Discovery Bank tops customer rankings: Insights from the latest sentiment index

CONSUMERS have placed Discovery Bank first in DataEQ’s South African Banking Sentiment Index.

- PHILIPPA LARKIN

DISCOVERY Bank claims top spot in customer rankings.

(KAREN SANDISON Independent Newspapers)

The index analysed 4.8 million online consumer mentions from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. This as the industry recorded its strongest overall performance in ten years, achieving an overall Net Sentiment of 27%.

Discovery maintained its position as South Africa's most positively spoken-about bank, achieving an industry-leading 61% Net Sentiment. This was driven by praise for its rewards programmes, personalised benefits, and overall banking experience, along with campaign-linked advocacy through hashtags such as #DiscoveryBestBank and #TreatMeTuesday.

FNB followed with 46% Net Sentiment, supported by positive conversation around eWallet, FNB Connect, and praise towards branch service. The #LoveFNB campaign added further improved sentiment, with customers highlighting app usability, payment convenience, and eBucks rewards.

Absa placed third with 43% Net Sentiment, with customers responding favourably to rewards, cashback offers, and its app experience, alongside brand initiatives such as the She’s Next Programme.