American Express Membership Rewards - Can you keep points when you cancel the primary card? [Canada]

I have two Amex cards, a gold rewards card that I got first, and then a gold business rewards card that I referred myself to, in order to get the referral bonus and additional points.

On my account it lists my regular gold rewards card as the primary account for points, I assume because this was the card I had first. I am thinking of cancelling it and then re-applying a week later by referring myself from the business card. At this time, I don't want to redeem the miles, but would rather build up a balance. Will this work? And will I be eligible to get the referral and 15K sign up bonus still?

I would normally do it the other way, but the 3K spend limit in 3 months for the business card could be a problem.

thanks

I have edited the thread title to indicate that you are asking about the Canadian version of Membership Rewards. Please mention if this is incorrect. It's important because these types of rules do vary by country of issue.

In the USA system there is a single rewards account to which multiple cards can be linked, and any card can keep the balance intact. I have a vague recollection that the Canadian version does not commingle points.

The Canadian business and personal cards have seperate MR accounts. Not sure if you can transfer the points over if you cancel one.

The Canadian business and personal cards have seperate MR accounts.

Not for everyone I guess. My personal and business cards have one aggregate MR account. :confused:

Not for everyone I guess. My personal and business cards have one aggregate MR account. :confused:

Me too.


But how does referral work?

I just referred to a separate email address (in my case it is 100% legit - I run my own business as a contract worker, so I have personal and professional emails). I don't think they really cared though. When my business referred me, I used the link but stated I did not have a current AMEX account - I thought I had cancelled my SPG card several months prior, turns out that had not actually been carried out properly, so my new card has a "member since 2009" on it. (Which is what prompted me to check into the cancellation of the SPG card!)