Fuel costs may be rising again - but for Discovery Bank clients, so are the rewards, with over R140 million saved in fuel rewards last year. Here's what SpendTrend25 reveals about fuel habits - and how to make your fuel and Uber spend work harder for you.
South Africans are back behind the wheel! Whether it's the school run, the daily commute, or weekend getaways, more people are driving more often - and they're spending more on fuel. Here's a look into recent insights from SpendTrend25, the latest edition of Discovery Bank and Visa's collaborative spending research.
According to the report,fuel spend across the country surged in 2024, rebounding after a 4% drop in 2023. In fact, average fuel spend per active card grew by 5% in 2024 - a sharp 9 percentage point swing.
The good news? Fuel prices in South Africa dipped significantly in 2024, softening the blow for drivers. And yet, most people aren't chasing the cheapest pump anymore. Convenience now trumps price: many South Africans simply fill up when it suits them, instead of right before a Wednesday petrol hike. For Discovery Bank clients, the preferred refuelling time is still the start of the weekend.
Many return to commuting
Working professionals are also returning to the office. According to Discovery Insure's latest Work From Home Index, nearly 60% of their clients are now back at their desks five days a week. Among hybrid workers, Monday is the most popular in-office day - a trend that may be nudging up fuel usage..
Our clients are spending more - and saving more!
Discovery Bank clients are typically more active on the roads than the average South African. In fact, they spent 6% more on fuel than the national average in 2024. In spite of this, clients together saved over R140 million in fuel rewards, thanks to Vitality Money and Vitality Drive.
Want to make your fuel (and Uber) spend work harder?
Remember, Discovery Bank clients can earn up to 20% back in Ðiscovery Miles on qualifying spend when filling at bp and select Shell service stations, or riding with Uber. With discounts like these, it's easier to drive further, more often - and enjoy every journey!
Tip: If you also have Vitality Drive through Discovery Insure, you earn an extra up to 50% back on your fuel spend.
Here are some more fun facts about Discovery clients' fuel habits in 2024
No matter how you shop, if you're a Discovery Bank client with Vitality, your grocery basket can earn you up to 75% back in Ðiscovery Miles on HealthyFood items.
Here's how to cash in on your food philosophy:
On average, a Discovery Insure client took ±118 trips, drove ±1,100km, and spent ±35 hours in their car each month. That could be time sitting in traffic - but also time earning rewards.
If you're heading to bp, Engen or Shell, you're in good company. These remain firm favourites among Discovery Bank clients.
According to SpendTrend25, Friday is the fan-favourite fill-up day, the perfect start to a weekend escape or a road trip to somewhere new. Check out Discovery Insure's #FuelFriday competitions on our X channel!
The Future of Banking. Now.
- This article is meant only as information and should not be taken as financial advice. For tailored advice, please contact your financial adviser.
- Discovery Bank Auth FSP48657. Limits, Ts&Cs apply. Rewards based on your engagement in Vitality programmes, Discovery products, and monthly qualifying card spend. Fair-usage spend limits apply.
- Điscovery Miles do not constitute currency or any other medium of exchange in circulation in South Africa. Rewards are based on your engagement in Vitality programmes, Discovery products, and monthly qualifying card spend. Discovery Bank, Auth FSP. Limits, terms and conditions apply.
- Discovery Bank Ltd. Auth FSP 48657. Limits, Ts & Cs apply. Rewards based on your engagement in Vitality programmes, Discovery products, and monthly qualifying card spend. Credit initiation and service fees may apply. Subject to credit approval.
