DStv’s Split bill feature… how to use it, who can use it — here’s all to know

MultiChoice has introduced a split bill feature for DStv subscriptions, offering South Africans a way to cut monthly costs on both decoder and streaming packages. The feature is designed for shared households, making subscription payments simpler, more transparent, and more manageable.

Here’s a full breakdown of how it works, who can use it, and what you need to know before signing up.

1. What Is the DStv Split Bill Feature?

The split bill feature allows a DStv subscriber to share their monthly subscription cost with another person. This can be done through the MyDStv app, which generates a payment link the secondary user can pay directly. The primary account holder still manages the subscription, but each person pays only their portion of the total fee.

MultiChoice designed this feature to reflect modern living arrangements, where subscription costs are often shared across roommates, family members, or partners.

2. Which Packages Are Eligible?

The feature applies to all DStv decoder and streaming packages, including:

• DStv Premium

• DStv Compact Plus

  
  
  

• DStv Compact

• DStv Family

• DStv Access

• DStv EasyView

This means both high-end Premium users and budget-conscious Access subscribers can benefit from bill splitting.

3. How Does It Work?

1. Download the MyDStv App: The split bill feature is exclusive to the MyDStv mobile app.

2. Select Split Bill Option: The primary account holder chooses the subscription they want to split.

3. Send a Payment Link: The app generates a secure link, which can be sent to the person sharing the bill.

4. Secondary User Pays: The second person pays their share via the app. Payment is tracked automatically, ensuring transparency.

   
   
   

Currently, each subscription can only be split between two people, though MultiChoice plans to expand the feature to accommodate multiple household members in the near future.

4. How Much Can You Save?

The savings depend on the package:

Example: A DStv Premium streaming plan costing R799 per month can be split, meaning each person pays just R400 instead of the full amount.

5. Benefits of the Split Bill Feature

• Reduced Monthly Costs: Pay only a fraction of the subscription.

• Shared Responsibility: Splits financial burden for households with multiple members.

• Transparency: Payment tracking ensures no disputes over who owes what.

• Accessible to All Packages: Works on both premium and budget plans.

• No Extra Contracts: Feature works across off-contract and standard subscriptions.

6. Limitations

• Currently limited to two people per subscription.

• Only available through the MyDStv mobile app; web or other platforms are not supported yet.

• Secondary users cannot access parental controls or manage the account — only the primary holder has full control.

• Hardware and streaming costs remain separate; decoder discounts or promotions may apply but are handled outside the split bill function.

7. New Decoder Deals and Promotions

MultiChoice also introduced promotional pricing for decoders alongside the split bill feature:

• Entry-level HD Decoder: R499 (or R799 including installation)

• DStv Explora Decoders: Discounts of up to 57%, depending on model

• Explora Ultra: Reduced to R2,999 (from R3,299)

These deals make it easier for new customers to access DStv without high upfront hardware costs.

8. Access Package Enhancements

To complement the split bill feature, MultiChoice added three new permanent channels to the Access package:

• Trace Ngoma (formerly Trace Africa)

• Trace Gospel

• WWE

These additions enhance entertainment, music, and faith content for South Africans using budget-friendly packages.

9. Why MultiChoice Introduced Split Billing

According to CEO Willington Ngwepe, the goal is to make DStv more flexible and affordable for households:

“What matters now is how DStv fits into people’s lives month after month. We want customers to have options that make it easier to stay connected, even when budgets are tight.”

The split bill feature is part of a wider strategy to ensure DStv remains accessible, adaptable, and convenient in a modern, shared-living context.

10. How to Get Started

1. Download or update the MyDStv app.

2. Sign in as the primary subscriber.

3. Select the subscription you want to split.

4. Generate a payment link and share it with the co-subscriber.

5. Receive payment and enjoy a reduced subscription fee!

The DStv split bill feature allows South Africans to cut costs, simplify household payments, and enjoy both premium and budget packages. With new channels, decoder deals, and MyDStv integration, the platform aims to make TV subscription more flexible than ever.

FAQs

What is the DStv split bill feature?
DStv’s split bill feature allows subscribers to share the cost of a package with another person using the MyDStv app, reducing monthly fees.

Which DStv packages can use the split bill feature?
All decoder and streaming packages, including Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family, Access, and EasyView.

How much can I save with DStv’s split bill feature?
Depending on the package, subscribers can save up to 50% of their monthly subscription — for example, Premium streaming drops from R799 to R400 per person.

Can more than two people split a DStv subscription?
Currently, only two people can share a subscription, but MultiChoice plans to expand the feature to include multiple household members.

Do I need the MyDStv app to split a subscription?
Yes, the split bill feature is only available via the MyDStv mobile app.

Are there any new DStv deals or discounts?
Yes, MultiChoice is offering entry-level HD decoders for R499 (or R799 with installation) and Explora decoders at discounts of up to 57%.