Can one close a CC that was opened 12 months ago (E.G. 8/1/18) but before the 2nd AF hits and avoid amex clawing back the signup bonus? I recall hearing once that it may be an issue...
I would wait
2nd AF being charged.
Closing before 1 year is the no-no. Once the Annual fee posts its been over a year, try for a retention and close if you like.
Amex doesn't make much sense these days.
I don't see why after the card is open for full 12 months, even though the AF was not charged, there should be a claw back, IIRC, I downgraded more than once for different people and there was no clawback as long as the card was open for 12 months
Anyway, why the rush? You don't pay the annual fee either way...
Are the clawbacks isolated to MR cards or are there DP's for cobranded cards as well?
What do you mean? If you downgrade you have to pay a prorated fee
Its on co-branded cards as well, although (IME) they do not take back the points once it is in airline etc. account