I thought so too, but was told differently by an AC agent. Back in November I was due for renewal. I waited until I got to one of my favorite AC agent. During the renewal process we talked and I asked her about the "extra credit" (whatever it is) they get for signing up members and to my surprise she told me there is NOTHING as in ZERO "personal credit" for doing it. The club as a whole gets a "check mark" for every new/renewal membership, but that's as far as it goes. The more "check marks" the better chances for the club to survive any possible corporate cutbacks.