In short: Suits those who value a Russian-language website and a unit for foreign residents. The limits are the planned merger with Mercantile and the absence of published terms for non-residents.
Terms for non-residents
- Non-residents
- Limited
- Remote account opening
- No
- Visa / Mastercard
- Check with the bank
- Russian-language support
- Yes
- Assets
- NIS 483.5 billion at 30 June 2026 (about USD 162 billion at 2.978)
- Net profit
- about NIS 1.2 billion in the second quarter of 2026
- Website languages
- Hebrew, English, French, Russian, Arabic
- For foreign residents
- International Private Banking: foreign residents, Israelis living abroad, new immigrants, returning residents
- Non-resident declaration
- signed when opening the account and every 3 years after that
- Subsidiary bank
- Mercantile Discount (100%); merger under review since 13 July 2026
- Owner
- Public company (TASE: DSCT); controls Mercantile Discount
- Founded
- 1935
Pros
- Russian-language website with sections on tax benefits and personal banking in Israel
- A separate unit for foreign residents and new immigrants
- International private banking teams work in several languages
- An official page on tax benefits for foreign residents
Cons and limits
- The possible merger with Mercantile creates uncertainty: management expected a decision in autumn 2026
- Thresholds and the list of documents for non-residents are not stated on the website
- Accounts are opened in person; there is no remote option for a regular account
- Tax residency checks: the bank was among those that sent requests to immigrants from Russia in 2026
## About the bank
Israel Discount Bank was founded in 1935 and is a public company (TASE: DSCT). At 30 June 2026 its assets were NIS 483.5 billion, about USD 162 billion at 2.978 shekels per dollar. Net profit for the second quarter of 2026 was about NIS 1.2 billion. By assets Discount is fourth among Israeli banks, behind Leumi, Hapoalim and Mizrahi-Tefahot.
Its subsidiary is Mercantile Discount, which Discount has owned in full since 1993. Since 13 July 2026 the board has been reviewing a merger of Mercantile into the parent bank while keeping the brand. Discount is less efficient than its competitors: its cost-income ratio is above 40%, while Mizrahi-Tefahot reported 33.9% in the second quarter of 2026.
## Account for non-residents and Russians
The main difference of Discount for our audience is the Russian-language website with sections on tax benefits, personal banking in Israel and the international banking system. Besides Russian, the site works in Hebrew, English, French and Arabic.
Foreign residents are served by the International Private Banking unit. It works with:
- foreign residents;
- Israelis living abroad;
- new immigrants;
- returning residents.
Service is provided by international private banking teams that speak several languages. The page does not say what minimum capital is required or which documents are requested: these terms are discussed when you contact the bank.
A foreign resident signs a status declaration when opening the account and every three years after that. It is needed so that the withholding tax exemption applies to you. Without a declaration, interest on foreign-currency deposits, capital gains and part of the profit from securities have been taxed since 1 January 2009. The terms are described on the bank's page.
General rules apply to Russians: legal status in Israel, a visit in person and a source-of-funds check. The bank is among those that asked immigrants from Russia to confirm their tax residency in early 2026.
## Cards and payments
Card names and fees are not published in verified sources, so we do not name specific products. Israeli banks issue cards in partnership with payment companies.
Mir and SBP do not work: after 2022 Israeli banks practically stopped accepting transfers from Russian banks. Plan to pay with Visa and Mastercard cards. The website has sections on foreign-currency transfers and exchange rates.
## Fees and limits
Fees are published on the bank's website. New Bank of Israel fee rules take effect in October 2026.
Limits: the merger with Mercantile creates uncertainty for clients of the subsidiary bank; a regular account cannot be opened remotely; terms for non-residents are not published.
## Who it suits
- New immigrants who value a Russian-language website and a separate team for newcomers.
- Foreign residents and Israelis living abroad, through International Private Banking.
- Those who want to compare the large players: see also Leumi and Mizrahi-Tefahot.
Frequently asked questions
Does Discount have a Russian-language website?
Yes, the bank runs a Russian version of its site. The site is also available in Hebrew, English, French and Arabic. The bank does not say whether the mobile app supports Russian.
Can a non-resident open an account at Discount?
Yes, through the International Private Banking unit, which serves foreign residents, Israelis living abroad, new immigrants and returning residents. Terms and thresholds are given by the bank.
What is the foreign resident declaration?
It is a document about your status, signed when the account is opened and every three years after that. It is needed for the withholding tax exemption. Without a declaration, tax has been withheld since 1 January 2009 on interest on foreign-currency deposits and on capital gains.
What will happen to Mercantile Discount Bank?
Mercantile is a subsidiary of Discount. On 13 July 2026 the board began reviewing a merger that would keep the Mercantile brand. According to management, a decision was expected within several months. See the Mercantile review for more.
Can I use a Mir card or SBP?
No. Israeli banks do not work with Russian banks because of sanctions, and Discount has no Mir cards or SBP (Faster Payments System).
How do I log in to Discount online banking?
Online banking login is on the bank's official website. Go there directly and do not follow links in emails or messages.