Last updated: 1 March 2025

Discovery Bank App: Features, Setup & Review

The Discovery Bank app is the core of your banking experience. There are no branches. Everything happens in the app: opening your account, managing cards, making payments, investing, and tracking your Vitality Money rewards.

Here is a detailed breakdown of what the app can do, how to set it up, and why it consistently rates as one of the highest-rated banking apps in South Africa.

App overview and ratings

4.7/5

App Store rating

iOS (iPhone & iPad)

4.5/5

Google Play rating

Android

Branchless

App type

100% digital banking

Earn up to 5,000 Discovery Miles

Use this referral code when opening your account. You get up to 5,000 Discovery Miles for a Full Banking Suite, or 2,500 for a Credit Card Account.

DNJ001

You must make a transaction using your virtual card or digital wallet within 30 days of opening your account to qualify. We also earn Discovery Miles from this referral. This does not affect our recommendations.

Key features

Real-time notifications

Get instant push notifications for every transaction: card swipes, debit orders, transfers, and online payments. Know immediately if an unauthorised transaction occurs.

Biometric login

Log in with your fingerprint or face recognition. No passwords to remember. The app uses your device's biometric hardware for fast, secure access every time.

Card controls

Freeze and unfreeze your card instantly. Set transaction limits for ATM withdrawals, online purchases, and tap-to-pay. Enable travel mode before international trips to prevent blocks.

In-app investing with EasyEquities

Buy shares, ETFs, and fractional investments directly within the Discovery Bank app through the EasyEquities integration. Start investing from as little as R5.

Vitality Money tracking

Monitor your Vitality Money status in real time. See exactly which financial behaviours are boosting your status and what you need to do to reach the next level.

QR payments

Scan QR codes at supported merchants to pay directly from your bank account. No card required. Works at Masterpass and SnapScan-enabled stores across South Africa.

PayShap instant payments

Send and receive money instantly, 24/7, using a ShapID linked to your phone number or email address. Faster and cheaper than traditional EFT transfers.

Money transfers

Send money to any South African bank account via EFT, make immediate payments, or transfer between your own Discovery Bank accounts instantly at no charge.

Spending insights and budgeting

The app automatically categorises your spending (groceries, fuel, entertainment, etc.) and shows monthly trends. Set budget limits per category and get alerts when you approach them.

Digital wallet support

Discovery Bank supports every major digital wallet in South Africa. You can pay with your phone, watch, or any connected device. No physical card needed.

Apple Pay

iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac. Use Face ID or Touch ID for contactless payments.

Google Pay

Android phones and Wear OS watches. Tap to pay at any NFC terminal.

Samsung Pay

Samsung Galaxy phones and watches. Supports both NFC and MST for wider terminal compatibility.

Garmin Pay

Pay from your Garmin smartwatch. Perfect for runners and cyclists who leave their phone behind.

Fitbit Pay

Pay from your Fitbit smartwatch. Convenient for gym sessions and everyday purchases.

Start banking from your phone

Download the Discovery Bank app and use referral code DNJ001 to earn up to 5,000 Discovery Miles when you open your account.

Open Your Account Compare cards first

We earn Discovery Miles when you sign up with our code. This does not affect our recommendations.

How to download and set up the app

Download from your app store

Search for 'Discovery Bank' on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Download the official app (published by Discovery Limited). It is free.

Open the app and start sign-up

If you are a new customer, tap 'Open an account.' If you already have an account, tap 'Log in' and follow the device registration prompts.

Verify your identity

New customers: take a selfie for facial verification, scan your SA ID, and upload proof of income and address. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

Enter referral code DNJ001

When prompted, enter referral code DNJ001 to earn up to 5,000 Discovery Miles. This step cannot be done after account creation.

Full account opening guide →

Set up biometric login

After your account is created, the app will prompt you to enable fingerprint or face recognition login. This is faster and more secure than a PIN.

Add your card to a digital wallet

Go to the 'Cards' section in the app and tap 'Add to wallet.' Choose Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or any other supported wallet. You can start making contactless payments immediately.

Security features

Discovery Bank was built as a digital-first bank, so security is embedded into every layer of the app. Here is how your money and data are protected.

256-bit encryption

All data transmitted between the app and Discovery Bank servers is encrypted using bank-grade TLS encryption.

Biometric authentication

Fingerprint and face recognition using your device's secure hardware. No biometric data is stored on Discovery's servers.

Device binding

Your account is tied to your specific device. If someone tries to log in from a new device, additional verification is required.

Real-time fraud monitoring

AI-powered transaction monitoring flags suspicious activity instantly. You receive immediate alerts for unusual transactions.

Instant card freeze

Lost your card? Freeze it in one tap from the app. Unfreeze it just as quickly if you find it. No need to call the bank.

Transaction limits

Set daily and per-transaction limits for ATM withdrawals, online purchases, and tap-to-pay. Adjust them anytime in the app.

Secure OTP and in-app approvals

Online purchases require one-time PIN verification or in-app transaction approval. No SMS OTP interception risk.

Deposit insurance

Discovery Bank is a licensed bank regulated by the South African Reserve Bank. Your deposits are protected under South African deposit insurance.

Earn up to 5,000 Discovery Miles

Use this referral code when opening your account. You get up to 5,000 Discovery Miles for a Full Banking Suite, or 2,500 for a Credit Card Account.

DNJ001

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Discovery Bank app is available on both the Apple App Store (iOS 15 or later) and Google Play Store (Android 8.0 or later). It is free to download and is the primary interface for all Discovery Bank services. There is no separate desktop app, but most features are accessible through the web portal at bank.discovery.co.za.

Yes. Discovery Bank fully supports Apple Pay. You can add your Discovery Bank debit or credit card to your Apple Wallet and use it for contactless payments at any NFC terminal, in apps, and online. It works with iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. Transactions are secured with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.

Yes. The app uses bank-grade 256-bit encryption, biometric authentication (fingerprint and face recognition), device binding, and real-time fraud monitoring. You can freeze your card instantly in the app if you suspect fraud. Discovery Bank is regulated by the South African Reserve Bank and the Prudential Authority, and deposits are covered by deposit insurance.

Yes. The entire account opening process happens in the app. You verify your identity with a selfie, scan your ID document, upload proof of income and address, and choose your banking suite. Most applications are approved within minutes. You do not need to visit a branch at any point.

PayShap is South Africa's instant payment system that lets you send and receive money in real time using a ShapID (linked to your phone number or email). In the Discovery Bank app, go to Payments, select PayShap, and enter the recipient's ShapID. Transfers are immediate, available 24/7, and cost less than traditional EFT payments. You can set up your own ShapID in the app under Settings.

Ready to try the app?

Open your Discovery Bank account with referral code DNJ001. Download the app, sign up in 10 minutes, and start banking from your phone.

Open Your Account Compare cards first

We earn Discovery Miles when you sign up with our code. This does not affect our recommendations.