Discover will change the way it pays out credit card referral bonuses, starting from January 1st, 2018. Right now you receive a $50 Cashback Bonus for every person you refer to sign up for a Discover credit card, up to $500 per year. But during your first year, when all cashback bonuses are doubled, the referral bonuses are doubled as well. That means that during the first your you are actually getting $100 per referral up to $1,000 maximum. New cardmembers also get $50, which is doubled.

Starting next year, Discover will still give out $50 referral bonuses, but they will come in the form of “Statement Credit”. That means that it will not be doubled, if you’re in your first year of cardmembership.

Here’s the notice from Discover:

This letter is to inform you that effective January 1, 2018 Discover® will be modifying the Refer-a-Friend program payout structure. You will now receive a $50 Statement Credit (previously $50 Cashback Bonus) for each friend who applies for the specific offer you send via the link provided and is approved for a new Discover account by December 31, 2018. You are eligible for a maximum of 10 referrals ($500) per calendar year.

Your account must be in good standing to receive your referral credit. Each eligible friend will receive a $50 Statement Credit after making a purchase within the first three months of opening a new Discover account. Existing Cardmembers and those who have opted out of receiving marketing communications from Discover are not eligible referrals. You will not be notified whether a specific referral was approved or declined. Please allow 1-2 billing cycles for the Statement Credit to post to your account after each approved referral. The Statement Credit you receive may be taxable to you. Please contact your tax advisor.

We’re glad you’re our Customer and we want to make sure you have the most rewarding relationship possible with Discover card. If you have any questions, please let us know. Knowledgeable Account Managers are available to assist you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-347-3085, or you can always visit us at Discover.com.

Sincerely,

Discover Card Customer Service