name and background
full name: Mercantile Discount Bank Ltd. (Hebrew: בנק מרכנתיל דיסקונט בע"מ)
Founded: 1918, its origins can be traced back to the operations of Anglo-Egyptian Bank in Palestine; Barclays Discount Bank Ltd. was established in 1972 by Barclays Bank and Israel Discount Bank Ltd., and was renamed Mercantile Discount Bank Ltd. in 1993.
Headquarters: 125 Menachem Begin Road, Tel Aviv, Israel
Shareholder Background: The bank is wholly owned by Israel Discount Bank Ltd., which is more than 90% controlled by the Israeli government and acquired by the Bronfman-Schron Group in 2005. Mercantile Discount Bank is not publicly listed on the stock exchange and operates in a strategically guided manner with the parent company's strategy and local market demand.
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style="font-size: inherit"<>Coverage: The Mercantile Discount Bank serves the entire territory of Israel, covering the cities of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, Nahariya, as well as Arab and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities. The bank supports cross-border financial services through its international network and cooperates with major global banks to provide efficient international transaction support, without overseas branches.
Number of offline branches: As of 2025, the bank has 73 branches throughout Israel, from Tarshicha in the north to Dimona in the south, with a concentration in Arab towns and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities.
ATM distribution: Banks operate a large number of undisclosed ATMs in branches, business districts, and transportation hubs that support cash deposits, contactless payments, and cardless withdrawals.
services and products
Mercantile Discount Bank provides a wide range of financial services to individuals, SMEs and large enterprises, with product lines including:
personal banking: Savings accounts, fixed deposits, personal loans, mortgages, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Diners), debit cards, investment products and foreign exchange services. Featured services include instant loan approval and credit card management (e.g. bill date change, password recovery) for online banking.
Corporate Banking: provides business loans, trade finance (letters of credit, guarantees), cash management, payroll programs and investment services to SMEs and large enterprises. The bank especially supports small businesses in the industrial, tourism, transport, commercial and construction sectors.
Capital Markets Services: Offering securities trading, mutual fund and options trading, covering the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and overseas markets.
e-banking: Provides account management, transfers, bill payments, loan applications and securities trading services through the Mercantile@internet website and the Mercantile mobile app.
regulatory and compliance<
span style="font-size: inherit">Regulator: Mercantile Discount Bank is regulated by the Bank of Israel and follows the Israeli Banking Act and international financial standards such as the Basel Accord.
Deposit Insurance Program: The bank participates in the Israeli Deposit Insurance Program to protect customer deposits, the exact amount of which is not disclosed.
Recent compliance record: The bank's compliance record is generally good, but in 2020 it was listed by the United Nations for its operations in the West Bank and the Golan Heights, involving disputes involving violations of international law. In 2021, the bank and its parent company reached a settlement of NIS 343 million (about A$137 million) with the Australian Taxation Office in relation to tax fraud allegations with the Binetter family.
digital service experience<
span style="font-size: inherit">App & Online Banking: With a rating of around 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google Play and the App Store, the Mercantile mobile app has been praised for its user-friendly interface and convenient features. Mercantile@internet website offers comprehensive online banking services.
core features:
real-time transfers: domestic and international transfers (including foreign exchange transfers) are supported, and transfers can be made via the contact phone number.
bill management: supports paying utility bills, mobile phone recharges, and insurance premiums.
integration of investment instruments: supports securities trading, mutual funds and options trading, covering the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and overseas markets.
> face recognition: Support fingerprint login (Android and iPhone), password is required for second login.
technical innovation:
Open Banking API: An open banking ecosystem is being explored to support third-party payment integration.
Card-not-present withdrawals: Generate a 24-hour valid ATM withdrawal code through the mobile app, support ATM cardless withdrawals.
widget function: provides "My Account" and "My Finance" widgets to view account balances and securities portfolios without logging in.
>AI customer service: AI customer service is not explicitly provided, but the digital support team provides real-time assistance via phone (*3477).
customer service
Mercantile Discount Bank offers multi-channel customer service:
phone: customer hotline *3477 or + 972-3-9439343 for round-the-clock support.
email: Submit an inquiry through the official website (www.mercantile.co.il).
Live chat: Mercantile@internet and mobile apps offer live chat capabilities.
branch services: 73 branches offer face-to-face consultations, some of which only offer counter services on Mondays or Wednesdays, and the rest of the services are done through kiosks, apps or websites.
security measures<
span style="font-size: inherit">Mercantile Discount Bank uses a multi-layered security mechanism:
Anti-Money Laundering & Anti-Fraud: Comply with the AML/CFT requirements of Israeli banks, monitor suspicious transactions, and conduct regular risk assessments.
transaction security: Online banking supports one-time verification codes for large-value transfers, reducing the risk of unauthorized transactions.
Physical security: Branches and ATMs are equipped with surveillance systems and security personnel.
> Cybersecurity: SSL encryption, fingerprint login, and multi-factor authentication (password+ ID code), customer data is anonymized.
featured services and differentiations
Mercantile Discount Bank is unique in the Israeli banking industry thanks to its heritage and community focus:
serving the Arab community: With dozens of branches in Arab towns and cities, it provides customized financial services and is trusted by the community.
ultra-Orthodox Jewish community: Dedicated outlets in ultra-Orthodox communities, where financial services are adapted to the needs of this group.
SME Specialty: Financing support through the National Guarantee Fund, with a focus on small and commercial enterprises.
100 years of history: operating since 1918, close to 107 years of history in 2025, accumulating deep market experience.
International Network: Collaborate with major global banks to provide efficient cross-border transaction services.
summary
Mercantile Discount Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Discount Bank in Israel, occupies an important position in Israel's banking industry with its 73 branches and dedicated service to the Arab and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities. Its diverse offerings, solid financial performance, and advanced digital platforms, such as Mercantile@internet and mobile apps, meet the needs of individuals to small and medium-sized enterprises. Despite international law disputes and tax settlements, its local operations and community service capabilities make it a trusted financial partner.
