I have just downgraded my Platinum Select AA card to the free bronze card - to keep the number open for credit reasons (it's my oldest card) but to avoid paying the fee.

I did this before I found the FT thread about all the retention offers. Doh! I probably could have got a year for free.

In terms of earning a bonus in the future, does downgrading to a free account equal 'closing an account'? Have I just reset the clock 18 months?