards.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/wCatalog/searchresults.aspx?type=0&fullType=&text=ML1224). I surmise this has been a popular award because I also see this note ... All Apple iPod Nanos ordered on or before 11/23/05 will be in-home on or before 12/24/05.
I just got mine (Dec 16). I had ordered it on Nov 13.
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Was super impressed today by Merrill+, I got a call regarding a points order I had placed for Xbox 360's.
When I placed it prior to release (was 6 Xbox 360's) it showed as being released within 1 week, it was then pushed back to next year, so I called and cancelled the order since I was going to be using them as Christmas gifts.
Today they called out of the blue, and offered me my choice of replacing the order and getting them in January with an extra controller and game with each, or 10,000 points per Xbox. I took the points, 60,000 extra points credited to my account today with the description of Good Will.
Very impressed...
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10k points per xbox 360? That can't possibly be the more expensive version, which is the only one that anyone even remotely interested in using it for games would purchase.
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10k points per xbox 360? That can't possibly be the more expensive version, which is the only one that anyone even remotely interested in using it for games would purchase.
Sorry let me clarify, I ordered 6x Xbox 360 Premiums at 45,000 points each minus 10% for ordering merchandise over 60,000 points. So that totalled 243,000 points, however when they couldn't deliver by Christmas they refunded my 243,000 points, in addition they called a week or two later and gave me an additional 10,000 points per Xbox 360 that I had ordered ie an additional 60,000 points. So total spent 243,000 points, total returned to me 303,000 points. I'm impressed, that's a $600 courtesy gesture from them.
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Ah, ic... very nice :)
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<<offered me my choice of replacing the order and getting them in January with an extra controller and game with each, or 10,000 points per Xbox>>
I would have interpreted this to mean they were offering 10,000 point discount per unit for reinstating the orders, in lieu of the extra controller and game. It sounds like an error, rather than a "courtesy gesture", if you received 10,000 points per unit for cancelling.
dennis
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<<offered me my choice of replacing the order and getting them in January with an extra controller and game with each, or 10,000 points per Xbox>>
I would have interpreted this to mean they were offering 10,000 point discount per unit for reinstating the orders, in lieu of the extra controller and game. It sounds like an error, rather than a "courtesy gesture", if you received 10,000 points per unit for cancelling.
dennis
Not at all, they were quite clear that if I preferred to keep my orderes cancelled they would credit me 10,000 per unit ordered as an apology for pushing back the release date on me to after christmas. The points posted that same day as a 60,000 point increase with the description Good Will. No mistake, just amazing customer service.
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I just got the letter as a Level 2 member and I gotta say I am very pleased with the 3 for 2 deal at LHW and R&C. It will be interesting though to see if we can book these on the cheapest lhw.com web rates.
In the fine print it says "Special rates and privileges are available at participating properties and based on availability. Restrictions and blackout dates may apply."
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I just got the letter as a Level 2 member and I gotta say I am very pleased with the 3 for 2 deal at LHW and R&C. "
I callled Merrill+ for a 3 for 2 deal and was told the hotel I wanted was not participating in the program. I'm getting ready to put this card in the closet.
Anybody have a good LHW experience?
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Heck yes! LHW hotels are for the most part, very, very nice.
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I callled Merrill+ for a 3 for 2 deal and was told the hotel I wanted was not participating in the program. I'm getting ready to put this card in the closet.
Anybody have a good LHW experience?
Actually let me clarify. Has anybody had a good experience gettng a 3 for 2 deal that saved them money from what they could get by booking the lowest available rate?
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Hi...I was wondering if anyone has successfully used the Merill + offer for a free companion transatlantic ticket on british airways. It says its for premium economy and up and should be full fare. Is this a ripoff or do you all think a full fare premium economy ticket is equal to or cheaper than 2 discount economy. I was thinking of flying to india, dubai, or singapore. On the british airways website, its on average $2500 for a premium economy ticket but i have no idea of the fare code. Anyways, just was hoping to hear other people's experiences. Thanks!
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The offers requires the purchase of a "W" fare. Here are some BA fares NYC-DXB in August to illustrate:
SHXRCNA BA S Round-Trip 650.00 (USD) Lowest Economy fare
THXRCNA6 BA T Round-Trip 1050.00 (USD) Lowest Premier fare
W2US3 BA W One-Way 962.00 (USD) Lowest W fare
W BA W One-Way 1122.00 (USD) Full W fare
I do not know if the W2US3 fare qualifies for this offer, but it is three times the lowest economy fare. However, the fairer comparison would be "W" versus "T".
dennis
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The offers requires the purchase of a "W" fare. Here are some BA fares NYC-DXB in August to illustrate:
SHXRCNA BA S Round-Trip 650.00 (USD) Lowest Economy fare
THXRCNA6 BA T Round-Trip 1050.00 (USD) Lowest Premier fare
W2US3 BA W One-Way 962.00 (USD) Lowest W fare
W BA W One-Way 1122.00 (USD) Full W fare
I do not know if the W2US3 fare qualifies for this offer, but it is three times the lowest economy fare. However, the fairer comparison would be "W" versus "T".
dennis
Thank you dennis! that was very helpful. So you are saying W fares are the cheapest full fare flights eligible for the merrill offer (excluding the W2US3 fare)? Also, is there a way on the british airways website to find out the fare code of the flight? Thanks again for your help!
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you are saying W fares are the cheapest full fare flights eligible for the merrill offer (excluding the W2US3 fare)?
No, I am saying that the Merrill+ terms and conditions spell out that one must purchase a "W" class fare, but I do not know if it can be any W fare, such as W2US3, or if they require buying the highest W fare.
Sorry, I do not know how to see farecodes on ba.com. However, you can see them by using Travelocity or Expedia to research prices. Also, American Airlines' website aa.com will allow one to find fares and purchase tickets on many other carriers including BA, and the farecode is displayed near the end of the booking process if you view the fare rules.
dennis
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I like the card. However, many of the benefits have been removed over the last year.
It still has no foreign transaction fee. (However, I have a suspicion that this will change. MBNA has been removing this benefit from a few of their cards, e.g. new Quantum cards have a fee). Also, there is a benefit that is not advertised on the ML website:
If you charge $20k+ per year on your ML+, American Airlines will match your status on other airlines up to AAdvantage Platinum.
The only benefit that I think ML+ is missing when compared with Visa Signature is the access to "once in a lifetime events". However, I think that the ML+ compares head-to-head with any Visa Signature product pretty well, if you spend $20k+ on your card.
The only features that it lacks compared to other premium cards are: lost luggage insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and access to special events. However, it is a free card...
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Does anyone know the typical points needed to redeem a hotel reward in a Hyatt, Marriott or Wyndham hotel?
On the Merrill+ rewards site it lists hotel benefits and states you can redeem your points for stays in any of these three hotels, yet gives no indication of the points required.
I realize it will vary with the property and season, but does anyone know if a one-night stay could be had for 25,000 points?
Susan
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Hotel awards are implemented as "certificates" which you can find in the online catalog...
https://cards.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/wCatalog/CatalogBrowse.aspx?cguid=235
HYATT HOTELS & RESORTS ELITE 1-NIGHT AWARD
Item# 59110 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 25,000 pts
HYATT HOTELS & RESORTS PREMIER 1-NIGHT AWARD
Item# 59111 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 16,500 pts
HYATT HOTELS & RESORTS PRESTIGE 2-NIGHT AWARD
Item# 59113 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 42,000 pts
HYATT HOTELS & RESORTS WEEKEND SELECT 2-NIGHT AWARD
Item# 59114 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 30,000 pts
MARRIOTT $250 TRAVEL CARD
Item# 61020 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 25,000 pts
MARRIOTT $500 TRAVEL CARD
Item# 61030 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 50,000 pts
MARRIOTT 1-NIGHT WORLDWIDE AWARD
Item# 59137 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 36,000 pts
MARRIOTT 3-NIGHT WORLDWIDE AWARD
Item# 59139 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 108,000 pts
MARRIOTT FLEX ANYTIME- 1 NIGHT
Item# 90015 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 17,500 pts
Marriott Premier - 1 Night
Item# 90020 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 26,000 pts
MARRIOTT PREMIER - 2 NIGHT
Item# 90016 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 52,000 pts
MARRIOTT PREMIER - 5 NIGHT
Item# 90017 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 130,000 pts
THE RITZ-CARLTON 1 - NIGHT ROYAL PRESTIGE CLUB TRAVEL AWARD
Item# 90018 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 47,000 pts
THE RITZ-CARLTON 1 - NIGHT ROYAL PRESTIGE SUITE TRAVEL AWARD
Item# 90019 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 48,000 pts
THE RITZ-CARLTON 1-NIGHT PRESTIGE TRAVEL AWARD
Item# 59208 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 35,000 pts
THE RITZ-CARLTON 1-NIGHT ROYAL PRESTIGE TRAVEL AWARD
Item# 90005 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 45,000 pts
THE RITZ-CARLTON 2-NIGHT PRESTIGE TRAVEL AWARD
Item# 59209 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 70,000 pts
THE RITZ-CARLTON 2-NIGHT ROYAL PRESTIGE AWARD
Item# 90008 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 90,000 pts
THE RITZ-CARLTON 3-NIGHT ROYAL PRESTIGE CLUB TRAVEL AWARD
Item# 59210 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 140,000 pts
THE RITZ-CARLTON 3-NIGHT ROYAL PRESTIGE SUITE TRAVEL AWARD
Item# 90009 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 145,000 pts
THE RITZ-CARLTON 5-NIGHT ROYAL PRESTIGE CLUB TRAVEL AWARD
Item# 59212 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 230,000 pts
WYNDHAM HOTELS GOLD LEVEL ANYTIME AWARD CERTIFICATE
Item# 60024 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 25,000 pts
WYNDHAM HOTELS PLATINUM LEVEL ANYTIME AWARD CERTIFICATE
Item# 60025 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 35,000 pts
WYNDHAM HOTELS SILVER LEVEL ANYTIME AWARD CERTIFICATE
Item# 60026 Estimated Ship Dt: 8/26/2006 18,000 pts
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Brilliant - thank you. Sheesh, I never realized I had to register separately for the rewards site. I've been logging into the main site where I pay my bills, and also checking the catalog in the public area on the site, where I thought those were all the available rewards. I assumed I'd have to call for more details about the hotels.
Thanks again,
Susan
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Does anyone know what happened to the AA status match? It used to be listed as a benefit on the site, but seems to be gone now? I will call in a bit, but I was just wondering if I missed a memo...
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Still mentioned in the program Terms & Conditions
https://cards.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/Rewards/MERRILL-PLUS-Terms-Conditions.htm#american
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Encouraging experience with Merrill+ VISA. I use this card only for foreign purchases because (to now) no foreign exchange fee. On Saturday I tried to make a purchase from a foreign website for delivery to our UK address, a bit over $500. Transaction declined.
On Sunday Merrill called, left message. I called back. Different CSR, but he knew why I had been contacted. We discussed the transaction, he explained why it was declined and indicated that if I tried again it would be approved. Several hours later I did try again, and it was sucessful.
I was surprised that they called me about the declined transaction. The most I have ever received from other cards, such as Citibank, is a recorded message from the "fraud department". I was sceptical that the transaction would be approved the second time because it is obviously an automated process, and I was pleased they apparently have the capability to preapprove a transaction from a specific merchant.
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I use the Merrill + Visa too. It's been pretty good for me too. My only problem is that they don't send out email alerts for when my bill is due. That is a feature I really like about Amex. However, even though I've been late a couple of times with Merrill, they waived the late fee and interest. So I'm mostly happy with them.
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I like the card. However, many of the benefits have been removed over the last year.
I...... compares head-to-head with any Visa Signature product pretty well, if you spend $20k+ on your card.
The only features that it lacks compared to other premium cards are: lost luggage insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and access to special events. However, it is a free card...
s you note, Its a free card, I could be wrong, but I can not think of a low fee,
much less no fee card that offers emergency medical evacuatio insurance.
the $395 Amex Plat does not offer lost luggage insurance. Instead it is an "add on" that they agressively market as a profit center.
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My wife received today an invitation to apply for Merrill+ VISA, and the Disclosure Summary does include 2% foreign currency transaction fee. Still have not received any notice that this fee will apply to my existing account, but I should have another paper statement next week.
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Does anyone know what happened to the AA status match? It used to be listed as a benefit on the site, but seems to be gone now? I will call in a bit, but I was just wondering if I missed a memo...
has anyone done this? I sent in my stuff 3 weeks ago and still nothing from AA. I am wondering how long this process took for other people.
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Received October statement and still no notification of change in terms to add foreign currency transaction fee ^ .
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Anyone heard anything about any changes to the ML+ program for the 2007 program? The card pretty much became useless to me with the loss of the Ritz certificates at the end of 2005, since I do not stay at LHW properties. During the last year I made several very small charges on the card to keep my 54K points balance active. (not sure if the points would expire if I did not use the card but I made several small charges just to be sure) I also noticed that the AA Status match is no longer showing up on the Benefits Level so has that been removed as well?
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AA status match still in the terms and conditions, which you must login to view. As I recall they did not announce the 2006 changes until well into January, which I think is a mistake for a calendar year based program.
https://cards.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/Rewards/MERRILL-PLUS-Terms-Conditions.htm#american
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Does Merrill + offer 1.5% cash back??
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any change for 2007?
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Merrill+ earns points, not cash, but there is a cash back card. See all Merrill cards at http://cards.ml.com
Does Merrill + offer 1.5% cash back??
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any change for 2007?
Yeah,
I'd like to know this as well!
Dennis, how about answering the Jan 1 post and not the Nov 19th;)
Happy New year.
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I had answered the January 1 question on November 14. :cool:
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Actually, not a burning desire.
The segregated service at the former MBNA was so good that I actually regreted taking a large 1.9 % check from them!
Obviously, once you take a five figure check, its very imprudent to use the card.
However with "FIA" or B of A now calling the shots, I will not touch Merrill Plus with a 10 foot pole!
I took a US Air signature visa card and the service on this $90 premium card was beyond bad!!!
Fool me once shame on you , fool me twice shame on ME!!!!
I won't be fooled twice.
Similarly, Citi is horriable in comparison to Amex.
I now bleed Amex green. It is only after seeing the competiton That I'm now loyal to Amex.
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However with "FIA" or B of A now calling the shots, I will not touch Merrill Plus with a 10 foot pole! I took a US Air signature visa card and the service on this $90 premium card was beyond bad!!!
I think the FIA accounts are fundamentally different than those marketed by Bank of America because the FIA accounts are operated on behalf of other financial institutions rather than airlines, hotel chains or retailers. It certainly appears that Merrill Lynch provides active oversight of the Merrill+ card and participates in setting policies and establishing service levels. I believe BoA is well aware that there is little tolerance for customer dissatisfaction when administering a product on behalf of other banks.
dennis
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2007 T&C published yet?
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No. I asked my Merrill advisor who spoke to someone who explained that another department had not yet completed the work :rolleyes: . He did confirm that the +2 and +3 tier levels will remain unchanged at $20,000 and $50,000, but no other details.
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No. I asked my Merrill advisor who spoke to someone who explained that another department had not yet completed the work :rolleyes: . He did confirm that the +2 and +3 tier levels will remain unchanged at $20,000 and $50,000, but no other details.
They seem to do this every year! If I remember correctly, they didn't announce the loss of Ritz-Carlton certificates and various other changes in the program until either Feb. or March 2006. I was pretty upset because I had already reached +2 status by the time they informed us there would be no more Ritz certificates last year. I personally have only put about $100 on the card, since the 2006 changes were announced. I figure I have to add some points or the ones I have might expire. (Anyone know what the actual policy is for expiring points?) Overall I think the ML+ card is not very good at informing members of changes in the program and their website stinks!
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Merrill Points expire five (5) years from the end of the Billing Cycle during which the Merrill Points were first earned.
https://cards.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/Rewards/MERRILL-PLUS-Terms-Conditions.htm
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I have been happy with the card so far. I do miss the ritz certs and i think they were a great perk. the aa club membership is ok but those ritz certs were amazing. It gave this card something no other card offers.....I think there will be chnges. The sports express luggage perk stinks as they force you to pay one part of a round trip. More like a cooupon than a perk. They should have a 100K level and include some top hotel cert. If you charge 50K or more this is a good card because you get some decent gift card options and the airline club perk. I dont any perk like the airline club from any of my other cards that I carry so this is a good value. My business partner gets the delta and I get AA so we are covered at a number by two different clubs...
Rob
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I received the 2007 guide yesterday. +2 is $20k. +3 is $50k. The companion ticket program, AA status match, and AA/DL lounge access are still part of the program.
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Nothing new? This card sucks. Adding a 3% foreign exchange fee means I have almost stopped using it.
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The following benefits are new:
Renaissance Hotels: Room upgrade upon checkin based upon availability, $25 dining credit, early check-in, late check-out
Marriott: Breakfast on weekend stays (however this benefits sounds complicated in the guide)
Flowers.com: Discount 15% (Merrill+), 20% (Merrill+2), 25% (Merrill+3)
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Flowers.com: Discount 15% (Merrill+), 20% (Merrill+2), 25% (Merrill+3)
Is this discount automatic or does it require the use of a promo code which prevents earning airline miles of the same purchase?
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The following benefits are new:
Renaissance Hotels: Room upgrade upon checkin based upon availability, $25 dining credit, early check-in, late check-out
Marriott: Breakfast on weekend stays (however this benefits sounds complicated in the guide)
Are these benefits for all cardholders or do you have to reach one of the spend levels first?
Thanks!
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Is this discount automatic or does it require the use of a promo code which prevents earning airline miles of the same purchase?
It requires a promo code...
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The following benefits are new:
Renaissance Hotels: Room upgrade upon checkin based upon availability, $25 dining credit, early check-in, late check-out
Marriott: Breakfast on weekend stays (however this benefits sounds complicated in the guide)
Are these benefits for all cardholders or do you have to reach one of the spend levels first?
Thanks!
The Renaissance and Marriott benefits are for all card holders.
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It requires a promo code...
The code is "S4B". Checked a couple of resorts in HI and no real discount to their reg. brkfast pkgs.
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The Renaissance and Marriott benefits are for all card holders.
Indeed, the Reniassance benefits are for all VISA Signature cardholders, nothing to do with Merrill+ except to the extent that Merrill+ is a VISA "Platinum Plus" card rather than Signature.
http://marriott.com/specials/promotion.mi?promotion=VisaUpgrade
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I have called and asked for a benefits package for this year. I have not received one yet. When I get it I will post the info for all.
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2007 terms and conditions are now online...
https://cards.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/Rewards/MERRILL-PLUS-Terms-Conditions.htm
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I am glad they finally updated it. I wish they would do this prior to the last day of the year, so we know what to expect in the next year.