Discovery Purple is the top tier of Discovery Bank, offered as the Purple Suite. The qualifying income is more than R2.5 million a year. It costs R730 a month plus an annual card fee of R4,250.
You still go through Discovery’s normal proof of income and credit assessment, so the income band alone does not secure approval.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
- Qualifying income of more than R2.5 million a year
- A valid South African ID number
- Proof of your income, in your own name
- An affordability assessment: disposable income above R500 and a debt service ratio below 66%
- A credit assessment based on your credit bureau information, with your consent
Purple is a suite of accounts rather than a standalone credit card account. Discovery’s published page does not mention an invitation-only route or an investable-assets route, so the income band is the stated criterion.
Income and Affordability Requirements
The Purple Suite is for qualifying income above R2.5 million a year. The tiers below it are Black (R850,000 to R2.5 million), Platinum (R350,000 to R850,000) and Gold (R100,000 to R350,000), as set out in Discovery’s product information.
Affordability is your net income minus living expenses minus credit commitments. Discovery requires the remaining disposable income to be above R500 and your debt service ratio to be below 66%.
Credit and Financial Requirements
The monthly account fee is R730 from 1 September 2026: an account fee of R540, a Vitality Money premium of R121 and a single credit facility fee of R69. The annual card fee is R4,250, and Discovery rebates it if your average daily positive balance between fee anniversary dates is at least R1 million (Purple fee guide).
Black and Purple lounge access depends on your spend: with an average monthly spend of at least R23,600 you get complimentary access, otherwise 2 domestic and 1 international visit, effective 1 January 2026. Weigh these benefits against the fee, not against the maximum advertised.
Discovery assesses willingness to pay from your risk profile and credit bureau information, including your credit score. It does not publish a minimum score.
Documents and Verification Required
Your income documents must be in your own name, show income matching the amount you declared, and cover the most recent three consecutive months, the last dated less than 30 days before you apply.
- Your South African ID number, which Discovery checks with the Department of Home Affairs
- Your personal bank statements for the most recent three consecutive months if you earn a salary or wages
- Bank statements and payslips for the same three months if you earn commission
- A letter of appointment or work contract as well, if you have been employed for less than three months
- Foreign nationals: a passport and qualifying resident visa valid for at least 12 months from the date you apply, plus proof of a South African residential address such as a rental agreement or utility bill
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Apply through the Discovery Bank app or ask for a callback on the Discovery Bank website. Discovery makes a preliminary offer with a credit limit and personalised interest rate, subject to verifying your income documents, and you have 21 days from the offer to submit and verify them.
If you are below the R2.5 million band, apply for the tier that matches your income, which Discovery lists on its Gold, Platinum and Black pages. A decline comes with a letter that gives the reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What income do I need for Discovery Purple?
More than R2.5 million a year in qualifying income, according to Discovery’s Purple Suite page.
What does Discovery Purple cost?
R730 a month plus an annual card fee of R4,250, from 1 September 2026. The annual fee is rebated if your average daily positive balance is at least R1 million.
Is it invitation only?
Discovery’s published Purple Suite page gives an income band and does not describe an invitation requirement. Ask Discovery Bank if you are unsure of your route in.
Is the fee worth it?
It depends on whether you use the benefits, such as lounge access, enough to cover R730 a month and the annual card fee.
What if I do not qualify?
Apply for the tier that matches your income: Black from R850,000, Platinum from R350,000 or Gold from R100,000 a year.
Confirm current criteria and fees with Discovery Bank before you apply. See loan requirements and browse all finance and funding requirements.