Folded jbsack's post into an existing Merrill+ thread. If it turns out this is not the same card the threads can be separated later.
Any resemblance between this card's rewards program and American Express Membership Rewards is superficial, unless you redeem for merchandise.
It is the same card. I did not mean to imply that the ML rewards program was similar program to AMEX only that it was a program similar to AMEXs' (if that makes sense). There are a bunch of benefits that differ from AMEX. They are similar only in the sense that points can be redeemed for Air, gift cards, cash, travel, etc.. However, when you add the 1.25% cash back per point on top of the 1 point per dollar spent, that totals 2.25% back, which is excellent in my book. This offer is targeted to people with a ML CMA who have the VISA deferred debit (signature or not) as ML is doing away with the rewards program for their debit cards as of 10/15/2011.
Also forgot. NO AF!!! Makes it irresistible in my book.