BankDiscovery
Last updated: 1 March 2025

How to Open a Discovery Bank Account

Opening a Discovery Bank account takes about 10 minutes through the app. Here is everything you need to know before you start.

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.

What you need to apply

South African ID

Valid SA ID book, smart ID card, or passport for non-residents

Proof of income

Latest payslip, employment letter, or 3 months of bank statements

Proof of address

Utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement (under 3 months old)

Step-by-step process

1

Download the Discovery Bank app

Available on the App Store and Google Play Store. Search for 'Discovery Bank' and download the official app.

2

Start your application

Open the app and tap 'Open an account'. You will be asked to enter your ID number and basic details.

3

Verify your identity

Take a selfie for facial verification and scan your ID document. The app uses biometric technology to verify your identity in real time.

4

Upload your documents

Upload proof of income and proof of address. You can take photos of these documents directly in the app.

5

Enter referral code DNJ001

When prompted, enter referral code DNJ001 to earn up to 5,000 Discovery Miles (for a Full Banking Suite) or 2,500 Discovery Miles (for a Credit Card Account). The code cannot be added after sign-up.

6

Choose your banking suite

Based on your income, you will be offered the appropriate card tier (Gold, Platinum, Black, or Purple). Select the banking suite or product that suits your needs.

7

Wait for approval

Discovery Bank reviews your application and runs a credit check. Most applicants are approved within minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours.

8

Receive your card

Your physical card is manufactured and delivered to your address within 3 to 5 business days. You can start using the app for transfers immediately after approval.

9

Make a transaction within 30 days

To qualify for your referral Discovery Miles, make at least one transaction using your virtual card or digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) within 30 days of opening your account. Bank-initiated transactions like fees do not count.

What happens after you apply

Immediately

App access granted. You can start exploring features and setting up your profile.

Within 24 hours

Application approved (most within minutes). You can make app transfers and payments.

3 to 5 business days

Physical card arrives at your address. Full card functionality activated.

Within 30 days

Make a transaction with your virtual card or digital wallet to unlock your referral Discovery Miles. Set up debit orders and salary deposit.

After ~30 business days

Your Discovery Miles are paid into your Discovery Miles account. They show as 'Friend Referral Welcome Miles' in the app.

Ongoing

Your Vitality Money status improves as you manage money better. Rewards and rate boosts increase.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The application process takes about 10 to 15 minutes through the app. Account approval can take up to 24 hours, though many applicants are approved within minutes. Your card is delivered within 3 to 5 business days after approval.
You need a valid South African ID (or smart ID card), proof of income (latest payslip, letter of employment, or 3 months' bank statements), and proof of residential address (utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement less than 3 months old).
Yes. Self-employed individuals can open a Discovery Bank account. Instead of a payslip, you can provide 3 to 6 months of bank statements showing regular income, or your latest tax return. The income documentation helps determine which card tier you qualify for.
No. There is no minimum deposit required to open a Discovery Bank account. You can fund your account after it has been approved and your card has been delivered.
Yes. Enter a referral code during the application process in the Discovery Bank app. Both you and the referrer earn Discovery Miles: up to 5,000 for a Full Banking Suite or 2,500 for a Credit Card Account. You must make a qualifying transaction using your virtual card or digital wallet within 30 days of opening your account. The code cannot be added after sign-up, and once entered it cannot be changed.
After submitting your application, Discovery Bank reviews your documents and runs a credit check. You will receive a notification in the app once approved. Your card is then manufactured and shipped to your address, typically arriving within 3 to 5 business days. You can start using the app and making online transfers immediately after approval.
Open Account with Code DNJ001 — Earn 5,000 Miles