1. A computer implemented method for facilitating a merchant loyalty program, said method including: transmitting purchase data from said merchant to a host, wherein said purchase data includes retailer data, transaction data and a retailer item identifier, wherein said retailer item identifier enables said host to determine a manufacturer item identifier; receiving, from said host, a determination that said merchant is a qualifying merchant when said purchase data corresponds to said loyalty program data; and, causing said host to issue loyalty awards based on said manufacturer item identifier and said loyalty program data.