Discovery Bank has introduced a package of new features across its mobile banking platform, adding integrated crypto trading, real-time AI transaction monitoring, instant motor insurance quoting and activation inside the banking app, and expanded rewards partnerships.
Discovery Bank’s introduction of cryptocurrency trading marks one of the most substantial additions to its digital banking platform. From December, clients will be able to access crypto assets directly through the Discovery Bank app via an integration with Luno, the cryptocurrency exchange and wallet platform used by more than 15 million clients globally and the largest operator of its kind in Africa.
The integration enables Discovery Bank clients to link their Luno accounts or create new ones from within the app. Once linked, clients will be able to buy, hold, and sell more than 50 crypto assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Clients will also be able to track crypto balances and transactions in real time and transfer funds instantly between Discovery Bank and Luno with no fees. According to the bank, the arrangement provides “access to the full liquidity and breadth of crypto-asset options provided by Luno” within the Discovery Bank app.
Discovery Bank noted that crypto assets have become a mainstream investment option, referencing estimates that one in ten South Africans hold crypto assets and stating that regional regulation aligns with global norms. Crypto balances held in linked Luno wallets will qualify for Vitality Money Savings points.
In a statement on 14 November, the bank described the partnership as a “first-of-its-kind solution in Africa” because it embeds digital asset investing directly into a major mobile banking platform.
Real-time, pattern-based transaction monitoring
Discovery Bank has added an AI-driven monitoring layer to its multi-layered security features.
The TRUST Alert system evaluates each in-app and secure payment in real time by comparing transactions against personal patterns, behaviours, and known financial safety risks. When a transaction is assessed to pose elevated risk, the system displays a prominent warning with an explanation, giving clients a pause point to review the details before proceeding.
The bank stated that the model incorporates continuous learning to help clients identify and respond to potentially suspicious activity. It also includes functionality that allows clients to submit screenshots of suspicious SMS or WhatsApp messages to an AI-powered agent for guidance.
App integration across Discovery product lines
The bank has positioned its app as the primary digital channel for clients to access multiple Discovery products. New and existing features include:
- Clients can obtain a Discovery Insure motor insurance quote and activate a policy directly within the app, using pre-populated data to speed up the process, which the bank describes as comparable in duration to a standard banking transaction.
- Clients can view and manage all their Discovery products in a single interface.
- Secure, direct contact with a banker is available around the clock without additional authentication, with calls being routed to the appropriate service area.
Rewards network expansions
Discovery Bank has expanded its Discovery Miles ecosystem with new rewards opportunities and partnerships.
MultiChoice and DStv
From December, clients will be able to earn up to 25% back in Discovery Miles when paying MultiChoice debit orders from a Discovery Bank account. From the second quarter of 2026, purchases of DStv decoder packages may earn up to 25% back in Discovery Miles, while streaming packages may earn up to 50% back.
admyt parking refunds
Between December 2025 and January 2026, Discovery Bank will refund parking costs in Discovery Miles when clients make an in-store purchase of R250 or more with a Discovery Bank card and pay for parking through the admyt ticketless parking app. The benefit becomes available when clients link their bank card in the app.
Discovery listed more than 70 supported locations, including the V&A Waterfront, Mall of Africa, Canal Walk, Ballito Junction, and Sandton City.
Discovery Miles+ Network and Vitality Mall
Clients can earn up to 15% back in Discovery Miles across expanded home, fashion, and lifestyle partners and access offers in the Vitality Mall, with examples including specific Nespresso product promotions when paying with Discovery Miles.
Shailendra Khopkar