Merrill+ Visa

AMEX Platinum Card

AMEX Centurion Card

None

$395

$450 as of 5/1/07

$175 fee for up to 3 additional Platinum Cards

$45 for up to 5 additional Gold Cards

$2500 (as of 5/1/07 $5,000 initiation fee)

$250,000 spending requirement to qualify

$1500 per additional Centurion Card

$175 fee for up to 3 additional Platinum Cards

$45 for up to 5 additional Gold Cards

3% on every Transaction not in US Dollars

2.7% on Every Transaction not in US Dollars

2.7% on Every Transaction not in US Dollars

 Merrill Travel Advisor

PTS

Same + a personal travel consultant, with direct extension to call

No 2-4-1 but special offers on Airlines which are listed on the Merrill + Benefits page, and range for each Merrill Beyond Rewards Tier

2-4-1 full-fare business or first class international ticket

Same as Plat

Prioirty Pass for +3 Tier

Continental President’s Club, Delta Crown Room Club, Northwest Airlines Worldclub, American Airlines

Same as Plat + Virgin Clubhouses + Virgin Atlantic Revival’s Lounge + more than 500 additional clubs around the world (Priority Pass)

Offers through Marquis Jet Card. You can book a private jet as well through the concierge

Membership or fractional jet ownership option.

Atlantic aviation flight services

Bombardier flexjet

Bombardier skyjet

Delta air elite business jets

Les bas international

Sentinent jet membership

Same as Plat + an exclusive extra Centurion benefit, whichever one you choose, + service credit of between 3-4%

No actual program like FHR, but offers available through a small numbers of hotels can be seen on the Merrill+ Visa benefits page here at Jblackbelt.com

FHR Program

Over 500 hotels worldwide

-room upgrade at check-in

-continental breakfast for 2 each day

-guaranteed 4pm late checkout

-additional amenity

Same as Plat + Special amenity or free night at Amanresorts, Mandarin Oriental, Orient Express, Ritz Carlton, and Penninsula hotels

Special Offers at Hertz which may be different depending on your Merrill+ tier Level.

Hertz #1 Gold Club

Avis Preferred Select

National Emerald Club

Hertz #1 Gold Club plus 4 hour grace period, Midsize to Premium upgrade, free child seats, guaranteed availability from reservation line

Avis President’s Club (2 car class upgrade, guaranteed availability even for walk-ups)

Depending on the Cruise Line, special privileges are available which can be seen on the Merrill+ Beyond Rewards page.

- $300 dollar stateroom credit or two-category state room upgrade

- special amenity

$500 credit + special centurion amenity

 Yes

-receive up to 25,000 points when you book a pre-booked plat vacation

50,000 points

 N/A

Receive an amenity valued at $500 dollars or more.

$750

 N/A

You-To-Me Service

-Phone Rental $2.99 a day

-rent a week or more and receive $25 dollars of free calls / email / data usage

- blackberry $15 a day with $0.49 per 10kb

-satellite phone $15/day

Free phone rental, up to 60 days

 N/A but you can arrange for a limo through the Concierge program.

Carey Worldwide and Dav El

-triple MR points

Same as Plat

N/A

SPG Gold

Same + Hilton HHonors Gold + Intercontinental/Priority Club Platinum Elite

 N/A

Statement credit of $100 when you book qualifying vacation through PTS (only one per year)

Same as Plat

Yes

-first 30 days of auto rental (no amount given on the site)

Same as Plat

Up to $1,000,000 in accidental death or dismemberment when you use your Merrill+ Visa to purchase air travel.

$500,000 in death and dismemberment

$1,500,000

No

But lost luggage assistance is available if your bags get lost.

$3,000 maximum for carry-on and checked baggage. Of the $3,000 only $2,000 may be for checked baggage.

Same as Plat

 N/A

Up to $2,000 reimbursement if you can’t attend an event due to covered reasons (medical emergency)

Up to $5,000

Emergency & Travel Assistance is available

Premium Global Assist Hotline

Whenever you travel, have peace of mind knowing that you have 24/7 medical, legal, financial, and other emergency assistance while traveling more than 100 miles from home. We can direct you to English-speaking medical and legal professionals and arrange for a transfer to a more appropriate medical facility, even if an air ambulance is required. We can also help you with prescription replacements, emergency hotel check-ins and cash access, lost luggage, and more. New additions to this program include assistance with lost or stolen passports, Card cancellation, and emergency Card replacement

Same as Plat

Emergency & Travel Assistance is available

If you're away from home and the car breaks down, not to worry -- with Roadside assitance you always know help is available around the clock. Whether you need gas, a jumpstart, or just a tow, call Roadside Assitance at 1-800-333-AMEX (2639). Roadside Assitance is a fee-free of your card, worth up to $50. Coverage is only available in the U.S.

Same as Plat

Concierge service available

PCC

CCC: Includes personal concierge, with direct extension and will work harder for you

N/A

Yes

Same as Plat, with exclusives

 N/A

Platinum Dining Researvations

Centurion Dining Reservations

N/A

Yes

Same as Plat

 N/A

Yes

Some Centurion exclusive events

 N/A

Departures

Departures + Black Ink (Centurion’s Exclusive Magazine)

N/A

Special Amenities when you purchase equinox fitness club membership

Complimentary personal training, spa treatments, guest passes, and Kids’ Club certificates

N/A

Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman – Point Programs

Sony Cierge ($1500 value) – VIP Personal Shopping

After hours shopping, crazy perks with Bergdorf, Bulgari, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Neiman Marcus,  Sony Cierge ($1500 value)

No

Up to $300 per item (90 days)and $1,000 per year

Same as Plat

 Purchase security is available within the first 90 days after you purchase an item on your Merrill+ Visa, replacement, repair, or reimbursement is available in the event that theft or damage caused by fire, vandalism, accidently discharged water, and certain weather conditions

$500 maximum

90 days if lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged

$10,000 per occurrence up to $50,000 per year

Extended Warranty doubles the free repair period of the original manufacturers warranty up to one additional year on warranties three years or less, up to $10,000 per claim.

When you purchase covered items and pay for them entirely with your Card, the Buyer's Assurance Plan extends the terms of the original manufacturer's warranty on eligible items for a period of time equal to the original manufacturer's warranty up to one additional year on warranties of five years or less that are eligible in the United States

Up to 3 additional years

Be alerted right away if there appears to be fradulent activity on your account.

Shop with confidence online and off. Whenever you use your Card for purchases, you won't be responsible for any unauthorized or fraudulent charges. Period. Our secure encryption technology protects your information, but if unauthorized online charges do appear on your Card statement, just notify us at 1-800-525-3355. In most cases, a temporary credit will be given immediately

Same as Plat

Merrill Points

Membership Rewards Program

-waived annual fee

-earn rewards when you use automatic bill payment

Same as Plat

Credit Lines up to $250,000

No pre-set spending limit — spend on your own terms
The Platinum Card® affords you optimal purchasing power without a predetermined spending limit, so you can spend on your own terms. Purchases are approved based on a variety of factors, including account history, credit record, and personal resources. If you anticipate an unusually large purchase, you should call Customer Service in advance so that we may note your account appropriately.

Same as Plat

N/A

Should you suspect that somebody is using your identity online or in stores, American Express has representatives on call, 24/7, to help determine if you are a victim of identity theft, recommend steps for recovery, and offer tips on how to protect yourself in the future

Same as Plat

 Zero Liability

If you see a charge on your American Express statement that you don't recognize and are unable to come to an agreement with the merchant—we can help. American Express will take responsibility for resolving any disputed charge quickly and fairly. Simply call us any time you wish to initiate an inquiry.

Same as Plat

N/A

Yes

Same as Plat

 N/A

Card members can have foreign currency and fee-free American Express Travelers Cheques delivered directly to their home or office in five to seven business days at no extra charge. Next-day delivery is available for an additional charge. Order directly from American Express at 1-800-673-3782, or visit an American Express Travel Service Location near you.

Same as Plat

 N/A

Keeping track of your account has never been easier. Sign up for Account Alerts and you can choose to be notified when your payment is due, when irregular account activity is detected, when you are approaching your line of credit/spending limit, and more. Alerts can be sent to your email or wireless device

Same as Plat

 N/A

You can use your Card to cash personal cheques at more than 1,700 American Express Travel Services locations, up to $10,000 per account every 30 days. For each transaction, you may obtain up to $500 in cash and the balance in American Express Travelers Cheques.13 For information, call 800-525-3355. Outside the U.S., call 954-473-2123.

Same as Plat

N/A

If your Card is lost or stolen, we'll replace it — sometimes in as little as 24 hours. Call American Express or visit one of over 1,700 American Express Travel Services locations worldwide.13 Call 800-525-3355 for assistance. Outside the U.S., call 954-473-2123.

Same as Plat

N/A

May be done online

Same as Plat

 N/A

Through their training, expertise and advanced certification, senior advisors at Ameriprise have earned their distinction. In fact, fewer than one in five advisors have earned senior status. Allow a senior Financial Advisor to help you achieve your personal goals.

Same as Plat

 N/A

With the Domestic Companion Airfare Program, you can bring a companion with you on U.S. flights—anywhere in the U.S., on six major U.S. carriers. Purchase domestic coach airfare for yourself from $299 with your Platinum Card and your companion receives complimentary airfare. You can request up to four complimentary companion airfares per year. An exciting addition to your existing International Airline Program, the new Domestic Companion Airfare Program now makes it possible to travel throughout the U.S. together.

AS OF 11/15/08 THIS BENEFIT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED

Same as Plat

AS OF 11/15/08 THIS BENEFIT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED

 N/A

N/A

Free enrollment: Amenities at check-in to participating hotels, free amenities at participating restaurants, including behind the scenes tours of kitchens, wine tasting, etc.

 N/A

Enjoy the privileges of a private golf membership — one round at a time. With TOUR GCX, you and your guests can hit the greens at your choice of more than 30 participating private golf clubs. Platinum Card members can purchase a 5-Tee Unit TOUR Card for $3,125, and receive a $150

 N/A

 A yacht can be arrange for through the concierge

A customized amenity tailored to your itinerary, valued at $500 or more

A sample of possible amenities: a private helicopter ride over the Costa Rican rainforest, a sailing regatta in St. Maarten, golfing in the Caribbean at St. Kitts Royalty Golf Club, dinner at Le Ti St. Barth in the French Antilles, seats at a Greek Tragedy in Taomina, Sicily

Our new partner, Fraser Yachts Worldwide, provides you with the ultimate in luxury and comfort—a travel experience designed with only you in mind. As always, Centurion members receive additional amenities to make your experience even more heavenly. Enjoy a customized amenity tailored to your itinerary valued at $750 or more. Choose a motor yacht, sailing yacht, or mega-yacht and sail around the world including the Bahamas and the Caribbean, Eastern and Western Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, or the South Pacific.

 N/A

N/A

Continental One Pass Elite Gold, Delta Gold, USAir 2nd level status, Virgin Atlantic top tier elite status

Yes

N/A

As a Centurion member receive special benefits with Exclusive Resorts - the ultimate private luxury residence club. Members have access to hundreds of exquisite residences at over 25 destinations around the world. Choose the location, your length of stay, and the style of residence - staffed to your requirements.

 N/A

N/A

As a Centurion member, receive complimentary membership with Space Adventures, the world's premier space tourism company. The Spaceflight Club, an elite community of space explorers and enthusiasts, offers invitations to exclusive space-related events, private tours of launch facilities, advance notice of limited availability activities, and more. In addition, members receive an annual credit towards the payment of a suborbital flight reservation.