Originally Posted by
Genouver
Pokee: Can you elaborate on the up/down-grade issue, and receiving a bonus? I downgraded from RBC Avion to Gold Rewards last year, after being assured that I would not lose the use of my points. I then found out that it's NOT possible to transfer points to AA or BA under the Gold card. I called RBC back to ask for resolution, and despite a lengthy conversation they were willing to do nothing other than inviting me to upgrade back to the Avion -- with no bonus and no AF waiver. They wouldn't even waive the AF.
The key in your upgrade/downgrade is to always transfer out all of your points first, before downgrading your card (if you cannot keep your points account active in another way - like with Aeroplan, for example). I think in your case, you got bad advice as I think Gold Rewards is RBC Rewards points, NOT Avion points. Different programs.
These were my RBC upgrades/downgrades:
2012/2013-Applied for new BA Visa. $165 annual fee; 50,000 bonus Avios
2014-Downgraded to an RBC Target Redcard Mastercard (no AF)
2015-Upgraded to an RBC Avion Visa. $120 Annual fee; 15,000 bonus Avion Points.
Plan to downgrade in 2016 to a no fee card I've never held; and then upgrade in 2017 to a BA Visa. This leaves at least 4 years in between each card with bonuses which improves my chances of getting the bonus points each time.