American Express Membership Rewards - MRO to Membership Rewards Transfer

I currently have a bunch of Membership Rewards Options Points with my AMEX Blue Card. I'm interested in converting them to Southwest Credits.

Since the ratio of conversion is 1250:1 with MR, but 2500:1 with MRO, I wanted to pick your brains on what was the easiest and cheapest way to convert my MRO account to MR.

I know that I'll have to sign up for a card eligible for the full Membership Rewards program, but if I understand correctly, they can then merge my MRO and MR points without a devaluation.

So my questions....

1) What is the cheapest annual fee AMEX that is eligible for Membership Rewards?

2) Are there any additional fees or considerations in combining the MR/MRO accounts?

Thanks,

Fire_Fly

1. Costco?
2. I haven't ever done it but it used to be said around here that there was a USD35 fee for the transfer. Call the friendly lady at the 800 number to find out, and tell us all.

Thought Costco is a cash rebate card which does not earn either MR or MRO points. Also MR have an annual fee of $40 unless you have a Platinum or Centurion card.