Originally Posted by
sdsearch
I don't personally see the point of Merrill+ cards (they're just cashback so that's just $500, isn't it) compared to AS cards. Zillions of banks have cashback cards, but only BofA has AS cards*. And it seems far riskier to first apply for another card with BofA than to convert a card you already have. What if they're only going to approve you for one more card in the next 6 months, then what? You'll have lowest priority card and 0 new AS cards (and be out at least one old AS card), is that worth $500?
Plus, converting the card you already have will give BofA a card with more "age and history" than applying for a new card will. It's the closest thing possible to "going back in time" and opening your BofA "keeper" card account "in the past". The point is not just to get a BofA "keeper" card account, it's to have one with the longest history possible.
*Well, that's not 100% true, in that merger partner Virgin America still has a separate program and is with another bank (Comenity), but the signup bonus there is not so good
What's great about the Merrill+ is no annual fee and if you redeem for flights, you can redeem for 2 flights up to $500 each. And if the flights are over $500, you can pay the difference. With how cheap economy tickets are to Europe right now, that could add up to two roundtrippers or if there is a last minute/holiday booking domestically (which often runs pricey), you could also get tickets free that way or heavily discounted. It's quite a good deal.
It's true, I prefer AS to Merrill+, but it's not like the Merrill+ is a bad card to pick up. I misunderstood your original suggestion though. It sounds like you favored downgrading one of the AS cards and keeping that one, yes? If so, is there any time frame you'd suggest on that? I think I opened my cards in August of last year. Do you think they'd let me convert it to Merrill+?
Anyway, truly, thanks for your suggestions. I greatly appreciate it.