It’s easy to get a Discovery Card. At least, it was for everybody else. For me, it was easy to apply, but to receive the actual card took a while.
But, here’s how you can apply for your DiscoveryCard.
Applying for the DiscoveryCard
Applying for your Discovery Credit Card is pretty easy, especially if you’re already a member of the Discovery Medical Aid.
Here are the 6 steps to apply for your card (taken from the Discovery Website):
Step 1: Call 0860 11 CARD (2273).
Step 2: Apply telephonically for your DiscoveryCard.
Step 3: We’ll check your credit rating real-time and send you a quote, which tells you which DiscoveryCard you qualify for, how much your limit is and how much your fees are. All applications are subject to credit and affordability assessments.
Step 4: Accept the quote by signing and faxing it back to us. Don’t forget to attach a copy of your ID and proof of income.
Step 5: Receive your DiscoveryCard and get your great benefits! You’ll get your card within 14 days after you accept the quote. You need to contact us to activate your DiscoveryCard once you receive it.
Step 6: Get your PIN in the post two weeks later so you can withdraw cash from your DiscoveryCard.
Nice and easy isn’t it. Next I’ll write about how to know what DiscoveryCard you qualify for. Whether it’s the Blue, Gold or Platinum!
Cost of Discoverycard monthly?
Discount at Pick + Pay?
Around R360 a year
Yes.
If I am not a memeber of the Dicovery Health can I apply for a Discovery Credit Card?
Hi Debra. I would say that you COULD apply for a DiscoveryCard if you’re not a member of Discovery because you can leave Discovery and carry on using it as a normal Visa card, but you’ll need to check when you apply for the card.
But then, why would you want one? There are no benefits to having a Discovery Card if you’re not a member of Vitality. LITERALLY no benefits. Personally I would look into getting something like a Virgin Money Credit Card.
let me know what you decide.
Do you also accept a copy of my drivers license instead of my id when i accept a quote?
I don’t think Discovery accepts your driver’s license when collecting the Credit Card.
i want to know can i apply also for a discovery credit card but i dont need a credit limit on it i want to use it as a savings card to deposit money into it to use it at a later stage in the year. and also to use it to purchase my art stuff online
You would obviously still get a credit limit, but I guess you could change it to 0 if you wanted.
Personally, I would use Virgin Money, the interest on credit is WAY higher than Discovery. It’s even higher than my Standard Bank investment account.
I DIDN’T RECEIVED MY PIN IN THE POST AFTER I GOT MY CARD, WHERE CAN I GET MY PIN NUMBER?
I applied for a discovery credit card at the beginning of February 2009, I received 1 phonecall verifying my details (I cannot remember the name of the lady)but I haven’t heard anything or received any replies on my request. Very dissappointing customer service.
I hate to say it, but welcome to my world
Phone Discovery and ask them to resend your pin.
I’m not with Discovery health but want Vitality and the credit card – is that possible? Or do I need to somehow qualify for Vitality first (with life insurance etc)?
You will have to be a member of Discovery in some way, and then a member of Vitality to be able to use and benefit from the Discovery Card.
I am only a member of Discovery Life (and Vitality), which is how I’ve got the card.
I want to gain access to my Discovery Card Statement vira the internet please.
Could you please confirm whether that is possible?
You will have to go to the FNB Online Banking website and log on there. (You may have to sign up/register first).
what happens if you have a credit card and become retrenched?
I would guess nothing. If you want to cancel it, phone Discovery and cancel it.
If you have an outstanding balance, that might be another issue…
Our Discovery Credit Card has expired May 2008. We have not received notification in the post stating that we are to collect a new one. Is it possible for a new one to be arranged? Regards Sue
Your best bet is to phone Discovery…
Hi James,
Thanks for the reply but unfortunately, deaf people actaully do have a big problem with the phone. There always seems to be a tollfree number available for hearing people to phone through but has Discovery Medical Aid ever thought about deaf people like myself? It can become a nightmare trying to get hold of someone at Discovery to solve our problems and we do not like to use a third party. Know of anyone?
Regards
You know, I guess people like me don’t really think of things like that. And getting in touch with corporations in a way that YOU can is sometimes really difficult.
For example, did you know that Ryan Air (in Ireland) only accepts complaints by fax or letter? Do you know the last time I saw a fax? And I’d be nervous to post a letter. I haven’t done it in about 15 years (no exaggeration).
I am on an Essential Comprehensive Discovery Health Plan with Vitality.
Can I apply for a credit card from Discovery without having any other Discovery products?? ( Life policy etc)
And I heard that the card can only be used at Discovery affiliated merchants. (Pick n Pay and Kulula etc)
I heard it can’t be used to draw cash or pay at restuarants , internet etc. Is this true? Sound like bull to me !!!
regards
Yadre
You’re right, that’s bull.
I believe you just need to be on Vitality to get the card, but you can use it ANYWHERE! I’ve used my DiscoveryCard overseas, locally, online, offline, in line and over the line…
i woyld like to apply for the redit card
your response will be highly appreciated.
Hi Mpho. Did you read the information above? It’s really easy (to follow the steps, not to read the information).
I have been trying to cancel my credit card for months. Why does Discovery Credit Card ignore all my requests?
How’ve you been trying to cancel your card?
Hi James, I have sent faxes (first one 22July). I live in Namibia and the tel numbers on statement are not accessible from here. Could you please assist.
Try emailing Discovery directly using this email address:
DiscoveryCard@discovery.co.za
HI i am on the keycare plus plan do i qualify for a credit card?
Hi James, I am on the Key Care Plus Plan, do I qualify for a Discovery Credit Card? Also is the Discovery Credit Card, like any other Credit card? Meaning can you also get a limit of how much you can spend in a month & pay the installment every month, cause I’m thinking of getting a Discovery Credit card rather then one form a bank or so because I am a Vitality member & Discovery member. Pls would like to have an answer soon as possible. Thank You.Regards
Hi Angelique. The fact that you’re a member of Discovery is a promising start, but it’s no guarantee that you qualify for the Credit Card. It is just like a normal credit card in many respects, and financially qualifying for the card is one of those things.
And, just like a normal credit card, you will also have a limit every month. You can lower it if you like.
Hope that helps.
My credit card is so hidden away that i cant find it, can i apply for a new card
You could report it as a lost credit card and ask for a new one.
Try the phone number above.
Applying for the Discovery Credit Card has been the most painful process I have gone through in a long time. Discovery kept losing my details, accidentally canceling my application and issuing the card in the wrong name. It has been two months and I still have not received my card. The agents at the call centre are all super friendly but despite all their promises, have been unable to get this right. I have written several emails noting my frustration and requesting assistance but these have never been answered. I am most disappointed in the customer service.
DO NOT EVEN BOTHER, what a useless bunch…………., I have been trying to sort out a payment that I made for a month now. They cant find my payment anywhere on their system and every time i get told the same thing” we will refer this to the admin department and in 48hrs it wil be reversed.” This is the longest 48 hours of my life!Right now i think that the so called admin department doesnt exist . In the meantime they have been charging my account with arears fees and extra interest charges. They clearly do not care about this as they are making money from me for no services rendered by them! My credit rating is in turn taking a battering and knowing how difficult it is to get credit now days, this is simply not on. Who is going to sort the problem out and refund me my money plus all interest?? What more do I need to do? I think moving my medical plan and all my business else where will be a good start..
I went through all the rigmarole of applying for a Discovery card by phone today. In a chance question at the end of the conversation, I learned that the Discovery credit card does not have a chip in it. I did not proceed any further. In this day and age, this is a retrograde step and I feel that this should be made clear up front.
Hey guys, I followed the instructions as above and was immediately checked and got qualified for the credity card. They checked my details and asked various questions after which an email was sent to me through which i need to send them some documents. So all in all so far I have had a reasonable easy and relaxed experience with discovery.
Thats just my ten cents worth.
If I am not a memeber of the Dicovery Health, although I can apply for a Discovery Credit Card, but there are no benefits at all to having a Discovery Card if I’m not a member of Vitality? No PNP discount or travelling discount?
@Flora: right, no benefits at all. And it’s not cheap.
The only “REAL” benefits are that you get the notifications of all transactions over R100 by SMS (I really rely on this). But, you’d get this with a normal FNB card AND you would earn eBucks.
I joined Discovery Medical a few months back & I have received the medical aid card, should I also have a Vitality membership card?
If you joined Vitality as well, yes. You don’t automatically join Vitality when you join Discovery.
Do you have special rates on flights in RSA.
Yes. Through the partnership with Kulula.com
Hi James
I am a Discovery Member (classic comprehensive with Vitality -silver). I have earned all my point from going to gym so I’m not even sure what benefits I could be using them for. My question is …. is the Discovery Miles worthwhile me applying for a credit card for? If there aren’t great benefits with my Vitality and all, then I’ll go with SAA Voyager. Destination USA BABY!
I would say yes, there are definitely benefits to getting a Discovery Card.
My card had fraudulent transactions against it on Christmas eve. Within minutes I had a phone call confirming that these transactions weren’t mine and my card was cancelled, and within 5 days (including the public holidays) i had a new card.
On top of that, the discounts you get at various stores are only really done IF you have a Discovery credit card. So, when you book your holiday at a Southern Sun hotel, and you want the 45% discount, use your Discovery card. When you purchase your Nando’s meal, use the card, and you get 8% back at the end of the month.
Nice and easy
Like with James the same thing happened with me on 30 December somewhere in the Uk.
I also recieved an SMS requesting me to phone a certain number.Card was cancelled and new card issued.Very satisfied but still not recieved any info regarding wheather the so called reserved debits (Fraudulant transactions) were in actual fact reversed.