A lot of people jumped on the Merrill + Visa 50,000 points signup bonus, worth $500-$1,000. Unfortunately, both signup links people were using (this and this) are no longer working and show a message that “The application you are requesting is currently unavailable.”
I called the number shown on the screen and the agent was able to locate the application, but was ‘unable to see’ any bonus details, which I assume to mean there wouldn’t be a bonus.
No idea if signup links will come back or will come back without a bonus. If anyone finds a working link or finds a bonus offer in-branch, let us know.
Hat tip to @milesforfamily and Bob
I just called (866-751-1257)) and submitted an application over the phone. Rep said the bonus offer is 50k/3k currently. My application went to review, rep mentioned within 30 days they would inform me about my application decision.
Should I call the recon line for the decision? or should I wait?
There’s a link on reddit saying the deal is back on, if you apply over the phone but the bonus has dropped to 25,000 points.
Thanks, posted this
Shoot, had this on my list and was going to get to it. Oh well.
Welcome, glad to hear you got it.
For those with the bonus points and who fly Alaska, book any $500 flight twice using the 50K+ points and then cancel the flights and drop the $1000 credit into your Alaska wallet.
My wife and I did that with our cards and accumulated $2K. We then booked two outrageously expensive nonstops from Seattle to the Big Island over the fourth of July ($996 each) and used our B of A Alaska Visa companion passes to have the whole family go for $240 all-in for what would otherwise have been a shade under $4K. We had already booked 6 nights at the Fairmont Orchid in an exec suite using Chase’s now defunct Fairmont 2 free nights X 3 cards = 6 nights. Those retailed out at $6K and now we’re just picking up the $180 in resort fees.
This game is a lot of fun if you play it right and get really, really lucky with application timing.
If the Merrill bonus comes back and you fly Jetblue or Alaska, use the wallet trick.
Aha. Great tip.
Well played!
What a score! Sounds like a great trip at an amazing price.
I’ve heard about the wallet trick with Alaska, but I wonder how feasible it would be to use on Jetblue. Would you happen to have any pointers? I live in a Jetblue hub and would love to stash $1K in credits. Would there be any change fee penalties if the Jetblue flight is canceled well in advance?
Wasn’t my idea. Read this and it will take you through it for Jetblue and Alaska:
http://milesperday.com/2017/01/maximizing-merrill-card-50000-point-signon-bonus/
Well glad I didn’t wait. Just got an email my card shipped today
i called merrill and they said that i would need to apply in person at branch.
If anybody tries in branch, let us know if it works.
I have 9 chase coupons for $500 checking/savings bonus expiring Mar/7/2017.
I will let Will decide how he wants to give them out. I could just list them here (or mail them to him)
Hi Nik, if you can send them to [email protected]
What kind of relationship do you have to have with Merrill to legitimately apply?
Not sure sorry
Heather, it sounded to me like anyone can still apply over the phone. I don’t know that Merrill clients are still eligible for the bonus.
I just called reconsideration and got it approved from my application yesterday. Do you think the bonus will still be attached to my account? Anyone with experience on something like this?
It should still be attached as you applied for a card with a bonus, that’s how it works 99% of the time.