When does the 12-month waiting period start from when getting sign on bonus

I want to apply for a new CC with a decent sign on bonus. Can I cancel the card as soon as I get the points in my account, and apply for the same card again 12-months later to get a new sign on bonus, or do I need to hold the card for 12 months before cancelling, in effect, waiting 24 months to get a new sign on bonus.

Yes you can cancel the card as soon as you receive the points. And you then have to wait 12 months from when you cancel the card to make application for the same card, if that’s a condition of that card.