I have a good recent track record opening high-end Amex cards (mostly charge cards), and qualifying for retention bonuses. And I haven't had to cancel any existing cards. But now I'm bumping up against Amex's 5-credit card limit. I want to open a Hilton Aspire card by next spring, and a Delta Gold card possibly now. I'd need to cancel the basic Hilton before I apply for the second new card.

Will cancelling the basic Hilton card, in and of itself, jeopardize a welcome bonus on the Hilton Aspire? (It seems there is no current incentive to upgrade to that card.) If so, perhaps I should hold off on applying for the Delta card?