Discovery Bank says it is entering the next phase of its “super bank” strategy, expanding the integration of banking, insurance, investments, rewards, and artificial intelligence into a single digital platform.
The latest updates include expanded AI-powered servicing and payments, enhanced fraud controls, broader access to Vitality benefits, and new rewards partnerships.
Discovery Bank chief executive Hylton Kallner (pictured) said the bank is increasing the integration between payments, data, rewards, and security “into a single digital experience”.
The expansion also coincides with increased investment in fraud prevention technology.
The bank said clients will also soon be able to access the Vitality Health programme through the Discovery Bank app, even without holding a Discovery Health or Discovery Life product. The offering includes health, fitness, and wellness-related benefits through the Vitality Active programme.
AI assistant expanded across banking services
Discovery Bank introduced its AI-powered banking assistant, Discovery AI, during 2025. The assistant is embedded in the bank’s app and supports voice, image, and text interactions.
According to the bank, Discovery AI assists hundreds of clients every hour and fully resolves about 55% of queries during the first interaction, usually within 30 seconds.
The bank said the technology is being used to automate several banking functions, including document verification during onboarding and payment processing through image and text recognition.
Kallner said clients can photograph invoices or send payment instructions via text, after which the AI assistant completes the transaction.
Discovery AI also recommends banking actions to clients, including activating virtual cards, creating debit orders, and managing budgets. The bank said the system is designed to encourage better financial behaviour and improve client engagement.
Fraud controls expanded
The AI rollout coincides with expanded fraud prevention measures as banks continue to face increasingly sophisticated social engineering scams and digital fraud attempts.
Discovery Bank said its security framework combines real-time fraud alerts, card controls, and device management tools aimed at reducing fraud risk without disrupting day-to-day banking activity.
The bank said confirmed fraud on flagged transactions has declined by 85% since the launch of its TRUST Alert system in late 2025, with the controls helping prevent an estimated R100 million in potential client losses.
Discovery Bank said TRUST Alert is being expanded across additional payment types. The system will also be able to block transactions during suspected social engineering scams and place accounts into a secured “defence mode” when high-risk activity is detected.
Insurance and investments added to banking platform
The bank is also expanding integration between Discovery’s financial services products and external investment platforms within the banking app.
Clients can already manage Discovery Invest products, self-directed shares and ETFs through linked EasyEquities accounts, while cryptocurrency trading is available through linked Luno accounts.
Discovery Bank said it has simplified activation of short-term insurance products through Discovery Insure and introduced a Digital Life Plan offering up to R3m in life cover through the app. Clients paying premiums through Discovery Bank accounts can receive up to 20% back in Discovery Miles.
Vitality offering broadened
The expansion of the Vitality Active programme forms part of the broader integration strategy between Discovery’s banking, insurance, and wellness businesses.
Discovery Bank clients will be able to add Vitality Active benefits through the banking app for R159 a month. The offering includes health and wellness discounts, as well as 14 days’ free access to a Virgin Active club selected through the app.
Rewards ecosystem expanded
The latest updates also include additional rewards and lifestyle partnerships as Discovery Bank continues to expand its integrated banking and rewards model.
The bank announced new partnerships with DStv, Exclusive Books, and Old School, while parking platform admyt has been added as a permanent rewards partner following an earlier pilot arrangement.
