Discovery does not publish a salary requirement as such. The Black credit card account is for people with a qualifying income of R850,000 to R2.5 million a year, and it costs R275 a month. Approval still depends on a credit and affordability assessment.
These figures are from Discovery Bank’s Black fee guide, effective 1 September 2026. Confirm them on the Black credit account page. For the wider picture, see finance and funding requirements.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
- Qualifying income of R850,000 to R2.5 million a year. Discovery’s tiers are Gold (lower than R350,000), Platinum (R350,000 to R850,000), Black (more than R850,000 to R2.5 million) and Purple (more than R2.5 million).
- A valid South African ID number. Discovery Bank checks it with the Department of Home Affairs, and a client without one cannot join at present.
- A Discovery Bank account with a single credit facility, which can be linked to a credit card account, an overdraft on a transaction account, or both.
- Passing the credit and affordability assessment described below.
- Foreign nationals: the passport and qualifying resident visa must be valid for at least 12 months from the date you apply, and credit products are open only to certain visas.
Income and Affordability Requirements
Discovery describes the Black tier only as “qualifying income” and does not say on its pages whether that means gross or net pay, or whether any asset-based route exists. Ask Discovery Bank how it treats your income before you apply, especially if it is variable, commission-based or self-employed.
The Black credit card account costs R275 a month:
- Account fee: R140
- Vitality Money premium: R80
- Single credit facility fee: R55
If your qualifying income is above R2.5 million a year, Discovery places you in the Purple Suite instead. Purple is a suite rather than a standalone credit card account, at R730 a month plus a R4,250 annual card fee.
Discovery measures affordability as monthly disposable income: net income minus living expenses minus credit commitments. It requires disposable income above R500 and a debt service ratio below 66%. Falling in the income band does not guarantee approval or set your limit.
Credit and Financial Requirements
Discovery assesses willingness to pay from your risk profile and credit bureau data, including your credit score, and ability to pay through the affordability test above. You must consent to Discovery using your credit bureau data. Discovery does not publish a minimum credit score.
If you are approved, you receive a preliminary offer with a credit limit and a personalised interest rate, subject to verification of your income documents. A decline comes with a Declined Credit Letter giving the reasons.
Documents and Verification Required
Discovery needs proof of the sources of your income, such as bank statements or salary slips. Income documents must be in your own name, show income that matches the amount you declared, and cover the most recent three consecutive months, with the last one dated less than 30 days before you apply.
Submit and verify your documents within 21 days of the credit offer. After that the offer expires and you must reapply. Foreign nationals also need proof of a South African residential address, such as a rental agreement or utility bill.
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
- Download the Discovery Bank app and open your account, which Discovery says takes under five minutes. You can also leave your details on the Discovery Bank website for a callback.
- Complete the credit application and consent to the credit bureau check.
- Receive the preliminary offer, then submit your income documents within 21 days.
- Once verified, download the app, register and finalise account opening. The account and credit facility are opened and your card is created and delivered.
Make sure your documents show the income you declared and that your credit commitments leave disposable income above R500. Existing clients can ask for a higher limit in the app under More, then Single credit facility, then Increase. Full details are on Discovery’s products information page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do I need for the Discovery Black card?
Discovery lists a qualifying income of R850,000 to R2.5 million a year for the Black credit card account. It describes this as “qualifying income” and does not state a gross or net figure, so confirm with Discovery Bank how your income is assessed.
How much does the Black credit card cost?
R275 a month from 1 September 2026: an account fee of R140, a Vitality Money premium of R80 and a single credit facility fee of R55.
What happens if I earn more than R2.5 million?
Discovery places you in the Purple Suite, for a qualifying income of more than R2.5 million a year. It costs R730 a month plus a R4,250 annual card fee.
Does meeting the income band guarantee approval?
No. Discovery also runs a credit bureau check and an affordability assessment, and requires disposable income above R500 and a debt service ratio below 66%.
What if I earn below R850,000?
Discovery’s lower tiers are Platinum (R350,000 to R850,000) and Gold (R100,000 to R350,000). Check which tier Discovery offers you in the app.
Which documents prove my income?
Bank statements or salary slips in your own name, covering the most recent three consecutive months, with the last dated less than 30 days before you apply. Submit them within 21 days of the credit offer.
Discovery Bank sets and revises the requirements, so confirm them with the bank before you apply. See finance and funding requirements and browse all loan requirements.