Posting to add data points with regards to existing Amex customers and bonus points.
Myself:
Applied mid-Jan using an AFF referral link. At time of application I held Amex Plat Edge & Amex QFF Discovery.
Received telephone call advising that I cannot hold more than 2 Amex credit cards.
Cancelled Amex QFF discovery and proceeded with Amex Explorer application.
Amex Explorer approved and activated late Jan.
Amex Explorer was linked to Ascent Rewards points.
Called and successfully delinked Amex Explorer from Ascent Rewards, card was delinked within 5 minutes of ending the call.
Spent required $1,500 on 01 Feb.
Bonus 110k Gateway points arrived 02 Feb.
Mrs Wokstar:
Holding Amex Plat Edge and Amex QFF Discovery
Cancelled Amex QFF Discovery prior to applying for Amex Explorer
Applied for Amex Explorer using my referral link mid/late-Feb.
Amex Explorer approved and activated late Feb. (20k Gateway points from referral received)
Amex Explorer was on Gateway Rewards from activation (ie: not linked to existing Ascent Rewards – called Amex to confirm and this was true)
Spent required $1,500 on 01 Mar.
Bonus 80k Gateway points arrived 02 Mar.