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Revolut travel card review: Rates, fees & limits [2024]

The Revolut travel card is a multi-currency card you can use for convenient spending and withdrawals in the US and when you’re abroad.

This guide walks through everything you need to know about how the Revolut travel card works, its key features and benefits, and the fees associated with using it. We’ll also touch on some alternatives to use abroad, such as the Wise travel card, as a comparison.

Revolut travel card: key features

Revolut offers 3 different account plans

• The Standard plan has no monthly fee to pay, while the Premium and Metal account plans have monthly costs, but also include more features and higher no-fee transaction limits.
• All accounts come with a travel card for spending and withdrawals, but the exact card type you get will depend on the account tier you choose. With the highest tier of account you get an exclusive solid steel Metal card, while all account types can also opt for a personalized card.
• Virtual cards are also available on all account plans, which can be used for mobile and online spending, and added to a walleye like Apple Pay.

We’ll walk through the Revolut travel card in detail throughout this guide, including how it works at home and abroad.

Go to Revolut Here are a few pros and cons of the Revolut travel card to kickstart our full review:

The Revolut travel card offers an easy and flexible way to hold, spend and exchange multiple currencies, with just your card and your phone. You’ll be able to choose the plan that suits your specific needs and transaction requirements, including some with no monthly costs associated. Once you’ve opened a verified account you can order your physical card in the Revolut app, and start spending right away online or using a mobile wallet, with your virtual card.

Who is the Revolut travel card for?

The Revolut travel card can suit frequent travelers as well as anyone living, studying or working abroad. You may want to get a Revolut travel card if:

• You’re a traveler spending in foreign currencies often
• You love to shop online at home and abroad
• You want a virtual card for security
• You’d prefer to manage your money using just your phone

Go to Revolut

What is a Revolut travel card?

The Revolut travel card is a payment card linked to a Revolut digital account. There are several different Revolut cards which are issued with different Revolut account plans – all are debit cards, and all can be used for global spending and cash withdrawals.

If you are looking for more information about Revolut: Revolut review

Is the Revolut Travel card a multi-currency card?

Yes. You can hold around 25 currencies in the Revolut account and spend conveniently in multiple currencies around the world.

Compare the Revolut travel money card to alternative options like the Wise travel money card , to see which suits you best. More on that, next.

Alternatives to Revolut travel card

Non-bank providers like Revolut can be a cost effective way to spend at home and abroad. They’ve often got fairly low fees, and tend to be innovative, offering some helpful and unusual account features to suit different customer needs.

Here’s a quick look at how Revolut lines up on features and fees against a couple of other non-bank services from Wise and Chime .

*Information correct at time of writing, 13th October 2023

Go to Revolut Go to Wise

Wise travel card

Hold 40+ currencies and spend in 150+ countries, with mid-market rate currency conversion, no minimum balance and no monthly fees. You can open your Wise account online and order a card for home delivery. Use your card to spend and make cash withdrawals globally, and get instant in-app notifications to keep on top of your finances.

Go to Wise  

Learn more: Wise card review

Chime debit card

Chime accounts have no monthly fees and no minimum balance. In fact there are very few fees to worry about at all. You can only hold USD in your Chime account, but you’ll still be able to use your card around the world to spend in any currency. Your overseas spending will be converted back to USD using the network exchange rate with no foreign transaction fee.

Revolut travel card fees & spending limits

As with any travel card, there are some fees involved in using the Revolut travel card. There are also a few limits applied to keep customers and their accounts safe. Here’s a rundown of the limits for the Revolut travel card:

*Details correct at the time of research – 13th October 2023

Here are the Revolut travel card fees you’ll need to be familiar with:

Exchange rates

All Revolut accounts have some currency exchange every month which uses the mid-market exchange rate. Standard plan holders can convert up to 1,000 USD a month, Premium plan holders can get 10,000 USD a month and Metal plan holders have unlimited conversion with the mid-market rate.

It’s important to note that out of hours conversion fees apply, which means you pay 1% extra when exchanging currencies at the weekend or overnight. If your plan has a limited amount of mid-market rate conversion, you’ll be charged a 0.5% fair usage fee once this is exceeded.

How to get Revolut travel card

To order your Revolut travel card you’ll need to have an active Revolut account. Download the Revolut app, and you can get your new account in just a few taps, by entering your personal information and getting verified.

Once you’ve got your Revolut account set up all you need to do is open the Revolut app and go to the ‘Cards’ tab. Here you’ll see the option to get a physical or virtual card, and to create a card PIN.

What documents you’ll need

To verify your Revolut account you’ll need to upload a selfie and a photo of one of the following documents:

• Driving license

If you don’t have these documents available, you can reach out to Revolut to understand which other documents may be used in your specific situation.

What happens when the card expires?

Revolut will contact you 28 days before your card is due to expire, so you can order a new one in good time. Standard shipping has no fee when getting a new card to replace an expiring Revolut travel card.

How to use a Revolut travel card?

The Revolut travel card is a debit card issued on either the Visa or Mastercard network. That means you can use it to pay or make a withdrawal anywhere you see the logo of your card’s network being displayed, globally. You’ll also be able to add your card or your virtual card to your preferred mobile wallet for on the go payments.

How to withdraw cash with a Revolut travel card?

To make an ATM withdrawal with a Revolut travel card you’ll need to first find an ATM that supports your card network. You can then just insert the card into the ATM and enter your PIN, then the amount you want to withdraw. Easy.

Is the card safe?

Yes. The Revolut card in the US is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Visa.

How to use the Revolut travel card overseas?

You can spend with your Revolut travel card in about 150 countries , anywhere the card network is accepted. If you hold the currency you need in your account there’s no fee, but an exchange or fair usage fee may apply in some situations – if you’ve exhausted your monthly currency exchange limits, or if you’re exchanging out of hours for example.

If Revolut doesn’t support holding the currency you need, it’s worth checking out Wise which has a broader selection of 40+ currencies for holding and exchange.

Conclusion: is the Revolut travel card worth it?

The Revolut travel card is a flexible option for holding 25+ currencies and spending globally in 150+ countries. Depending on the account tier you select you may pay a monthly fee, and some transaction fees are also likely to apply. Compare the Revolut travel card against some alternatives like the Wise travel card and the Chime debit card to see which suits you best.

The Wise card may suit you if you’re looking for a powerful international account that can hold 40+ currencies, and receive payments in multiple currencies with local bank details. Chime may be a good pick for customers looking for a USD account with pretty much no fees to pay which you can use at home and abroad.

Revolut travel card review FAQ

How does the Revolut travel card work?

The Revolut travel card is linked to a digital account you can hold about 25 currencies in. Add money to your account in USD and then you can start spending and making withdrawals globally.

Is the Revolut travel card an international card?

Yes. The Revolut travel card supports spending in about 150 countries, and you can hold 25+ currencies in your account.

Are there any alternatives to a Revolut travel card?

Other non-bank providers like Wise and Chime also offer spending cards which have their own features and fees. It’s worth comparing these against the Revolut travel card to see which suits you best.

My Honest Revolut Travel Card Review: Pros & Cons of Revolut

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

I will gladly admit that 1/3 of my success in life is simply me being in the right place at the right time.  I found Revolut at a Tech startup conference in London earlier this year and they told me about their money cloud program.

Basically, you save money while traveling because Revolut holds/exchanges the Great British Pound, the U.S. Dollar, and the Euro… all in one place. Backed by Master Card, the Revolut card can be used in any country (using any currency) as a normal domestic debit card AND you can send people money via apps like Facebook and WhatsApp.

In my line of work, I get paid in USD but I need to pay my bills in GBP and I’m constantly in Europe throwing Euros like Kanye (not really).  

During my last two years abroad, I’ve been paying ridiculous fees just to access MY MONEY and The Universe has clearly brought Revolut into my life to rectify this issue.

So shut up and take my money.

Since the program is still in its developing stages, you have to be invited in order to join and the landing page doesn’t have all of the details… but I do.  So let’s break it down further.  So why is Revolut revolutionary for travelers like you and me?

What is the Revolut Travel Card?

Revolut has the vision of making sending and spending abroad as easy as it is at home, which is made of three parts:

1) Sending Money with Revolut

Revolut allows users to send money through SMS/WhatsApp/Email and via URL. The recipient can retrieve money by downloading the Revolut app or by entering their bank account details after following the link.

Revolut currently allows deposits and withdrawals in GBP, USD, and EUR as well as sending in 20 other currencies (AUS, CAD, CZK, DKK, HKD, HUF, ILS, JPY, MXN, NZD, NOK, PLN, RON, SGD, ZAR, SEK, CHF, THB, TRY, AED).

2) Exchanging Money with Revolut

Revolut provides the best possible exchange rate, the interbank rate. No hidden fees or spread! Revolut currently offers currency exchange between GBP, USD, and EUR however this will soon expand this list.

3) Spending Money with Your Revolut Card

With the multi-currency card, you can spend abroad without the horrendous fees.

Revolut’s multi-currency card currently supports GBP, USD, and EUR and can be used online as well as offline immediately after there topping up on the Revolut app. 

Even if you spend abroad Revolut will automatically do the exchange so you get the most out of your money!

Fees and Charges

Plain and simply, 1% on exchanges with maximum fee charges of GBP120 per year. 

Super low fees and capped charges ensure that whether you are sending, exchanging, or spending money, with Revolut, you avoid horrific fees so that your money can be spent on the things that really matter!

Security of the Revolut Travel Card

Revolut ensures that all money sent and stored on Revolut is secured by working with Optimal Payments, which is a registered and regulated e-money issuer by the FCA (reference FRN: 900015).

Optimal Payments manages ring-fenced Barclays accounts which means all money is secured against the possible distress of Revolut, Optimal Payments, and Barclays.

Additionally, Revolut only operates on mobile apps as these platforms provide better protection against hacking than web-based applications. Your money is also secured for up to 85,000 GBP. Awesome.

With ATM fees, transaction fees, and currency exchange fees piling up, I’ve been losing 75 USD A MONTH since I moved to London.  

That could have bought me a round trip to Paris and so much more. Join the movement. It’s your money, do what you want with it.

Disclosures 

The Revolut USA Prepaid Visa® and Prepaid Mastercard® are issued by Metropolitan Commercial Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. for Visa cards, and Mastercard International for Mastercard cards, and may be used everywhere Visa or Mastercard are accepted.

Banking services are provided by Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, and are subject to the terms of a Cardholder Agreement. “Metropolitan Commercial Bank” and “Metropolitan” are registered trademarks of Metropolitan Commercial Bank © 2014.

A note from Metropolitan Commercial Bank: Funds in your Revolut Prepaid Card Account are held at an FDIC-insured institution. Your funds will be held at or transferred to Metropolitan Commercial Bank, an FDIC-insured institution.

While there, your funds are insured up to $250,000 by the FDIC in the event Metropolitan Commercial Bank fails if specific deposit insurance requirements are met and your card is registered. See fdic.gov/deposit/deposits/prepaid.html for details. FDIC insurance does not protect your funds in the event of Revolut’s failure or from the risk of theft or fraud.

Related Posts:

• Best Banks for Digital Nomads
• How I Made Thousands of Dollars Traveling the World as a Digital Nomad
• When Parents Say No to Traveling
• Why You Can’t Afford To Travel?
• The Challenges of Living Abroad

Vanessa Wachtmeister is a travel tech professional and the creator of the wealth & wanderlust platform, Wander Onwards. Vanessa is originally from Los Angeles, California, she is a proud Chicana, and she has been living abroad for the last 9 years. Today, she helps people pursue financial and location independence through her ‘Move Abroad’ Master Class, financial literacy digital products, and career workshops.

Thursday 3rd of December 2015

The promotion is not working anymore?

Marcus Bryant

Tuesday 8th of September 2015

It is a great idea - actually there are no transaction fees (they earn their money from the mastercard transaction fee when you use it). A Word of caution though - when attempting to credit my account via transfer the reference field got corrupted and it couldn't be processed. One week later they still haven't found my money and just keep apologizing - no offer of compensation and no solution so far. Their back office is extremely poor IF things do go wrong.

Jonas Hürbin

Thursday 4th of June 2015

Got to your post by searching the internet for a way to save money abroad. When I first read your post, revolut didn't support Android Phones, they now do, so I joined them as well. Great idea and great post. I will give it a try during my travels ;)

Sarah Elizabeth

Tuesday 14th of April 2015

Brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing. I'm lucky enough that my bank is kind to me about living abroad and withdrawing money, but there is definitely always money lost between transfers and exchange rates every now and then.

Revolut Travel Card Review: Save Money Abroad

Last Updated on August 15, 2023 by Natalia

If you’re looking to avoid unnecessary charges and bad exchange rates when you travel, then this Revolut travel card review is for you. We’ve been using Revolut since 2016, and by now we can safely say it’s saved us hundreds, if not thousands of pounds. Changing money in advance is a thing of the past, as you can now arrive at your destination and use a Revolut prepaid card to get a better rate than currency exchanges ever offer. Although there are a number of different cards available, we personally think that there’s only one winner if you compare Revolut vs Monzo vs N26 travel cards or any of the other competitors. Revolut charges just 2% if you exceed your monthly withdrawal limit compared to the 3% Monzo charge, and N26 charge 1.7% on all transactions on free accounts. On top of that, the standard free Revolut accounts allows you to convert up to £1,000/€1,000 a month with no charge. If you’re looking for better features, then there’s also the option to sign up for a Premium or Metal Revolut account, although these accounts do come at a small cost. We fully recommend signing up now, but if you want to know more then check out our Revolut travel card review below!

Sign up to Revolut today via our referral link and get your first travel card delivered completely free! Click here to sign up!

Table of Contents

Available currencies

One of the most important things with any travel card is the number of currencies supported for card payments and ATM withdrawals. Revolut allows you to make card payments and ATM withdrawals in over 150 different currencies, which means it provides you with great versatility almost anywhere you travel. All major currencies are supported through the card, so unless you’re going really off the beaten path then Revolut will support almost every currency you need. We’ve been using our Revolut travel cards since 2016 and since then have been able to use them everywhere we’ve visited throughout Europe, Asia, Central America and South America.

Some of the currencies that aren’t yet supported are the Zimbabwean Dollar, Tuvaluan Dollar, Armenian Dram, Faroese Króna and Eritrean Nakfa. Even if you’re visiting one or more of the countries where the currency isn’t supported, it’s still worth getting a card for when you travel elsewhere. More and more currencies are becoming supported, so don’t be surprised if soon you’re able to use your Revolut card anywhere in the world!

Exchange Rate

Revolut travel card uses the real exchange rate, so whatever currency you’re changing you will almost always find that Revolut offer a better exchange rate than any of your other options. If you had £10, you wouldn’t actively choose to throw it away, but if you’re getting a bad currency conversion rate then throwing away money is exactly what you’re doing. Considering a Revolut travel card is completely free, you may as well get more currency for your money! Click here to save money when spending abroad by signing up for Revolut!

As the real exchange rate changes in real-time, the rate you will receive depends on when you convert your currency. Rates will fluctuate throughout the day, so you may get slightly different rates if you make a number of payments throughout the day.

Although Revolut uses the real exchange rate, the rates are fixed over the weekend to protect against fluctuations. This means that during weekends there is a fee of 1% on any transaction that involves currency conversion.

To avoid being affected by these markups we recommend making ATM withdrawals during weekdays. It will also affect card payments over the weekend, but there is no way to avoid these and it still almost always works out cheaper than using your normal debit card or a currency exchange.

How to get the best exchange rate with Revolut

There’s a very simple tip to make sure you get the best exchange rate when paying with your Revolut card. When using your card abroad you may be asked whether you would prefer to pay in the local currency or your home currency. Always opt to pay in the local currency. 

If you don’t pay in the local currency then the merchant will make the conversion, which normally means you’ll get a very bad exchange rate and will end up paying more. Paying in the local currency allows Revolut to make the conversion (if required) using the real exchange rate, which means you will get a substantially better rate. Sometimes when making card payments abroad the merchant may select for you to pay in your home currency without giving you the choice to pay in the local currency. Always check what currency you’re being charged in and ask to pay in the local currency if you notice you’re being charged in your home currency. Some merchants will insist you will get a better rate by paying in your home currency, but that is never the case.

Make sure to also check what currency you’re paying in when making an ATM withdrawal. Some ATM machines will ask whether you want to use their conversion, but through experience we can say it’s always better to reject this. The phrasing will make it sound like you may be charged more for rejecting their rate, but as Revolut use the real exchange rate you are almost always going to be getting a better rate by rejecting the machine’s conversion and allowing Revolut to convert the currency for you.

Revolut card fees and charges

There are currently three different types of Revolut account: Standard, Premium and Metal. The standard account is completely free to use, whereas the premium and metal accounts require a monthly or yearly fee. There are a number of advantages of upgrading to a metal or premium account, so it’s important to know the difference between the accounts.

Two of the main differences between the accounts are the amount you can withdraw from foreign ATMs each month without incurring a fee, and the amount of currency you can convert each month without a fee. Find out the difference in fees and charges on the different Revolut accounts below:

Standard Revolut Travel Card Account

The standard free Revolut account allows you to make cash withdrawals abroad up to the equivalent of £200/€200 a month without any extra fees or charges. Once you go over this limit there is a 2% fee on any further withdrawals for the remainder of that month.

There is a much higher fee-free limit for transactions that require a currency exchange, such as making a card payment or ATM withdrawal in Euros and paying for it in Pounds. Revolut allows you to convert up to £1,000 a month at the real exchange rate without any charges. If you go over this limit, any payment or ATM withdrawal that requires a currency exchange will incur a charge of 0.5%. Unless you’re planning to spend huge amounts then this limit is unlikely to affect you!

Plus Revolut Travel Card Account

A new option from Revolut is to upgrade the free account to Revolut Plus for £2.99 a month. Here you get some additional perks such as up to £1000 in insurance if something you have purchased with this travel card is faulty or have fraudulent activity on the account.

As well as this there are a few other benefits from upgrading, however if you are looking to upgrade in terms of value for money in our opinion it’s worth doing one of the other options such as premium or metal.

Premium Revolut Travel Card Account

Upgrading to a Revolut premium account costs £6.99/€7.99 per month, and enables you to withdraw up to £400/€400 from foreign ATMs in the local currency without any extra fees or charges. Like with the standard account, once you exceed this limit there is a 2% fee on any further withdrawals within that month.

There is no limit for the amount of currency you can exchange on the premium plan, so if you intend to regularly convert over £1,000 a month it’s worth upgrading.

Metal Revolut Travel Card Account

A Revolut metal account costs £12.99/€13.99 per month, and allows you to withdraw up to £600/€600 from foreign ATMs in the local currency without any extra charges or fees. If you exceed this monthly limit then there is a 2% fee on any further withdrawals.

Like with the premium plan, there is no limit to the amount of currency you can exchange on a Revolut metal account.

Click here to compare the fees and charges of the standard, premium and metal Revolut accounts!

It’s easy to check how much you’ve withdrawn or how much money you’ve converted each month by going to the profile section of your app and selecting ‘Price plan’. That way you can avoid accidentally going over these limits and ensure that you don’t get any charges you aren’t expecting!

In our opinion, Revolut’s fees are more reasonable than their major competitors. For example, Monzo charge a 3% fee on any withdrawals that exceed the £200 monthly limit. Another competitor, N26, charge 1.7% on all withdrawals using their standard free account. Considering Revolut only charge when you exceed £200 a month but charge less than Monzo, then in our mind the best option is Revolut.

Personally we think it’s quite easy to avoid withdrawing over £200 a month, which means you won’t be charged any extra fees. If you prefer withdrawing cash and think you’re likely to exceed this limit regularly then it’s probably worth upgrading to either the premium or metal Revolut account. These accounts not only allow you to withdraw more money without extra fees, but also have a host of other advantages which we cover at the end of this article!

Hold multiple currencies simultaneously

As well as allowing you to spend in over 150 different currencies, Revolut also has the capability to hold money in a number of currencies at once. It’s currently possible to hold money in British Pounds (GBP), American Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR) as well as 27 other currencies including New Zealand Dollars (NZD), Turkish Lira (TRY) and South African Rand (ZAR).

The ability to hold different currencies at the same time is a useful one if you’d rather change some money to another currency all in one go, instead of the conversion being made each time you make a card payment or ATM withdrawal.

It’s important to know that Revolut travel cards are unable to draw from 2 currencies to make one payment. For example if you want to pay $100 USD using the card, it will only be possible if you have a high enough balance in one currency to make the transaction. If you do not hold the equivalent of $100 USD in one currency the transaction cannot go through, even if between currencies you have enough money. This is a relatively unlikely scenario, but should you find it happens to you then just use the app to convert enough money to one currency in order to pay.

There are a number of ways to top up your Revolut travel card, all of which are extremely easy. One of the options, and our personal favourite, is to top up using your debit card. Once you’ve registered your debit card this means you can top up within the app in a matter of seconds from anywhere in the world. Competitors like Monzo and N26 don’t allow you to top up directly from your debit card, which in our opinion gives Revolut a slight edge over the competition.

Another way of topping up your Revolut account is by bank transfer. To find your account details to do this you just need to select the ‘transfer to your Revolut account’ option when you’re on the top up screen of the app. You will then be presented with your Revolut account number and relevant details to top up for both local and international payments. This option takes slightly longer than topping up by debit card as you will need to log in to your online banking to actually make the payment. If you would prefer to do it this way then you have the option, but we personally prefer to top up via our debit card as it’s quicker and can be done instantly from within the Revolut app.

Another great feature of Revolut is the ability to set an automatic top up from your bank card once your balance falls below a certain amount. This is an ideal way to make sure you don’t run out of money when you’re travelling but don’t have any access to the internet access in order to top up.

Although signing up for a Revolut travel card itself is free, you normally have to pay for the delivery of your card. Fortunately for you, if you sign up using our link then standard delivery is completely free too!  That means you won’t have to spend a penny to get yourself set up on Revolut – so you can start saving money on your next trip!

Click here to sign up for Revolut today and get free delivery of your first card!

Tracked and express delivery options are available too, but you will have to pay for these. The timeframe for delivery depends on the option you select. Standard delivery and tracked delivery both have a timeframe of 9 working days until you receive your card, although in our experience the cards are often delivered in 4-5 working days anyway. Express delivery has a timeframe of 3-4 working days to receive your card. Check out the list below to see the cost of different delivery options when you sign up for a Revolut card:

Standard Delivery – 9 working days – £4.99 GBP/€5.99 or completely free if you click here and sign up via our link!

Tracked Delivery  – 9 working days – £7.99 GBP. Tracked delivery is only available in Great Britain, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.

Express Delivery  – 3-4 working days – £11.99/€19.99 although the cost may be higher depending on the delivery address.

Please note that prices may vary depending on your currency and location.

Alternatively, if you sign up for either a premium or metal Revolut card account then express delivery is completely free.

Make sure to order your card in plenty of time before your trip, especially if you’re opting for the standard delivery. It’s worth planning ahead to make sure you have your card in time so that you can spend your money hassle-free on your travels.  Click here to sign up to Revolut now and get your first card completely free!

Revolut Card Limits

Although we’ve gone over some of the spending limits above, we thought it deserve its own section so that everything you need to know is in one place. The following limits apply to a standard Revolut account:

• No fee ATM withdrawals up to £200 per month. If you exceed this amount you will be charged a 2% fee.
• Convert up to £1,000 fee-free per month. If you exceed this amount you will be charged a fee of 0.5%.
• £3,000 limit for ATM withdrawals within 24 hours.

Customer service

Revolut offer great customer service for all users. There is a help chat function in the app which allows you to speak to a bot named ‘Rita’ who is able to provide generic answers to any queries you may have. If this doesn’t solve your issue then just type ‘Live Agent’ and you will be connected to a Revolut customer service representative who will be able to help. It usually only takes a few minutes to be able to speak to a representative, but if the chat function is busy it may take longer. The customer service chat is available 24/7, with priority support available for customers with a premium or metal account.

There are loads of other great benefits that come with signing up for a Revolut account, some of which don’t fit into any of the categories above. These range from push notifications on your phone when you make a payment to the ability to buy travel insurance to make sure you’re covered for your trip. The list below covers some of our favourite extras that come with signing up for a standard Revolut account:

• Alerts on your phone when you make a payment.
• Ability to disable your card instantly using the app if you lose it.
• Option to enable location based security to help prevent fraud.
• Option to buy travel insurance and device insurance through Revolut.
• Option to disable any of the following: Swipe payments, Contactless payments, ATM withdrawals and Online Transactions.
• Special edition cards are sometimes available. For example, rainbow-coloured cards were released for free to celebrate Pride in 2019.
• Revolut Vault – a money saving tool that rounds up every payment you make and puts the spare change aside in order to help you save up for a target amount of money.  Click here to find out more!
• Ability to set monthly spending limits.

What do you need to sign up for Revolut?

Revolut need to verify your identity, which means you will need to provide some ID during the sign up process. You can easily provide your ID through the app, which has easy to follow instructions to guide you through the process of signing up. To further verify your identity you will need to provide personal information including your name, address, phone number, email address and date of birth in order to set up an account.

Premium options

If you like the sound of the above but want higher limits and added perks then upgrading to either a premium or metal Revolut account is probably worth it. Signing up for a Revolut premium account costs £6.99/€7.99 per month, whereas a Revolut metal account costs £12.99/€13.99 per month. Alternatively, both plans are discounted if you pay for a year up front. Find out the additional benefits that come with Revolut premium and metal below:

Revolut Premium Account

• Ability to withdraw up to £400 per month from ATMs without any fee.
• Exchange money in 29 fiat currencies with no monthly limit.
• Free overseas medical insurance.
• Free delayed baggage/flight insurance.
• Free global express delivery.
• Priority customer support.
• Access to 5 cryptocurrencies.
• Exclusive card designs only available to Premium members.
• Disposable virtual cards for safe online shopping.
• Ability to instantly book access to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world.

Revolut Metal Account

• Ability to withdraw up to £600 per month from ATMs without any fee.
• 0.1% cashback on card payments within Europe and 1% cashback on card payments outside of Europe.
• Exclusive Revolut Metal card only available to Metal customers.
• One free airport lounge pass, plus the ability to instantly book access to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world.
• A concierge to help you manage your lifestyle.

So, is Revolut worth it?

Simply put, yes. In our opinion, you’re actively choosing to throw money away if you don’t sign up for a Revolut account. It’s completely free to sign up, and it’s certain to save you money in the long run even if you only spend a few days abroad a year. Considering there’s absolutely no cost to you, we recommend signing up now so you can start saving money on your next trip!

Ready to sign up? Click here to apply for a Revolut travel card today!

Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!

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Revolut Review —Travelling For 10 Months with Only One Multi-currency Card For Money

This Revolut Review took many months to test. Download Revolut here — Apple Store or Google Play .

It’s been a while since we travelled, so when we were selected by Airbnb to Live Anywhere around the world for 10 months, we immediately got down to planning for a long trip.

Read also : Guide to Singapore’s Vaccinated Travel Lanes

One of the challenges we faced was figuring our cash situation. Do we bring 10 months’ worth of cash? Or just suck it up and pay hefty surcharges at ATMs overseas — not to mention unfavourable rates 🙁

Setting up local bank accounts in different destinations would also be too much of a hassle.

So when Revolut reached out and asked us to review their product, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to put its different functions to the test.

For our 10 month trip, it was the only financial card we brought along.

We’re not financial experts, but we tried our best to test the card in every situation common to a traveller — both long and short term travel. Hope you find this Revolut review useful!

Note: This Revolut Review is for Singapore Residents only. There are different product features for different markets around the world.

Disclosure : While the writer was provided with a spending allowance to test the card, it’s in The Travel Intern’s interest to protect the editorial integrity of our website. We have taken every reasonable effort to ensure a realistic and honest review for our readers. 

But first, what is Revolut?

Revolut is a financial super-app that is best known for its multi-currency wallet and remittance services amongst frequent travellers and expats.

Credit cards typically charge too much for currency exchange so multi-currency wallets/cards like Revolut makes it a lot more affordable and convenient to pay overseas. In fact, their exchange rates are usually very close to that of Google and often better than a physical money changer in Singapore!

Revolut also allows you to hold multiple currencies in your account, letting you lock in favourable exchange rates ahead of time.

Revolut Review: How Revolut works

Revolut works like a supercharged multi-currency pre-paid debit card, with plenty of security and lifestyle features that make it attractive to use overseas.

Picking a Revolut plan to suit your needs

Revolut is free to use, but you can get more features and benefits with their paid subscriptions. There are three Revolut cards with monthly subscription plans . Here’s a quick summary:

We’re on the Metal Plan and the card looks and feels gorgeous. It also gives us a higher limit for ATM withdrawals, lower currency exchange fees, priority customer support, insurance, and LoungeKey  Pass access. The Metal Card also offers 1% cashback on overseas spending .

While a free card will be suitable for most of our travels, the metal plan is super useful for long-term travelling or overseas living.

Using Revolut for cashless transactions

Revolut works like a debit card, and can be used anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard . The difference with traditional debit/credit cards is that it uses real exchange rate without any markup.

Read also : Multi-currency Cards vs Miles Credit Cards

According to Revolut, the ‘real’ exchange rates (or interbank rates ) are “based on the foreign exchange market data feeds that we get from a range of different independent sources.” While it sounds a little iffy, the rates we regularly got were usually the same as the internet rate or sometimes even better.

Other than using the physical card for payment, Revolut can also be linked to your smart devices (smartphones, smartwatches etc) for more convenience.

All you need is to make sure the card has a sufficient balance for your transaction.

Top-up is available via bank transfer, debit cards, credit cards, and even Apple Pay.

Once you’ve topped up the card, you can either exchange it to the local currency, or leave it in your home currency and it will use the real exchange rate at the time of transaction.

It also serves as a multi-currency wallet so you can store up to 28 different currencies at once.

Currency Exchange Fees : 0-2% depending on membership and market hours

Currency exchange fees are charged after a certain amount is spent on the card, but don’t worry, this resets each month. The amount depends on your membership plan:

Weekend fee: 1–2% depending on the currency

Revolut also charges a fee for exchanges over the weekend to protect against market fluctuations when it’s closed.

We were charged an additional 1% for transactions over the weekend when converting from SGD to EUR.

* Pro-tip: Exchange money before the weekend to avoid additional fees

The good thing is that the process is transparent and the foreign exchange rate can be viewed on the Revolut app before any transactions involving foreign exchange.

Using Revolut as a remittance service

Revolut supports over 28 currencies (including SGD), which means you can transfer money to foreign bank accounts at a much lower fee. The fees are stated upfront and uses the more favourable interbank transfer exchange rate. Perfect for those studying or working overseas who need to remit cash.

You can use their in-app or website calculator to get an estimate.

Revolut also allows you to transfer money to other Revolut users for free. As all members of our team have a Revolut account, it was easy to transfer money in the local currency to each other without having to convert to SGD first. There’s also the option of sending money in the form of gifts, which includes adorable animated cards that make it a little more fun.

You can even set up Group Bills, allowing you to split bills easily with every member of the party. Compared to other budgeting apps, you can “settle up” directly into your Revolut account.

Using Revolut to withdraw cash at local ATMs

This is generally fuss-free and ATM withdrawal on Revolut is free up to a monthly cap based on your membership level: Standard:  S$350/month Premium:  S$700/month Metal Card:  S$1050/month

A 2% usage fee is charged only after you’ve exceeded your limit. Some foreign banks may still charge a transaction fee even though Revolut doesn’t.

Here’s a 2019 community-created list of transaction fees for different banks (if any) by country .

We withdrew money at OTP Banka in Croatia for free.

Revolut App Budgeting & Lifestyle Features

Beyond using Revolut to pay for stuff, there are also a few budgeting and analytics tools on the app to help keep your spending in check. Set monthly budgets by categories, receive notifications when you are overspending, and get insights into your spending habits.

You can also set up Personal & Group Vaults to work towards your saving goals. Revolut tries to make this effortless by automatically rounding up your purchases to the nearest dollar and saving it in your account.

For online shoppers, the Rewards feature allows you to get additional cashback when you pay with Revolut.

If your flights are delayed for more than one hour, Premium and Metal Plan users also get complimentary lounge passes for their companions and themselves under Smart Delay .

Even if there’s no flight delay, Premium and Metal Plan users can purchase Lounge Passes on the App if you simply want to take a break.

Revolut Security Features Review

Convenient access and control of security features For long-term travel, these security features were extra useful. For example, we may want to disable magnetic stripe use in certain countries with a reputation for copying credit cards. In other instances, we may want to increase spending limits if we know we’ll be shopping more.

Revolut allows you to easily toggle security features like location-based security, use of contactless payments, ATM withdrawals, online payments, magnetic stripe usage, and spending limits via the app. This means even if you lose it without realising, the card cannot be misused since the features only work when you activate them.

You can easily change your PIN number, or unblock your own PIN if it has been accidentally blocked.

My favourite is the ‘Freeze card’ feature, which allows you to temporarily deactivate your card through the Revolut app . I’m sure many of us have been in situations where we think we’ve lost our credit card, only to find them a few days later after going through the trouble of calling the bank and having it deactivated permanently.

All these features make it super convenient as you can easily change them on the app instead of calling the bank.

Disposable Virtual Cards

You can also create  Disposable Virtual Cards  — perfect for times when you need to make online payments via foreign websites that might have questionable security protocols.

Disposable Virtual Cards are automatically refreshed after every use and can only be used once. So even if your details are exposed, your account will remain safe!

Revolut Review — thoughts after using Revolut for a few months

Over the last couple of months, our Revolut account generally worked really well. We used it for our everyday expenses and simply didn’t leave home without it.

The currency exchange rates were very favourable and the security controls were robust and useful. I personally loved the UI, which is intuitive and easy to navigate.

The biggest drawback would probably be the need for data connection. You need a data connection to top-up, so it’s important to make sure that you always have extra money in the account for unexpected purchases or emergencies. You don’t want to get stuck without money in a small town or rural area!

We also occasionally experienced situations where Revolut flags a suspicious transaction and blocks the card. While it’s easily resolved by logging into the app to unblock the card and mark it as a legit transaction, I can imagine how this might be a problem if you happen to be without data connection.

That said, I hardly carry my wallet around anymore and simply leave home with some emergency cash and the Revolut app on my smartphone. As the world becomes more connected and cashless, I can only imagine how using a multi-currency wallet and super-app like Revolut will become the main form of payment.

If you’d like to give Revolut a try, apply for an account and download the app here: – Apple App Store – Google Play

Revolut is also giving usersa 3% cash back on travel expenses till 23 December. More information here !

Hope you found this Revolut Review useful. Do let us know if you have any questions or suggestions to improve this review.

Disclosure : While the writer was provided with spending allowance to test the card, it’s in The Travel Intern’s interest to protect the editorial integrity of our website. We have taken every reasonable effort to ensure a realistic and honest review for our readers. 

This post was brought to you by  Revolut .

For more travel inspiration, follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram , and  YouTube .

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International Money Made Simple

Revolut Card Review

About Author: Hi, I’m Quinn Askeland. In 2014, I started Transumo after experiencing expensive, slow, and frustrating international money transfers and payments through banks. Once I discovered how to manage my own international currencies much better, I became driven to help others improve their transfers and payments. Fortunately, today, there are many excellent options. See My Full Bio .

The Revolut Card is more than just mobile money and travel freedom while avoiding the crazy fees banks charge.

H ere’s the deal:

• You can use it to spend in over 150 currencies at a competitive exchange rate, with transparent fees .
• Lots of useful features such as instant payment notifications, budgeting tools, and a bunch of optional travel benefits .
• Revolut has a standard (zero monthly fee) option but it is interesting to compare with Wise which has is simpler with easy to understand fees.

In this Revolut card review, we’ll take a closer look at to see if Revolut has the right card for you .

We’ll also compare the different cards, uncover the card’s benefits, pricing, fees, and even shine a spotlight on the negative and positive customer reviews .

Disclosure: This post may contain offers and affiliate links to save you money and it also helps us to keep providing the best information. For more information, see our disclosures here .

Based on 143,600+ reviews on Trustpilot, Revolut has an “Excellent” rating of 4.3/5. Of these reviews, 75% are 5 stars and commend the Revolut app for its user-friendliness, features, support, currency exchange, ease of transferring money, and overall open-banking experience.

How to Choose the Right Card

1. Starting with Table 1 (below), you can quickly get an idea of which card/s are more likely to be best for you 2. Table 2 (below) will help to clarify your choices by comparing fees and limits 3. Finally (below) >> See the cards in your country

1. Revolut Cards Compared – The Basics

Table 1: standard vs plus vs premium vs metal vs ultra, table 2: standard vs plus vs premium vs metal vs ultra, 2. revolut cards compared – fees & limits, >> the cards by country.

Because of the many options you can choose with Revolut, it helps to start with the right country: For the UK  use their  latest price and feature comparison chart  (opens a new tab to keep reading).

For Europe  –  choose your country here

US residents click here  (opens a new tab to keep reading) for pricing in USD dollars and different offerings.

Australian residents click here  (opens a new tab to keep reading) for pricing in Aussie dollars and different offerings.

All other countries   select your country here .

While there are many potential fees the most important one for many people is the exchange rate.

Revolut’s currency exchange fees are subject to variability based on factors such as the time of day and your subscription plan.

• Weekdays: No fees for currency exchanges made within your plan limit between 6 PM New York time on Sunday and 5 PM New York time on Friday.
• Weekends: A fixed 1% fee is applied to all currency exchanges made between 5 PM New York time on Friday and 6 PM New York time on Sunday, regardless of your subscription plan.
• Additional Fees: If you’re a standard customer and exceed your plan limit, an extra 1% fee is imposed per exchange. However, Plus customers benefit from a reduced 0.5% fee in such cases.

2.2 Physical and Virtual Cards

All Revolut members can create disposable virtual cards. These are debit cards that only exist in the Revolut app and can be discarded at any time. You can use these card details to make transactions online without a physical card.

Revolut users can get access to disposable virtual cards. These cards get automatically deleted after they are used. This adds a further layer of security to your online transactions and is ideal for subscriptions you are not sure you want to keep.

As a Premium user, you can choose from three stylish colours for your Premium card: black, grey, and pink. These cards have a premium design that makes them stand out.

If you are a Metal customer, you can enjoy the exclusive Metal card made of solid reinforced steel. The Metal card has a luxurious design. You can select from five elegant colours for your Metal card: black, gold, rose gold, silver, and space grey.

Ultra customers can access the world of exclusivity with their Ultra card. This card is platinum-plated and has a sophisticated appearance. The Ultra card is the most premium card that Revolut offers.

Customers cannot choose between Visa or Mastercard providers for their physical cards, this is based on location.

2.3 Managing Currencies

2.4 atm withdrawals and other perks.

Revolut members can withdraw cash from ATMs in-network for free* up to a certain amount. The withdrawal limit depends on your plan. Check the below table for more details.

After hitting the withdrawal limits of your plan, you will pay a 2% fee (of the withdrawal amount**) for each withdrawal you make.

Revolut allows you to save money in saving vaults and earn interest on your savings. 

There are budgeting and analytical tools as well to manage your money better. 

3. Best Revolut Card Alternative

The Wise card is the closest rival to the Revolut card. Both are great services and have their pros and cons.

In a nutshell, Wise is about function and Revolut is about style. For example, Wise has a simpler fee structure and has a bigger reach with more comprehensive multi-currency management whereas Revolut has ridiculously hip metal or ultra cards and more tools for savers, investors and travellers through their paid subscription offerings.

Check out our detailed Revolut vs Wise comparison for more.

4. When Standard (no fee) or Paid Plans Might Be Better

The table below presents a summary of Revolut’s standard and premium cards and their pros and cons.

When Standard (no monthly fee) is Better

• You are not a frequent traveller
• You only transfer small amounts
• You are not a big spender
• You don’t need everyday insurance
• You don’t need full features access for Revoluts under 18 account
• You are not keen on lounge passes and purchase protection
• You don’t care about a higher savings interest rate
• You don’t need a discount on event ticket purchases

When Paid Plan is Better

• If you like to travel frequently
• Have no problem committing to an extra fee because the benefits outweigh it
• You want to save money on your transfers
• You like to save while spending hassle-free with your debit or credit card
• You want the travel insurance Revolut offers
• You want more under 18 account access with full features for more than one child
• You like to have lounge passes, cashback rewards, and purchase protection
• You want to save money on your travel booking and ticket purchases
• You like having a higher savings rate

5. Is Metal Worth It?

Lots of people want to know if paying a monthly subscription for a Metal card is worth the money. The truth is, some of the features make the Revolut metal card a great option for frequent travellers and big spenders who want to save money and enjoy extra perks:

• Enjoy excellent exchange rates and transparent fees when you spend in 150+ currencies
• Inexpensive compared to other travel cards and digital banks
• Access exclusive airport lounges and get priority customer support
• Make 5 international transfers/month with no fees
• Enjoy travel benefit insurance for delayed, damaged, or lost luggage, delayed or disrupted flights, global medical insurance, car hire excess insurance, winter sports insurance, and personal liability insurance*. *T&Cs apply to all insurance benefits
• Earn up to 1% cashback on your purchases in any of the 29 supported currencies when you use your Revolut Metal card. Monthly cap and terms apply.
• Book your accommodation through Revolut Metal and get up to 10% cashback
• You can take out up to £800/month (or an equivalent amount in a foreign currency) from more than 55,000 ATMs in-network with no extra charge from Revolut every rolling month*. *ATM fair-usage fees apply
• Unique and exclusive reinforced Steel Metal card design with express delivery of card in 1-3 business days.

Premium, Metal, and Ultra can get you discounted airport lounge passes, global medical insurance, winter sports insurance, luggage loss and flight delay insurance***. It also allows you to share bills with your group and get phone insurance.

*Third-party ATM providers may charge a withdrawal  fee and weekend fees may apply **subject to a min. fee of  £1/withdrawal ***T&Cs apply to all insurance benefits

6. Revolut Account Features

6.1 multi-currency account.

Revolut was specifically created to cater to travellers and international professionals. Its key strength lies in its multi-currency support, which enables fast and cost-effective currency exchange. This can be done either within the Revolut app or while making card payments or withdrawing money from ATMs.

For individuals, Revolut offers multi-currency accounts that allow you to hold and manage 30+ currencies. You can also get travel insurance if you upgrade to a paid plan. It lets you split bills with your friends and family.

Regardless of the account type, all Revolut accounts, including the standard plan, come with a debit card at no extra cost from Revolut. You can also schedule payments for your bills and subscriptions.

6.2 Currency Exchange

One reason why Revolut is an attractive choice for travel cards is that they give you some of the best transparent exchange rates you can find. 

Users can use the Revolut currency converter to see the real exchange rate at any moment for 30+ currencies. 

Revolut has a variable exchange rate for money currency exchanges, which changes all the time. You can see this rate on the app when you make an exchange.

Sometimes, Revolut also charges an exchange fee, which depends on factors like the currencies involved and the time of the exchange. You can also see this fee on the app if it applies.

6.3 Revolut App

Revolut is a monetary app that aims to be a better substitute for conventional banks. It is called “Revolut: Spend, Save, Trade” in the Google Play Store, and in the App Store its name is “Revolut – Mobile Finance.”

As a new kind of digital service, Revolut’s major goal is to provide good money-related services to on-the-go users, and that’s why the App is an important part of the user experience. It has a user-friendly design with balances and transactions clearly shown. 

The interactive nature of the whole experience also helps users to see their usage at a glance.

Revolut has a lot of features for analytics and budgeting to help users manage their money. In this section, users set monthly spending limits for each category. They can also see how they spend money by month.

Revolut app comes with industry-standard security measures and is completely safe.

6.4 Savings Vaults, Interest

When you put money into a Savings Vault, Revolut takes it from your account and sends it to a trustee, who then moves it on to the bank for you. 

You can use the Revolut app to save money to Savings Vaults instantly. Savings Vaults do not charge you any fees. You can withdraw money from them as per the terms you signed when you made the deposit. 

Everything that happens will be visible to you inside the Revolut app. The information inside the app is updated in real-time.

You can choose from fixed or variable interest rate Saving Vault.

6.5 Insurance (UK, USA, EEA, Australia)

Travel and medical insurance are part of the plan for Premium, Metal, and Ultra Revolut customers in the UK, and the European Economic Area (EEA).

Global medical insurance is not available for US and Australian customers and it seems like there are no plans to add it. 

Revolut travel insurance has specific benefits and limits in each country, so we advise you to check them for your country.

The Revolut travel insurance* covers:

• Trip disruption and cancellation 
• Emergency dental care
• Emergency medical expenses abroad
• Lost or damaged baggage protection
• Luggage delays (4 hours or more)
• Flight delays (1 hour or more)

*T&Cs apply to all insurance benefits

7. Safety, Security and Fraud Prevention

Revolut is completely safe to use. It has been around for several years and has never been compromised.

They have a full Banking Licence in Lithuania but not in the UK.

Likewise, Revolut uses location-specific security and only allows transactions when the card and phone are at the same location.

Virtual disposable cards help prevent payment fraud by automatically getting deleted after a single use. You can also disable any card from the app with a single click.

The Revolut vault app uses the latest safety protocols. It has four layers of safeguards:

• Pin & password
• 2-factor authentication (2FA)
• Fingerprint (biometrics)
• Face recognition.

All your personal data is protected using a state-of-the-art encryption protocol. They also conduct regular security audits to keep up with the latest trends.

8. What others are saying (Real Reviews)

Revolut card users like the most:

• Travel and savings made better
• Robust budgeting and expenditure tracking 
• Streamlined money transfer services
• Instant card freezing and unfreezing options

“I’ve had my metal card for a few years now. An example of my use over the last couple of weeks is that, whilst waiting for a flight to Cape Town took advantage of the heavily discounted lounge access with 3 fellow travellers. Before the flight, I changed from Sterling to Zar at a great rate without charges. What’s not to like about that? I don’t use any other card whilst away. I live in Gibraltar and flip across into Spain a couple of times a week, so I have both Sterling and Euro in my Revolut wallet permanently of course. I don’t need another card and can’t find one better than Revolut.” – Neil Crawford

What Revolut users don’t like:

• Freezing Accounts
• Customer Service

“My cards were stolen and money were withdrawn from both of my cards, so I made an objection to both of the banks and Revolut was the only bank to refuse my objection and not pay me back. They even suggested that I was informed about the withdrawal of this money (700€), although I have tried to block my card as soon as I was aware that it was stolen. I was one minute late!” – JH

By far the majority of reviews are positive but the negative ones indicate the challenges that services like Revolut face. For example, regulators require services like Revolut to jump through hoops which can often mean they need to freeze funds but generally, this gets sorted out with a small delay and some ID. Customer service is also designed to be efficient at the expense of being able to speak to a real human easily.

With Revolut card, you can experience a new way of managing your finances. It is a convenient and versatile payment card that is packed with awesome features. You can also upgrade to Revolut’s premium plans and enjoy more perks, such as no-fair usage limits on currency exchange, higher ATM withdrawal limits, lounge access, travel discounts, and more.

Revolut offers a flexible alternative to traditional banking products, especially for those who travel frequently or have a global lifestyle.

For us, one of the standout features of the Revolut card is its ability to offer multi-currency accounts with competitive exchange rates. This is very convenient for frequent travellers, freelancers, and international businesses, who don’t need to open multiple traditional bank accounts or pay excessive transaction fees. The card also gives you real-time exchange rates and instant transfers between Revolut users, simplifying and speeding up financial transactions.

Revolut is not a replacement for your regular bank, but it can be a useful addition to your financial toolkit. It is important to be aware of the fees (above) , plan limitations (above) , and security (above) before signing up. Reading customer reviews (above) can also give you more insight into the service.

A comparable choice to Revolut cards is Wise card . Wise has wider coverage, as you can transact in over 160 countries. No subscription fees and lets you exchange at the mid-market rate. There are still fees but you can also check the real amount your recipient gets with the Wise calculator (no sign-up required). Happy Money!

The opinions expressed within the content are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Revolut. However, please be aware that a commission may be earned through affiliate links.

• T&C’s apply. See https://www.revolut.com/legal/terms/ for more detailed information

Revolut Card Review (Uncovered) → 8 Things You Must Know

In this Revolut card review, we compare the card's features, different plans and pricing, fees, benefits and perks, and customer reviews.

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How to use Revolut for travel – 15+ ways to save money and time abroad

Finally, i have gotten to the point where i get to talk about my absolute favorite pre-paid debit card: revolut. i use it almost daily since moving to switzerland 5 years ago and have used it in a lot of countries, including japan , the maldives , iceland , sweden , the us, the czech republic , turkey, dubai, israel, poland , and all around the european union. i have specified all of these countries because they all have different currencies, and revolut was incredibly easy to use in all of them. so read more if you want to know how to use revolut for travel expenses and save money and time abroad..

Revolut is an online financial company that offers a range of financial services, including accounts and currency exchange, through its financial mobile app. One of the most popular features of Revolut is its pre-paid travel card, which allows users to spend money abroad without incurring high fees or incredibly high exchange rates. With Revolut, you can easily manage your money while on the go, making it a popular choice for frequent travelers.

Revolut’s travel card offers a number of benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking to save money while traveling. One of the key advantages of the card is that it allows users to spend money in over 150 currencies at the real exchange rate, which is often much lower than the rate offered by traditional banks.

Additionally, users can withdraw up to a certain amount of money from ATMs each month without incurring any fees (from Revolut, the ATM itself can incur fees though), making it a convenient option for those who need cash while traveling. Overall, Revolut’s travel card is a great option for those looking to manage their money efficiently while on the go.

Of course, it does have some situations when you’ll have to pay fees. Nothing is free in life, after all, and as a business, they need to make money to be able to keep the lights on. What matters is that these fees are transparent, you will always know about them before performing any action, and you can plan some things ahead so that you avoid some of them altogether. In case you didn’t know, I have a full list of free travel apps , and I absolutely loved checking all of them out for you.

And one very special disclaimer I need to make, apart from the usual one. All the information published here is valid at the moment of publication, to the best of my knowledge. Since the subject of money and healthy financial decision-making is of great importance to me, please check out the detailed Terms & Policies from Revolut for the most up-to-date information. If in doubt, always seek professional advice, no matter what anyone else might tell you.

Also, even if the Standard subscription for Revolut is technically free, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have limits in place. You’ll have to check each situation you will use it in to see if any fees will occur. For example, ATM withdrawals are free under a certain amount per month, transfers are free under a certain amount as well, and so on. Free does not mean limitless, so check this out every time you want to make a change. Luckily, Revolut has a very transparent fee model, and you’ll know before you click what will be fees that will apply to you.

Yes, it’s true guys, there might be affiliate links in this awesome, free post. This means that if you decide to buy something that you find here, and you use one of my links to do so, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I plan to use this money on ice cream, chocolate, and to travel more so I can write these useful guides for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Using revolut abroad – the basics.

Using Revolut abroad is a great way to save money on foreign exchange fees and to have access to your funds while traveling. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind when using Revolut abroad:

• Activate Your Card: Before traveling, activate your Revolut card and verify your identity in the Personal Details section of the app. This will ensure that you can use your card without any issues.
• Top Up Your Account: To use your Revolut card abroad, you will need to top up your account with funds. The best way to do this is via a bank transfer, as it has no fees from Revolut (it can have fees from your bank though, but you’ll have to check this with them). You can also use a debit or credit card, but there may be fees associated with this.
• Use the Correct Currency: When using your Revolut card abroad, make sure to use the correct currency for the country you are in. Revolut supports over 150 currencies, so you can easily switch between them in the app.
• Avoid Weekends: Revolut adds some fees on weekends for certain actions like currency exchange, so it is best to plan such activities during the weekdays.
• Withdraw Cash Smartly : Revolut offers free ATM withdrawals up to a certain limit. However, some ATMs may charge additional fees, so it is best to withdraw larger amounts of cash to avoid multiple transactions.

As you can see, using Revolut abroad is a great way to save money on foreign exchange fees and to have access to your funds while traveling. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can use your Revolut card with confidence and ease.

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Go cashless with revolut.

One of the very first things I can tell you is that I have started to use cash less and less since I have Revolut . In both Iceland and Sweden, I haven’t even seen a coin or bill. In Japan, we withdrew money from ATMs as the country itself is still quite cash-demanding, but we used the card as well.

Since it provides so many options to go cashless, I love Revolut for this now. You have the physical card, of course, but you also have virtual cards you can use. You can also add it to ApplePay or other wallet apps, send and receive money easily and instantly if it’s between Revolut users, and use all of the other cool features that enable you to go cash-free.

Making Payments

Revolut offers an array of convenient ways to make payments while traveling. Users can make instant payments worldwide, hassle-free, and at great rates. Here are some ways to make payments with Revolut:

• Physical Card: Ensure to order a physical card in advance for card-present payments and cash withdrawals. With a physical card, users can make payments at any Point of Sale (POS) terminal that accepts Mastercard or Visa.
• Virtual Card: Users can create virtual cards on their Revolut app. Virtual cards are ideal for online payments, as they provide an extra layer of security. Users can create a virtual card for each online store they use, and if the card is compromised, they can delete it without affecting other cards.
• QR Code: Revolut users can make payments using QR codes. To pay with a QR code, users need to scan the code using their Revolut app and confirm the payment amount.
• Peer-to-Peer Payments: Revolut allows users to send and receive money instantly with other Revolut users for free. Users can also send money to non-Revolut users by using their phone number or email address.

It is important to note that Revolut charges a small fee for some transactions, such as ATM withdrawals and currency exchange, especially for bigger amounts of money. Users should check the fees and limits section of the app before making any payments.

Exchanging Currency

When traveling abroad, exchanging currency is a necessary task. With Revolut, travelers can exchange over 30 currencies at real rates with no admin fee. When exchanging currency, Revolut offers several options to choose from. Users can either exchange currency manually or set up automatic exchanges to avoid travel fund shortages.

It’s important to note that a small fee can apply for exchanging currencies, especially if doing so during the weekend or for bigger amounts of money in any rolling 30-day period. Before performing any exchange, you will see in the app if you have any incurring fees that will be added to your transaction. This way, you can decide for yourself if you’re willing to pay the price or not.

Send money to other Revolut users

Whether they are traveling with you or not, your friends might benefit from instant transfers if they’re Revolut users. Especially if you’re traveling as a group, common expenses will appear all the time, and it’s so easy to send money like this. The app basically works like a chat to send money, this is how simple it is.

The transfer will be instant if the recipient has a Revolut account, and they will receive a notification of the transfer. If they don’t have a Revolut account, they will receive a text message with instructions on how to sign up and claim the transfer. Revolut offers free transfers to other Revolut users, so you won’t have to worry about any fees or hidden costs.

There are quite a few ways to send money to group members through Revolut, and I will go into more detail below. But keep in mind that you can either send them money straight away, request money yourself from other people, use the Split the Bill feature, or even have group vaults.

Splitting bills in a group

When traveling with a group, splitting bills can be a hassle and cause unnecessary stress. Fortunately, Revolut offers a feature called Group Bills that makes it easy to split expenses with friends and family. To get started with Group Bills, simply create a group and invite your friends or family members to join.

Once everyone has joined, you can start adding bills to the group. Each bill can be split evenly among the members or you can specify how much each person owes. Revolut also allows users to add notes and receipts to each bill, making it easier to keep track of expenses and avoid any confusion or disputes.

When it’s time to settle up, Revolut makes it easy to transfer money between group members. You can either transfer the full amount owed or just a portion of it.

It’s important to note that Group Bills might be only available for users with a Premium or Metal account. However, even if you have a Standard account, you can still split bills with other Revolut users by using the Split Bill feature.

Overall, Revolut’s Group Bills feature is a convenient and stress-free way to split expenses when traveling with a group. By using this feature, you can avoid awkward conversations about money (I’m not the only one who feels that discussions about money are shameful, right?) and ensure that everyone pays their fair share.

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Using vaults for common expenses.

Another way to handle shared expenses with your group is by using Vaults. This is a feature that allows users to save money for specific purposes, such as (what a coincidence) travel expenses. This feature can be used to save for common expenses that travelers may encounter, such as accommodation, transportation, food, and activities.

To use Vaults for common expenses, travelers can create a Vault for each expense category and set a savings goal for each. For example, a traveler may create a Vault for accommodation and set a goal of $500. The traveler can then add money to the Vault as they save for their trip.

Using Vaults for common expenses can help travelers budget for their trips more effectively. By setting a savings goal for each expense category, travelers can ensure that they have enough money to cover all of their expenses without overspending.

In addition to setting a savings goal, travelers can also set up recurring transfers to their Vaults. This can help them save automatically and avoid the temptation to spend money that they have set aside for their trip. Travelers can also use Group Vaults to save money with friends or family members who are traveling with them. This can be useful for shared expenses, such as accommodation or transportation.

Using Vaults for common expenses can help travelers budget for their trips more effectively and avoid overspending. By setting a savings goal for each expense category and using recurring transfers, travelers can ensure that they have enough money to cover all of their expenses and enjoy their trip without worrying about money.

Setting Money Aside for Trips

Traveling can be expensive, and it’s important to budget accordingly. One way to do this is by setting money aside specifically for your trip. With Revolut , setting money aside for trips (or anything else really that you know you need to save for) is easy and convenient.

Revolut offers two features you can use to save money: Vaults and Pockets. Vaults allow you to add money to a fund (or multiple), similar to a money jar you would have on your counter. You can set recurring deposits so that you ensure you have constant input, and you can even set it so that it sends any loose change to one of the vaults. This is actually cool as you won’t miss those few dollars you save from every purchase you make, but it will all add up in your vault.

Pockets are a way to budget accordingly. Basically, you create collections of bills for different purposes, like household needs, recurring fees, and so on, and it keeps you on track with your spending habits. If you want to be financially responsible, knowing your expenses and having a good overview will help you immensely with this.

Paying for Accommodation and Flights

When it comes to paying for accommodation and flights, Revolut offers several options to make it easier for travelers to manage their expenses. They also provide cool benefits like cashback and awesome exchange rates, so booking your travel needs with Revolut is not only easy but also beneficial.

One of the simplest ways to pay for accommodation and flights is to top up your Revolut account and use the funds to make payments directly. This method is especially useful for those who prefer to have a set budget for their trip and want to avoid overspending. Also, sometimes it’s better to book them in the currency of the other party, especially when it comes to accommodation.

Revolut also offers virtual cards that can be used to pay for accommodation and flights. These cards are generated within the app and can be used for online purchases. They are especially useful for those who prefer to keep their physical card details secure and avoid the risk of fraud. We’ll discuss more about these safety features later, don’t worry, just keep it in mind for the moment.

Withdrawing Money at ATMs

Revolut offers its users a convenient and cost-effective way to withdraw cash while traveling abroad. With more than 55,000 in-network ATMs, Revolut makes cash withdrawals easy, fast, and free (under certain conditions). Users can withdraw up to $200 per month at out-of-network ATMs with no hidden fees.

When withdrawing cash from an ATM, it is important to choose either a ‘checking’ or ‘savings’ account. If the ATM asks whether you would like to complete the transaction ‘with conversion’ or ‘without conversion’, you should always choose ‘without conversion’. As a rule of thumb, users should always opt to be charged in the local currency of the country they’re in.

Revolut users should also pay attention to the “Charged by ATM” amount when checking their latest transactions. If the amount is equal to the fixed amount that the user was trying to withdraw, there is no additional fee. For example, if a user is trying to withdraw 5000 JPY in Japan and the “Charged by ATM” amount is also 5000 JPY, there is no additional fee.

It is important to note that Revolut offers a free withdrawal limit of up to 200 EUR/USD/GBP per month for basic service users. While exceeding the limit, a fee is charged. The limit mentioned above is reset after a month from the moment of making the first withdrawal.

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience while traveling, Revolut users should verify their identity in the Personal details section, order a physical card in advance for card-present payments and cash withdrawals, and top-up their account via bank transfer. Adding money automatically can help avoid travel fund shortages.

Using One-Time Cards

Revolut offers a unique feature called one-time cards that can be used for online purchases. These virtual cards are a great way to protect your primary card from fraud and unauthorized transactions. Especially when you’re making payments for more “exotic” things, like accommodation bought from a local guesthouse in a 3rd world country, single-use cards are a great way to protect your money from fraud.

One-time cards are generated for a single transaction and are destroyed after. Once the transaction is complete, the card becomes invalid, and a new one must be generated for the next purchase. This feature is particularly useful when making purchases on unfamiliar or untrusted websites. To use one-time cards, simply generate a new virtual card in the Revolut app , set a spending limit, and use it to make the online purchase. The spending limit can be set to a specific amount or expire after a certain time period, adding an extra layer of security.

One-time cards can also be used for recurring payments, such as subscriptions or memberships. By setting a spending limit and expiration date, you can ensure that the subscription is canceled automatically if the card is no longer valid. Another advantage of using one-time cards is that they do not reveal your primary card number, adding an extra layer of privacy. If a merchant’s website is compromised, your primary card details will not be exposed, reducing the risk of fraudulent activity.

If you’re worried about the safety of your items while traveling, check out my detailed post on ways to keep your valuables safe while traveling . You’ll find it quite useful, I’m sure!

Blocking Features for Security

Revolut offers several blocking features to help ensure the security of your account and your money while traveling. These features can be accessed through the app and can be used to block or unblock your card, set transaction limits, and more.

One of the most useful blocking features is the ability to block and unblock your card instantly. This can be done through the app, and it allows you to quickly and easily prevent any unauthorized transactions from taking place. If you suspect that your card has been lost or stolen, you can block it immediately to prevent any further transactions from occurring. Once you have found your card or received a replacement, you can unblock it just as easily.

Another useful blocking feature is the ability to set transaction limits. This allows you to limit the amount of money that can be spent on your card in a given period of time. For example, you can set a daily limit on ATM withdrawals or a monthly limit on online purchases. This can help prevent fraudulent transactions and ensure that you stay within your budget while traveling.

Revolut also offers the ability to block certain types of transactions. For example, you can disable contactless payments or enable location-based security features if you know that you won’t be using them. This can help prevent your card from being used fraudulently or cloned. In addition to these blocking features, Revolut also offers a number of security features to help protect your account. These include face ID for mobile devices, biometric login, and the ability to freeze your account if you suspect that there has been unauthorized access.

The blocking features offered by Revolut can help ensure the security of your account and your money while traveling. By taking advantage of these features, you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on enjoying your trip. And even more important, you can tailor them to your needs, straight away, from the app.

Keeping Only a Small Amount of Money

When traveling, it is important to keep only a small amount of money on hand to avoid losing a large sum of cash in case of theft or misplacement. Revolut offers a convenient solution for travelers to keep their money safe and secure while on the go. Using the top-up feature, you can keep as little or as much money as you want on Revolut, and keep your main bank card safely at home or at the hotel.

While abroad, you can think of your Revolut card as “the one you can afford to lose”. It’s not planned to do so, but in case it happens, you have minimal damage to your main account. Even if you get robbed, you can just give up on this card and at least you have your main one safe. If you don’t lose your phone in the incident, you can even block the card immediately and you’ll keep your money safe from a distance.

Exchanging Leftover Currency

When traveling abroad, it’s common to have leftover currency when returning home. Unfortunately, exchanging this currency back for your home currency can come with high fees and unfavorable exchange rates, and it’s the last thing you want to worry about right before you leave home, or worse when you arrive back in your home country. However, with Revolut, exchanging leftover currency is easy and cost-effective.

Revolut allows users to exchange over 30 currencies at a competitive exchange rate. This means that users can exchange their leftover currency without worrying about unfavorable exchange rates or high fees, wherever they are, and no matter what amount they have left. I was often left with a few dollars in foreign currency upon leaving a country, an amount any exchange office won’t even accept if I wanted to.

There are also situations when you cannot exchange currency abroad. For certain currencies, you can only get it from inside that country, and that’s it. You cannot get it abroad, at all. So if you have to change it back, you have to take this into account before leaving but keep in mind all the other expenses you have left. This makes you often exchange at the airport before departure, and we all know the exchange rates at the airport offices.

Connecting to Apple Pay or Wallet

Revolut makes it easy to connect your account to Apple Pay or Wallet, allowing you to use your Revolut card to make purchases with your Apple or Android devices. Once you have added your Revolut card to Apple Pay, you can use it to make purchases in-store, online, and in-app. One of the benefits of using Apple Pay with Revolut is that it adds an extra layer of security to your transactions. When you use Apple Pay, your card details are never shared with the merchant, reducing the risk of fraud.

In addition, using Apple Pay with Revolut allows you to take advantage of features like automatic transaction categorization and spending alerts, helping you keep track of your expenses while you travel. Plus, you don’t even take your card out, making you less noticeable to people around you that might be interested in where you’re keeping your wallet.

Creating a Revolut <18 Account

Revolut offers a great solution for parents who want to give their children a taste of financial independence while keeping a watchful eye on their spending. With a Revolut <18 account, parents can easily manage their children’s finances and teach them valuable money management skills. And when you go on vacation and they keep asking for stuff without realizing what a budget is, you might want to teach them this lesson.

What’s nice about this feature is that the parent can control everything to their own liking and comfort. As a parent, you are in full control of how much money your kid has, what expenses are made, and how much or little freedom you give them with this responsibility. This way, you ensure they learn healthy spending habits, and they get to enjoy a bit of independence. I call that a win-win!

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Revolut offers its users the opportunity to access airport lounges all around the world. This is a great feature for those who want to relax and unwind before their flight. In order to access the lounges, Revolut users need to purchase a Lounge Pass through the app.

The Lounge Pass feature is available to all only to Premium and Metal users and provides access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. The Lounge Pass is valid for one visit to a lounge and can be refundable under certain conditions. This offers a nice way to wait for your flight, especially if traveling for business reasons when you might want to catch up on some extra work before take-off.

Revolut users can also access airport lounges through SmartDelay. SmartDelay is a feature that automatically sends Lounge Passes to users if their flight is delayed by an hour or more. This is available to all Revolut Premium and Metal customers. Premium customers can bring one guest into the lounge, while Metal users receive three guest passes.

It is important to note that Lounge Passes are subject to availability and some lounges may be excluded from the Lounge Pass feature. Users should also check the terms and conditions of each lounge they wish to visit, as some lounges may have specific rules or restrictions.

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Using Revolut’s Travel Insurance

Revolut offers travel insurance benefits to its Premium and Metal account holders. The insurance package is provided by Allianz Partners, a leading global insurance company.

To be eligible for the coverage, the account holder must be a resident of the UK or the EEA, between 18 and 75 years of age, and have their primary residence registered with their Revolut account. The insurance covers emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation or curtailment, personal accidents, baggage loss, and more.

The insurance is activated automatically when the account holder travels outside of their home country or more than 100 km further away from their residency home. The coverage is valid for up to 40 consecutive days per trip, with a maximum of 182 days per year. It is important to note that travel insurance is not available to Revolut Standard account holders. Moreover, the insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions, extreme sports, or certain high-risk activities.

To make a claim, the account holder must contact Allianz Partners directly through the Revolut app. The claims process is simple and straightforward, and the insurer aims to process claims within 48 hours. Revolut’s travel insurance benefits are a valuable addition to the company’s suite of travel-related services. However, it is important to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand the coverage and limitations of the insurance package.

If you’re planning to only use the Standard Revolut account, I cannot recommend SafetyWing enough. They have a great travel insurance policy that has unbeatable prices, great coverage, and awesome perks like being able to change it on the go and children being insured for free if traveling with their parents. Check out my detailed SafeyWing review for more information.

Referring Friends for Rewards

I know, I know, this is not precisely travel related, but hear me out. Some of these super helpful ways to use Revolut for your travel needs are dependent on your travel companions being Revolut users as well. And to be honest, once you have it, you’ll use it in your home country as well, as it’s just so easy to use for day-to-day things.

Revolut offers a referral program that rewards users for inviting friends to join the platform. The program is a win-win for both the referral and the referrer, as the referral receives an incentive for joining, and the referrer receives a reward for inviting them. The reward for referring a friend varies based on the current promotion, but it can range from a few dollars to as much as $40 per referral. Users can refer as many friends as they want, and there is no limit to the number of rewards they can earn.

It is important to note that the reward is only given once the referral completes certain steps, such as signing up for an account, verifying their identity, and making a transaction using their Revolut card. Users should also keep in mind that rewards may take up to 30 days to appear in their accounts. These steps are clearly stated when you invite your friends, so you both know what you’re getting yourself into.

FAQ about using Revolut for travel expenses

Can revolut be used as a travel card.

Yes, Revolut can be used as a travel pre-paid debit card. It is a digital financial app that offers multi-currency accounts and allows you to spend and withdraw money abroad without hidden currency exchange fees.

Is Revolut good for traveling?

Yes, Revolut is great for traveling. It is a convenient and cost-effective way to manage your money while abroad. It offers free ATM withdrawals, and competitive exchange rates, and allows you to spend in over 150 currencies without any hidden fees.

How to use Revolut abroad?

To use Revolut abroad, you need to ensure that your identity is verified in the Personal Details section. You should also order a physical card in advance for card-present payments and cash withdrawals. Top up your account, make a first payment to ensure it’s activated, and you’re good to go!

How do you spend euros on Revolut?

To spend euros on Revolut, you need to ensure that your account is topped up with euros. You can do this by transferring euros from your bank account or by exchanging currency from other accounts. All of this can easily be done from the app.

What’s the withdrawal limit for euro for Revolut?

The withdrawal limit for Revolut varies depending on the type of account you have, the amount you wish to withdraw, and some other conditions that may apply. Standard accounts have a monthly limit of €200 for ATM withdrawals, while Premium and Metal accounts have a monthly limit of €400 and €600, respectively.

Why get a Revolut card for travel?

Getting a Revolut card for travel is a good idea because it offers a range of benefits, including (mostly) free ATM withdrawals, competitive exchange rates, and the ability to spend in over 150 currencies with transparent fees. It is also a convenient and secure way to manage your money while abroad.

Can I use Revolut for travel?

Yes, you can use Revolut for travel. It is a digital financial app that offers multi-currency accounts and allows you to spend and withdraw money abroad without hidden currency exchange fees.

Can I use my Revolut card abroad for free?

Yes, you can use your Revolut card abroad without additional expenses. Revolut offers (mostly) free ATM withdrawals, competitive exchange rates, and the ability to spend in over 150 currencies.

What are the disadvantages of a Revolut card?

The main disadvantage of a Revolut card is that it is not accepted everywhere. Some merchants may not accept digital financial apps or may charge a fee for using them. Additionally, Revolut may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who prefer traditional banking methods.

Which ATMs can Revolut use?

Revolut can be used at any ATM that accepts Visa or Mastercard. However, some ATM operators may charge a fee for using their machines, and they should state so before you withdraw the money. Revolut has no control over these fees.

How to use Revolut for travel – The takeaway

In conclusion, Revolut is a reliable and convenient way to manage your finances while traveling. With its user-friendly app, competitive exchange rates, and low fees for international transactions, it’s no wonder why so many travelers are turning to Revolut as their go-to financial tool. By following the tips outlined in this article and taking advantage of all that Revolut has to offer, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that your money is safe and secure.

Now that you know better how to use Revolut for travel, you can better decide if it’s a good fit for you or not. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for Revolut today and start experiencing hassle-free travel like never before!

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Revolut Review: Checking and Savings

Yuliya Goldshteyn is a banking editor at NerdWallet. She previously worked as an editor, a writer and a research analyst in industries ranging from health care to market research. She earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley and a master's degree in social sciences from the University of Chicago, with a focus on Soviet cultural history. She is based in Portland, Oregon.

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Overall institution rating

Revolut is a financial tech firm that offers a prepaid card for spending, along with “savings vaults” that can earn interest as well as bonus money. To maximize the bonus, you’ll need to spend an amount equal to or greater than the balance in your savings vaults each month on the linked prepaid card. If you don’t spend enough to maximize the savings bonus, your money would likely earn a better yield in a traditional high-rate savings account instead.

Revolut’s mobile-focused accounts also let you send and receive funds in multiple currencies. As an upgrade, Revolut offers premium monthly subscription plans that start at $9.99. These plans have enhanced features, such as overseas medical insurance, higher fee-free ATM withdrawal limits and slightly higher savings rates.

Revolut does not offer live customer service by telephone, which is highly unusual for a financial services company. Customers can call an automated line to block their card or reach out for help via online chat.

Note: Revolut is a nonbank firm, or neobank, that offers banking services. See below for more details about neobanks.

Best for: Customers who need an account offering currency exchange, are mainly self-serve when it comes to banking and maintain traditional bank accounts elsewhere.

» Want more options? See NerdWallet’s analysis of the best savings accounts and the best checking accounts .

• No monthly fees on some accounts.
• Large, free, nationwide ATM network.
• Highly rated mobile apps.
• No live customer service by telephone.
• No cash or check deposit.
• No branch access.

Full review

Revolut’s standard account has no monthly fees. You can send and receive funds in more than 25 currencies for free each month. Spending with your Revolut card at certain retailers can give you access to discounts and cash-back earnings. Payments made by direct deposit are available up to two days early.

What to know about neobanks: Nonbanks such as neobanks can be solid options for consumers who prefer managing money online and don’t mind having a nontraditional place to bank. But neobanks do have differences from banks that can pose risks, particularly in the way deposits are insured:

A neobank such as Revolut is a third-party banking technology platform that partners with a bank to provide accounts to customers. Funds deposited at a neobank are ultimately held at the partner bank. The funds are FDIC insured in the event of the partner bank’s failure and only if the neobank maintained accurate deposit records. (Learn more about how neobanks work .)

If a neobank goes bankrupt, there is no FDIC insurance involved. It’s up to the neobank to ensure customers get their money back, which may involve delays and potential loss of account access. Banks, in contrast, receive prompt assistance from the FDIC if they fail. (Learn about what can happen if a neobank closes .)

Neobank accounts often have low monthly fees and earn strong rates. However, they may lack traditional banking features, including in-person customer service, wire transfers and access to personal or cashier’s checks (often required for large purchases, such as buying a home). Consider these details before opening an account.

Methodology

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Revolut Travel Card Review [2024]

In a Nutshell

With some of the best exchange rates around and free weekday conversions for most currencies, the Revolut card is a worthy travel companion. It comes with an easy-to-use app but strict ATM withdrawal limits can be challenging.

Revolut Travel Card

• Best Exchange rates on weekdays
• Worst Low ATM withdrawal limits
• Free account available
• Make payments in 200+ countries
• Free withdrawals at over 55,000 ATMs worldwide
• Exchange 25+ currencies
• Great value with the interbank exchange rate
• No conversion fees on weekdays for most currencies
• Track your spending in the Revolut app
• Connects with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Easily split travel expenses with friends
• Over 25 million people have used Revolut
• Weekend markup on exchange rates
• Low ATM withdrawal limits of just A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals per month, whichever comes first
• Limited customer support available

Revolut Card Offer

Sign up and get a $15 top-up . For new customers only, T&Cs apply .

What is the Revolut travel card?

Revolut provides a virtual account that allows you to store different currencies in a digital wallet.

With this international travel card you can make payments in Australia and overseas with virtual and physical Revolut travel cards.

With your Revolut account, you can:

• Make purchases in more than 200 countries and with 25+ currencies
• Send money to both Australian and international bank accounts
• Receive money in a range of foreign currencies
• Withdraw from more than 55,000 ATMs worldwide
• Pay like a local while you’re abroad

Unlike most other debit travel money cards , Revolut offers different plans with different fees and limits. We’ll focus on the free Standard plan in this review unless stated.

The Standard plan

Revolut is one of the best travel cards available for Australians. So what makes it so good? For a start, the Revolut Standard plan is entirely free with no monthly subscription costs or hidden fees.

You’ll get great value when converting your money since Revolut, like the Wise card , uses one of the best exchange rates globally: the interbank rate.

Unlike Wise, Revolut doesn’t charge conversion fees for weekday exchanges (except for Thai baht and Ukrainian hryvnia), making Revolut the best card option for midweek currency exchanges.

This affordability makes the Revolut card worth having if you’re likely to make most of your purchases with the card. However, if you rely on ATM withdrawals, it may not be your best choice. Revolut limits free ATM withdrawals to just A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals per monthly billing cycle, whichever happens first, before imposing a 2% markup(minimum charge of A$1.50).

The average Trustpilot review for Revolut is 4.3 stars with many users saying they love the easy-to-use app and the ability to track their spending. However the most common complaints centre around limited customer support.

How it works

Treat your Revolut card as a prepaid travel card . As long as you have money in your Revolut account, you can use the card to make payments and withdraw cash almost anywhere in the world. You can also use it to shop online.

Revolut allows you to store 25+ currencies (although the list is continuing to grow) and you can transfer between them to lock in a favourable exchange rate before you travel.

Revolut travel card fees (Standard account)

While it doesn’t cost anything to open an account and there is no subscription fee for a Standard plan, there are still certain charges to look out for, especially when you go over your spending limits.

• Opening an account: Free
• Getting your Revolut card: Get your first card with your Standard account ($4.99 standard delivery fee). Additional cards are A$8.99 + delivery fee
• A$8.99 + A$4.99 per card for standard delivery
• A$33.99 per card for express delivery
• From Australian-issued debit cards and Australian bank accounts: Free
• From Australian-issued credit cards: Up to 1% of the transaction amount
• From debit and credit cards issued outside of Australia: Up to 2% of the transaction amount
• Spending money: Free but on weekends there is a 1% markup on transactions that require a currency exchange (see currency conversion fee below)
• Free for up to A$2,000 per month during exchange market hours
• 0.5% of the value of the exchange for any amount over A$2,000 per month
• 1% of the value of the exchange for exchanges made outside exchange market hours
• For THB and UAH: 1% of the value of the exchange
• 5 withdrawals or a total of A$350 (whatever comes first) in a rolling month: Free
• Any amount over A$350/month, or 5 ATM withdrawals per month, whichever comes first: 2% of the value of the withdrawal(minimum charge of A$1.50)

Spending limits

While spending limits can feel like a hassle, they exist to prevent fraud and provide additional security should you lose your card. You can change your spending limits within the app.

There are just two limits to watch out for in the Revolut Standard plan. The first is a A$2,000 currency exchange limit per month

The second — the ATM withdrawal limit — is restrictive, even by prepaid travel card standards. You can only withdraw up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first in any rolling 30 days without charge. After that, there’s a 2% markup(minimum charge of A$1.50) on all withdrawals.

Revolut card exchange rates

When it comes to exchange rates, few travel cards surpass Revolut. It can hold 25+ currencies, there are no conversion fees for most weekday exchanges, and Revolut uses the interbank exchange rate, which is one of the best rates globally.

The flip side is that there is a fee of 1% for foreign currency conversions on the weekend when the markets are closed (Friday 5pm to Sunday 6pm New York Time).

Card Provider

Exchange rate.

A$ → GBP (3pm 13 Feb 2023)

Conversion Fee

Loading A$1000

No fee on weekdays

What is the interbank exchange rate?

The interbank exchange rate is the rate banks use when they trade foreign currency with one another. It’s generally a better rate than the one you’ll find with a currency exchange provider.

The interbank rate is calculated by finding the midway point between the buy and sell rates of each currency. It’s sometimes also called the mid-market rate or the spot rate.

How the Revolut card compares

Revolut has 3 account plans, ranging from free to paid accounts but to give you the best travel card comparison , we’ll focus on the Revolut Standard plan.

Comparing the different plans

Revolut Australia offers 3 account plans to cater to different budgets and needs. Revolut Standard is a free account that covers the basics but it also imposes tighter spending and exchange limits.

Revolut Premium and Metal are paid plans with more features and greater flexibility but you may be charged a fee if you choose to downgrade your account more than 14 days after signing up and within 10 months.

Because of this, we recommend starting with the Standard plan and upgrading if you decide the additional features are worth it.

Get your Revolut card

Revolut makes it as easy as possible to open an account, choose your plan, and apply for a Revolut card.

Open account

Download the Revolut app on your phone and open your Revolut account in a matter of minutes. You’ll need ID.

Add money to your account

You can add money to your account with the Revolut app using a bank transfer, credit card, or debit card. You can even set up automatic top-ups when your balance gets low. It’s best to start with AUD in your account and then exchange currencies as needed.

Apply for your Revolut card

You can apply for a Revolut card via the Request Card tab in the app.

Activate your Revolut card

Activating your physical Revolut card is easy. All you have to do is make a payment at any store or withdraw from an ATM. Virtual cards are automatically activated.

Where can you use the Revolut card?

According to the Revolut website, you can use your Revolut card in more than 200 countries worldwide. Card payments and ATM withdrawals are accepted in more than 130 currencies .

Despite this, you can actually only hold 25+ currencies in your account. Once you’ve loaded Australian Dollars into your account, you can exchange them for any of the following currencies:

AED, AUD, BGN, CAD , CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR , GBP , HKD, HUF, ILS, JPY , MXN, NOK, NZD , PLN, QAR, RON, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, USD , ZAR.

Can Revolut be used in Australia?

Your Revolut card works just like a bank card in Australia. With it, you can make payments in local stores, withdraw from local ATMs, and send money to local banks.

But it’s worth keeping in mind that the same spending limits apply whether you’re using your card in Australia or overseas. You may prefer to use a debit card from your Australian bank for purchases and withdrawals in Australia.

Revolut virtual cards & app

The Revolut app is a godsend when it comes to tracking your daily expenses overseas and managing payments in different currencies. It’s the perfect modern travel payment solution for the 21st century.

Revolut has refined its app, making it easy to create an account, load money, and view your account activities. You can exchange currency within the app and transfer money to Australian and international bank accounts.

Revolut embraces digital payment technology. While Revolut cards are compatible with digital wallets like Apple and Google Pay, the app also enables disposable virtual card technology for online payments.

This means that you can add single-use virtual cards to your account to use in addition to your physical card. Once you’ve made a payment online, the card will be destroyed and the number replaced, making it impossible to use them more than once.

Working out which is the best debit card all depends on how you like to travel and how you plan to use the card.

Many frequent travellers combine a Revolut Standard card with an additional card — such as the Wise card — to make the most of the free accounts and expand on their spending limits.

Frequent travellers and big spenders may quickly see the benefits of the Metal plan with its more generous free withdrawal and currency exchange limits — along with the added luxury of discounted lounge access (and free access for flight delays beyond one hour).

Not to mention Metal cardholders may be able to recoup the subscription costs quickly by making purchases through the cashback program.

It can take up to nine days to receive your Revolut card with standard shipping across Australia. Choosing express shipping can speed up the process, delivering your card within 3 business days.

Premium and Metal cardholders in the UK and the European Economic Area (EEA) have access to comprehensive travel insurance provided by Allianz.

While this feature isn’t available to Australian cardholders yet, it’s likely only a matter of time until Premium and Metal members here have access to it.

The advantage of Revolut is that you can manage your card and control your payment settings in the app.

To fortify your account, the Revolut app has a fingerprint ID log-in option and customisable features to allow you to disable things like contactless payments or ATM withdrawals.

You can freeze your card if it is lost or stolen to prevent further unauthorised purchases and, of course, you can also use the virtual cards we’ve mentioned above for added security.

Revolut uses the 3D Secure payments (which requires in-app payment verification) and the Sherlock anti-fraud system to receive real-time alerts on fraud activity.

Revolut Australia is regulated by Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and your money is guaranteed up to $250,000 by a licensed bank in Australia, under the Payments Systems (Regulation) Act.

ASIC regulated

Like all reputable money exchanges, we are registered with AUSTRAC and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

What are you looking for?

Wise vs revolut: which is better in 2024 [detailed & unbiased].

‍ One of the top tips I can give you while travelling is to invest in a great travel card -  trust me you won’t regret it!

There are plenty to choose from, but this guide is going to dive into the similarities and key differences between Wise and Revolut . 

We started using Revolut back in 2016 on our backpacking trip around South America , and we’ve used Wise since early 2019 so we’ve got a few years of experience with both...

To give you a good idea of which travel card is most suited to you, I’m going to go through the pros and cons of each for both personal and business accounts. 

So, let’s get stuck in…

Travellerspoint

Great features of Wise for travel

First of all, let’s take a look at Wise and the features that benefit us travellers so much…

• Although not travel-specific, Wise is FREE to sign up for and there are no monthly fees
• You can hold money in 50+ currencies and convert between them for the real exchange rate
• With Wise, you can withdraw up to 200 GBP per month from international ATMs for FREE
• You can use the Wise debit card abroad like you would any other debit card
• You can freeze your card if it gets lost or stolen
• Low transfer fees
• Better exchange rate than many other platforms out there
• Wise is great for receiving payments in foreign currencies and then offering great exchange rates and low fees to convert to pounds
• Available in over 60 countries, and your card will be shipped out for you (for a fee)
• Wise offers virtual cards as well as plastic ones

Wise Business

Now, let’s take a look at the benefits of opening a Wise Business account ! 

Of course, this is tailored specifically towards individuals who are self-employed but if you’re a keen traveller and a digital nomad then it’s likely that you may fall under this bracket.

With a Wise Business account, you’ll have many benefits of business banking but without any hidden charges, monthly fees, or high rates.

So, what are these benefits?

Key Features of a Wise Business account

• International invoices can be paid in one click with a real (and live) exchange rate
• Charges regarding payments can be up to 19x cheaper than the likes of Paypal
• Quick payments - 50% of payments are instant or arrive within the hour
• You can easily make batch payments in just one click (up to 1,000 people)
• Money can be moved between currencies in seconds, avoiding high conversion fees
• Your Wise Business account can be connected with other platforms like Xero

The best part about having a Wise Business account is that they’re very affordable.

For those who are in the EEA or UK, there's one-off set-up fee of £45 (50 euros).

The price of this one-off fee will differ depending on where you're from (and where the business is registered), but typically you'll be paying between £16-£42. With some countries, it does cost more to verify your account so you may be charged a higher fee.

After that, you don't need to worry about any hidden or monthly fees which is a huge bonus, and you'll benefit from low transfer fees and high exchange rates.

Many business owners or freelancers tend to use the likes of PayPal, but as I’ve just mentioned transfers with Wise can save you a lot of money! Trust me, if you’re using PayPal the charges add up over the year…

However, Revolut has some fantastic features too so let’s take a look at them next...

Great features of Revolut for travel 

Here’s a quick overview of the features that may convince you to choose Revolut as your next travel card…

• Revolut offers the best exchange rate possible
• Travel insurance is included with the paid plans (Premium, Metal, and Ultra plans)
• A clear account overview of all expenses
• Compatible with Google Pay and Apple Pay
• Offers an easy sharing bills feature
• You’ll be able to receive international payments
• Quick currency conversions
• Some of the paid plans offer FREE airport lounges and a concierge service
• No-fee ATM withdrawals

Additional Revolut features

• The opportunity to get involved with cryptocurrency trading
• A stock trading market
• You can make charitable donations
• With Revolut, you can receive cashback on specific purchases

Revolut Paid features 

It’s important to note that Revolut has a wide variety of personal plans , and some of these aren’t free. Therefore, there will be several paid features that won’t be accessible on a free account.

Some of these ‘paid features’ include:

• Personalised Cards
• FREE card delivery
• 24/7 priority customer support 
• Daily interest on USD savings
• Higher monthly withdrawal limits

Comparing Revolut personal plans 

As you can see there are a variety of personal plans to choose from, so to make things easier I’ve dropped a screenshot of the differences below…

For a more in-depth comparison, I’m going to dive into the Plus, Premium, Metal, and Ultra plans. 

The Plus Plan - £3.99 per month

• Personalised Plus Card
• In-app priority customer support
• Two accounts for under 18s with full access
• Up to £1,000 purchase protection for a year on eligible items
• Refund protection that covers you for a full 90 days after purchases
• Ticketed events can be reimbursed up to £1000 if you can't make it due to a reason that's beyond your control (Insurance T&Cs apply)
• Earn up to 2.39% AER/Gross (variable) paid daily on your savings
• International transfers - money can be sent in 29+ currencies

The Premium Plan - £7.99 per month 

• Unlimited foreign exchange Monday-Friday
• Up to £400 free international ATM withdrawals per month, and a 2% fee afterwards
• Full purchase protection
• Travel Insurance is included with your monthly fee
• 20% off fees on every international transfer
• Earn up to 3% AER/Gross (variable) paid daily on your savings
• 5 commission-free stock trades every month
• Perks Plus - discounts off top brands
• Benefit from an additional virtual card to help against fraud
• Up to 5% cashback on accommodation
• Access to airport lounges at discounted rates

The Metal Plan - £14.99 per month

All the standard benefits plus…

• Up to £800 free international ATM withdrawals per month, and a 2% fee afterwards
• Earn up to 4% AER/Gross (variable) paid daily on your savings
• 10 commission-free stock trades every month
• 40% off fees on every international transfer
• Up to 10% cashback on accommodation
• Cashback on card payments (up to 0.1% on transactions in Europe and UK, and 1% elsewhere)
• Personal Liability Insurance up to £1 million
• Five accounts for under 18s with full access

The Ultra Plan - £45 per month (the plan I am on!)

With Ultra you get some extra benefits...

• Up to £2000 free international ATM withdrawals per month, and a 2% fee afterwards
• Free International Transfers
• Earn up to 4.75% AER/Gross (variable) paid daily on your savings
• Trip and event cancellation insurance
• Perks worth £4,000+ in annual benefits
• Unlimited lounge access
• Platinum-plated card
• Subscriptions for Sleep Cycle, Headspace, NordVPN, and Picsart
• Can request a call back when it comes to priority customer support

Revolut Business Accounts 

Likewise, Revolut also offers business accounts if you’re self-employed or you’re a business owner. 

We’ve used Revolut Business since 2021, as we wanted to make sure that we were losing as little as possible on fees once our business started to scale more! 

Unlike Wise, Revolut has a variety of business accounts available and some of them are paid accounts.

Comparing Revolut Business Accounts 

As well as the benefits included with personal plans, you’ll also get extra if you’ve got a business and opt for a business plan.

There are four types of Revolut business plans and honestly, which one you should choose will all depend on how big your business is, how much money you’re making, and how many international payments you’ll need to make.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between each business plan…

You can find out some of the other differences between Revolut business accounts through their account pricing plans .

What’s great about purchasing a Revolut Business plan is that they’ve evolved their accounts so that you can now receive domestic USD and EURO payments. 

Before this, businesses would pay into my Wise account if the payment was in dollars or euros and then I’d have to exchange the currency over to my GBP account in Revolut Business. 

Luckily, the process is now much smoother. Now, I can get paid directly from business to the domestic USD & EURO accounts in Revolut Business. This helps you avoid any intermediary fees, although there is a limit on how much you can exchange for free.

You’ll find a couple of other fantastic reasons to upgrade your Revolut Business plan, but this is generally the key reason to do so and the main differentiator in their pricing structure!

If you need to exchange more than, say £10K a month, you can then upgrade your business plan further but just make sure that it makes financial sense to do so first. 

Revolut Pro

This platform have also introduced Revolut Pro, an account which is tailored towards freelancers and those with a side hustle. Although relatively new, it's already a great option as there are some brilliant benefits. These include: 

• The ability to create, track, and send invoices in seconds
• You can accept in-person payments with Revoluts card reader (transaction fees are 1.5%).
• You can create a QR code or payment link for customers to pay you (transactions fees are 2.5%)
• This account also allows you to receive payments via Apple Pay and digital wallets
• You'll earn cashback on payments used with the Revolut Pro card
• You can make and receive payments in 36 different currencies at an excellent exchange rate
• It's free to open, as you can sign up for standard Revolut account and then set up Revolut Pro through there

What are the key differences between Wise and Revolut?

Now, this is what you’ve all been waiting for…

There are several key differences between Wise and Revolut , so to make this section easier I’m going to split it up into personal accounts and business accounts. 

Then later, I’ll dive into the important differences between the companies in more depth…

Comparing Wise personal accounts Vs Revolut personal account 

As you can see there are plenty of differences between Wise and Revolut, especially when it comes to personal accounts. 

Although Wise and Revolut both offer free plans, Revolut’s paid personal plans offer a lot more flexibility in terms of monthly withdrawals and other features.

However, Wise operates in more countries and you can hold and exchange up to 50 currencies, which is a much higher amount than Revolut. 

We’ll dive into a more in-depth comparison of the key differences between the two later on…

Comparing Wise business accounts Vs Revolut business accounts

Although you may not have thought about using Wise or Revolut for a business bank account, both have a lot to offer.

Overall, from a business standpoint, we currently still have both, as there is some nice cohesion there between the two!

However, I’ve definitely started to cut Wise out more and more since the introduction of those domestic USD & EURO accounts with Revolut. 

Although that’s the case for me, Wise still stands out greatly in its sheer quantity of different currencies in order to receive payments, which makes its (relatively modest) fees definitely worth the convenience! 

Especially as this allows us to cut out PayPal 99% of the time, which is a nightmare when it comes to fees…

Revolut Vs Wise: A breakdown of the key differences…

Both Wise and Revolut have fantastic features, but it’s always important to compare them to see which one comes out on top! 

So, let’s take a look at some of the most important features when it comes to travel cards…

1. Withdrawing money from ATMs whilst abroad

Now, this is arguably one of the most important features that a travel card needs to have! 

If you’re not careful then withdrawing money from ATMs abroad can cost you a lot in fees, especially in Asian countries such as Thailand.

Both Wise and the Revolut Free accounts allow you to withdraw up to £200 per month at ATMs without fees. However, the paid personal plans with Revolut allow you to withdraw up to £2,000 a month which is a much larger amount (you can withdraw this amount with the Ultra Plan which is what we have).

If you don’t want to pay for this luxury, then you can have a card with both Revolut and Wise, and then this will allow you to withdraw up to £400 without fees. 

Due to the monthly limits, Revolut wins this hands down…

2. Foreign currency fees

If you’re planning to receive large foreign payments, then it’s always best to invest in a travel card that will help you save on fees! At the start, we used PayPal and I think we lost around 8-10% of the actual GBP value of our payments which is CRAZY.

After we signed up for Wise in early 2019, we saved so much money due to the great exchange rates and low fees when converting to GBP.

However, after TransferWise was rebranded to Wise in 2022, I’ve found that their fees have increased and they’re not as cheap as they once were! 

In fact, we now save more money through Revolut which is the clear winner in this regard ! 

3. Number of currencies the accounts can hold

Wise is the clear winner when it comes to the number of currencies available! 

This is another important factor to think about, especially if you’re a digital nomad or long-term traveller who likes to move around a lot. 

Wise allows you to receive and send money abroad from over 50 currencies in total, although some of these transfers can only occur via local transfer. 

There’s a full list of currencies on Wise’s website if you’re looking for more information…

Whereas, Revolut allows you to send and receive money from 25+ currencies, which is much lower. 

So, if you pick Wise you can hold and exchange over 50 currencies, whilst this is restricted to around 25 with Revolut. 

4. Replacing lost cards 

One of the best things about using Wise and Revolut is that they both allow you to ‘freeze’ your card if you misplace it or it’s been stolen. 

It’s an easy process with both companies as you simply have to head into your account and then go to your ‘manage card’ section.

Both companies will charge you a fee to replace the card of £5. However, if you’re located outside the UK expect to pay a lot more!

Depending on where you live, international delivery can cost upwards of £17.99.

Both Wise and Revolut come out on top for this one so there are no winners…

5. Transfer Fees

Both Wise and Revolut are known for having low transfer fees , especially compared to traditional banks and other platforms such as Paypal. 

However, it’s Revolut that takes first place when it comes to fees!

If you’re transferring money to other countries in Europe you won’t encounter any fees, although for international transfers there will be a fee on every transfer - unless you opt for a paid business account. 

It’s often a fixed fee which makes it better than Wise’s variable transfer fees , as they are always changing based on market fluctuations. 

Wise do have some fixed transfer fees, but even then Revolut offers more bang for your buck. This makes them the best option if you're sending money abroad!

6. Locations where you can open an account

Another key thing to think about when deciding on a travel card is, of course, your location. 

Although a company may offer great rates on international money transfers and market exchange rates, it’s useless if it’s not available in your country of origin. 

Revolut is only suitable for citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Brazil, Switzerland, and the United States.

Whereas Wise is available in over 60 countries at the minute. Due to its widespread availability, Wise is the clear winner here, but just make sure your country is included before downloading the app. 

These are just a couple of the key differences between Wise and Revolut, so let’s take a look at some of the differences (and similarities) that aren’t travel related… 

Other differences between Wise and Revolut that aren’t travel-related

1. User-friendliness

Here’s another key factor to consider when choosing between Wise and Revolut. Whilst abroad, you’re going to want a travel card that’s easy to use! 

We’ve been using our standard personal Revolut account since we began travelling in 2016, and throughout the years we’ve watched the app evolve for a better customer experience.  

Even though the app has been easy to use from the get-go, today, it’s much more functional. However, Wise is also very easy to use although its app isn’t as popular as the desktop version.

Both of these companies offer a user-friendly experience, although it’s Revolut that has to take the top spot due to the popularity of its app!

2. Customer Support

Customer support is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a travel card!

Wise is known to offer fantastic customer service with an online help centre and a support team that can be contacted via email, Facebook messenger, phone, Twitter, and Whatsapp. 

The one thing to be aware of with the Revolut personal plans is that although you’ll have access to customer support, only the paid plans will have access to 24/7 priority customer support. 

The Revolut app offers 24-hour customer service anyway so there will always be someone available if you’re encountering any problems, but the response time will often differ depending on your plan - hence ‘priority support’. 

Even with this, Revolut is the winner because they have several live chat options and you can easily talk to the customer service team.

3. Reputation

With a rating of 4.4 on the Google Play Store and 4.9 on the Apple Store, the Revolut app has plenty of excellent reviews. The Revolut Business app also has a rating of 4.6 and 4.8 respectively.

In terms of positive reviews, people have commented on the convenience of virtual cards, being able to split bills, and the wide variety of features. 

However, people have left negative reviews regarding problems with customer support, and higher rates on weekends.

Wise has a rating of 4.7 on the Google Play Store and 4.5 on the Apple Store. These ratings are similar to Revolut, and there are plenty of positive reviews regarding smooth transfers and an easy-to-use design.

However, negative reviews have been left regarding the increased transaction fees, app malfunctions, and lack of customer support. 

There seems to be pros and cons to both, although Revolut has the higher ratings!

4. Additional Features 

In terms of additional features, this is another win that goes to Revolut.

Although Wise has plenty to offer in terms of transfers, banking, and helping to avoid fees, you won't find many other features on this platform.

Revolut, however, has plenty of awesome additional features including stocks, shares, and cryptocurrency. I’ve actually had a play around with these, and they’ve got much better since they’ve been rolled out. 

Not only that, but Revolut allows you the ability to set budgets, receive cashback when purchasing certain products, and use ‘saving vaults’.

That’s just a few of the additional features that they offer, and more can be found on their website!

Overall verdict: Wise Vs Revolut - which one is better for travel?

As you can see, Revolut seems to take first place in terms of both travel features and other differences such as user-friendliness and customer support. 

Although Wise has plenty to offer regarding availability and currencies, it’s Revolut that stands out to me! 

If you’re looking to pay for a personal plan, then Revolut has a lot more to offer than Wise in terms of both banking and travel advantages. 

Not only will you benefit from better exchange rates, cheaper transfer fees, and a user-friendly app, but some of their plans offer a free concierge service, airport lounge passes, and travel insurance perks.

You won’t find many other travel cards that offer these kinds of perks, and Wise definitely doesn’t offer anything of the sort either. 

Revolut also offers a variety of business accounts, and you can choose your plan accordingly based on the features and what's on offer. Whereas Wise just has the free business account so you won’t have access to as many great benefits.

Another fantastic thing about Revolut is that they offer the ‘pay feature’ which we’ve used a few times to receive payments from brands that don’t want to (or know how to) do an international bank transfer. 

This is incredibly handy for brands or companies who’d rather pay for something from us using a traditional credit card payment. 

We now have the Ultra Plan and although it's the most expensive paid personal plan, it's certainly worth the price in our opinion as it comes with a ton of awesome perks!

However, Wise has proved very useful on a personal level when it comes to direct debits! For example, during our travels in Canada and America, we were able to set up direct debits for gym memberships and other things. 

It is also still a key part of our business when it comes to receiving foreign payments. That being said, now that we have a paid Revolut business account, the markup fees they charge are actually less than Wise's newer, slightly higher commission structure.

As you can see, both these companies have a lot to offer but for me, Revolut easily takes first place! They offer a better user experience, and even with the free personal and business accounts, you’ll benefit from a lot more features. 

Not only that, but the Revolut exchange rate is just typically better!

For more information, you can check out our in-depth Revolut guide ...

Advice for new users

If you’re planning a trip and you’re not sure which app to download , then I’d recommend going with Revolut .

Whether you stick with their FREE account or you upgrade is totally up to you, but either way, you’ll get access to a ton of awesome features. 

However, for the best experience, it may be a good idea to download both Wise and Revolut so you can have a card from each one.

This will allow you to withdraw two lots of money from an ATM so you can avoid fees! Not only that, but you won’t truly know which one will work better for you without trying it yourself…

The future of Wise and Revolut

Although Revolut tips the scale for us, it’s important to state that both of these providers are fantastic in allowing you to handle your finances.

Everyone’s preference is different when it comes to travel cards, and you must make the decision based on what’s best for you rather than just going off our opinion!

At the time of writing, we believe Revolut has more to offer in terms of additional features but this may change in the future…

Companies are always keeping an eye on their competitors, and you might find that to even the playing field, Wise may introduce some more features in the next couple of years.

How to sign up for Wise and Revolut

Signing up for Wise or Revolut is extremely easy! The first step is downloading the app for each one…

• Find Wise here
• Find Revolut here

From there, you’ll need to enter some basic details like your name, birthday, email address, and home address. 

After you’ve signed up you can then request for your card to be sent out to you. Although this will only take a few working days in the UK, you’ll need to allow 2-3 weeks if you live abroad.

Other travel cards to try

This guide is focused on highlighting the differences and similarities between Wise and Revolut, however, there are a couple of other fantastic travel cards out there.

Here are two of the other companies that we’ve tried…

Monzo is one of the stand-out travel cards on the market with fantastic exchange rates, the ability to apply for an overdraft, and the fact that the cards are compatible with Apple and Google Pay. 

We always keep both Monzo and Revolut cards on us, and to be honest there’s no real difference between the two if your sole purpose is to spend abroad and draw out money. 

Both have £200 limits on ATM withdrawals (although Monzo has a 3% surcharge fee beyond that), so having one of each allows us to withdraw money with both and avoid charges. 

If you want to find out more then you can check out our Monzo Vs Revolut review …

2. Starling Bank

With Starling Bank , you'll have access to 24/7 customer support, be covered by the FSCS, and you can sign up digitally in minutes.

That being said, in all honesty, we’ve never been a big fan of Starling Bank compared to our favourites; Monzo and Revolut. 

They don’t offer a ton of additional features, and we found the exchange rate to be slightly worse than some of the other travel cards we’ve used. 

We got a card with them because they didn't have a cap on free monthly withdrawals, which is a huge bonus but this bank just didn't work for us.

However, some people really love Starling Bank so it's all about preference I guess! 

Wise Vs Revolut? Which one takes the top spot for you…

Choosing the perfect travel card isn’t an easy task when you’ve got to consider their money transfer services, currency exchange rates, and other fees. 

I hope this guide has given you a detailed comparison of Revolut and Wise (or TransferWise as it was previously known), and what each one has to offer. 

Companies are constantly upgrading their features too, so I’d recommend checking the websites yourself to see which travel card is most suited to you! 

Here are some other guides that you may find helpful if you’re planning a trip: 

• The Best Vacation Rental Sites
• In-depth SafetyWing Review
• Ultimate Travel Packing List

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

Wise Vs Revolut: Which Is Better For Travelers?

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 5, 2023 | Travel Finances , Travel Tips

When searching online for money transfer services, two of the first companies you’ll find are Wise and Revolut .

Both providers offer similar services and make exchanging currency, receiving international payments, accessing cash abroad, and sending money overseas all a piece of cake.  

Both Wise and Revolut have much better exchange rates compared to traditional banks and charge lower fees too.

However, both virtual banks have strengths and weaknesses and offer unique services that the other does not.

Therefore, when deciding between Wise or Revolut , you should do your homework to ensure you choose the best provider for your needs. 

To help you make the right choice, we’ve created a comprehensive Wise vs Revolut comparison guide.

We’ll highlight the main differences between Revolut and Wise.

Note that you may opt to pick both Wise and Revolut to fulfill different needs.

❔ What Is Wise?

Wise is an electronic money transfer service that has been operating since 2011.

It was founded in the United Kingdom and was known as Transferwise until it changed its name in 2021. 

Wise allows you to send money to 80 countries and hold over 40 currencies in your virtual wallet.

You can instantly exchange one currency for another using actual exchange rates and transfer to and from your bank account in less than a minute.

You can also receive payments in multiple currencies as you’ll have personal bank account details in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, and more.

Learn more by reading information on the Wise multi-currency account .

Wise users also get a debit card that can be used worldwide to withdraw cash in local currency from ATMs.

You can also use the Wise MasterCard to pay for goods in local businesses and make payments online.

❔ What Is Revolut?

Revolut is a relatively new virtual bank founded in 2015. Just like Wise, Revolut is a private company based in the UK.

With Revolut, you can send money to other Revolut users and bank accounts. You can also receive money in over 30 currencies with no hidden fees.

Plus, you get a unique QR code and payment link to share with people to get paid quickly, even if they do not have a Revolut account.

Revolut customers receive a multi-currency debit card to withdraw money at an ATM or pay for goods abroad.

With your Revolut MasterCard, you can withdraw up to 120 currencies, and with the app, you can transfer money in 26 currencies.

Revolut has some additional features like budgeting tools and spending analytics.

You can also link your bank account to your Revolut account so you can see all your money in one place.

Moreover, as Revolut has a banking license, they can offer loans to UK residents.

Revolut is one of the best banks for digital nomads , so I highly recommend it if you’re a digital nomad or a long-term traveler.

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Note that this promotion works everywhere except for Australia and Singapore, where the offer is a cash award of AUD 15 in Australia and SGD 15 in Singapore.

All new Revolut customers are eligible.

⚖️ Wise Vs Revolut: Full Comparison

As you can see, at first glance, both Wise and Revolut look pretty impressive.

But how do they stack up against each other? 

Wise Vs Revolut: Exchange Rate

Both Wise and Revolut use FX rates based on real-time data from third parties such as Reuters.

Wise offers customers the best competitive rate on all currencies without adding a markup and allows customers to lock in a rate for 24 to 96 hours to avoid any fluctuations.

They also let you know if another provider currently offers a better rate.

Revolut operates slightly differently.

They match the mid-market rate during the week (when the market is open) with no markup, then apply a markup of 1% to all currencies for exchanges made during the weekend. 

Verdict: When it comes to FX rates, Wise is the most transparent and matches the mid-market rate at all times with no markups. Therefore, they generally offer better exchange rates than Revolut.

Wise Vs Revolut: Fees

You can open a bank account on Wise and Revolut with no fee.

Let’s look at the fees you can expect to pay – because even if an account is free, it doesn’t mean it really is.

• Opening a bank account: free
• Sending money: fee varies by currency – you see the amount when sending money
• Withdrawing (up to 200 GBP per month within 2 or less withdrawals): free
• Withdrawing (after the free transaction above): 1.75%
• Getting the Wise debit card: 5 GBP
• Converting money into different currencies: from 0.41%

Revolut Fees:

• Opening a bank account: no fee for the standard plan (between GBP 2.99 and 12.99 per month for the Plus, Premium, or Metal plans)
• Sending money: no fee*
• Withdrawing (up to 200 GBP per month): no fee*
• Withdrawing (after the no fee transaction above): 2%
• Getting the Revolut debit card: GBP 4.99 / No fee for the Plus, Premium, and Metal plans
• Converting money into different currencies depends on the chosen plan

* Here’s more information about sending money overseas:

• Standard Accounts: 1 no fee International Transfer per month
• Premium Accounts: 3 no fee International Transfers per month
• Metal Accounts: 5 no fee International Transfers per month

* The Plus, Premium, and Metal plans have a higher no-fee withdrawal amount.

Verdict: Fees can depend on your usage, location, and currency. I love how cheap international Wise transfers are, so I use them a lot, but daily, I use Revolut to buy things or to withdraw money. I have the Revolut Metal plan.

Wise Vs Revolut: Transfer Fees

Both platforms have much lower fees for sending money abroad than any traditional bank.

The main difference between the two is that Revolut offers zero fees on transfers to Europe, whereas Wise charges a 0.35% variable fee.

So, for example, if you convert 1000 GBP to EUR, you will pay a fee of £3.69 with Wise and nothing with Revolut.

Both platforms charge fees to convert and send money outside of Europe, but Revolut is still the cheapest.

They have a fixed 0.3% transfer fee on most currencies, meaning you’ll pay a fee of £3 when you transfer 1000 GBP to anywhere outside the EEA.

Wise has fixed costs and variable fees that differ between each currency. Their variable fees range from 0.35% to 0.45%.

Verdict: Revolut has the cheapest fees, no matter where you send money. If you’re mainly transferring to Europe, you’ll save a lot of money with Revolut.

Wise Vs Revolut: Locations And Currencies

One area where Wise stands out is availability. For example, wise is available in 230 countries.

In contrast, Revolut is only available for residents of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Japan, and the USA.

The countries Wise doesn’t operate in include Cuba, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Wise allows you to hold and exchange 56 currencies, whereas Revolut only allows 31.

However, the speed of sending money is similar between the two providers, both offering lightning-fast transfers in most cases. 

Verdict: Wise’s availability is much greater than Revolut. For travelers, digital nomads, and expats who spend time in Asia, Central America, and South America, Wise is a far better choice. 

Wise Vs Revolut: Additional features

Revolut may not operate in as many countries as Wise, but it offers many innovative features.

One key difference you should know when deciding between Wise or Revolut is that Revolut has a banking license, whereas Wise doesn’t.

This means Revolut can offer loans and insurance to UK customers, but Wise cannot.

Revolut also offers virtual cards. Plus, they allow you to link your bank account to the app to see all your money in one place, a feature that Wise does not have.

Moreover, Revolut has various budgeting and analytical features on its app.

Wise has recently launched Wise Interest . In short, it’s a new way for Wise customers to protect their money and put it to work at the same time.

The money is put in a fund that follows central bank interest rates, which means when their rates change, yours do too. That also means returns aren’t guaranteed.

However, this new feature could be interesting for many.

Verdict: It’s clear to see that Revolut is constantly looking for ways to grow and evolve into a one-stop shop for all your money needs. These features may be exciting and valuable for those looking to do more than just send and receive money internationally.

Wise Vs Revolut: Reputation

Wise has over 113,000 reviews on Trustpilot with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5, qualifying them as an “excellent” provider.

Revolut has over 75,000 Trustpilot reviews with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5.

Although lower than Wise, it still puts them in the Trustpilot “excellent” category.

Wise’s most positive things are their transparency, reliable exchange rates, customer service, and lower prices than competitors.

Negative reviews mention slow processing speeds for some currencies, price increases over the years, and, most worryingly, holding funds or blocking/deactivating accounts without any explanation. 

Happy Revolut customers commented on the variety of features, easy-to-use app, and speed of transfers.

Negative comments included their higher rates on weekends, poor customer service, and having their account locked or under review for no reason given.

Verdict: From customer reviews, it seems both providers have pros and cons, but as Wise has more reviews and a higher overview rating, they have the best reputation.

Wise Vs Revolut For Travel

Regarding traveling, it’s helpful to have both a Wise travel card and a Revolut travel card .

While I use Revolut during my travels, I also have my Wise travel card with me in case of emergency.

I believe the fees and conversion on Revolut are brilliant, and I don’t need to use the Wise travel card.

In fact, I usually transfer money from my Wise account into my Revolut for withdrawals.

Verdict: If you’re traveling long-term, I recommend getting both Wise and Revolut during your travels. Having both options is great in case of an emergency abroad.

💳 Wise And Revolut Alternatives

Now, if you already have both Wise and Revolut and are looking for something a little different, there are plenty of other options.

Here are two of the most interesting alternatives:

✨ Our Verdict: Which Is Better, Wise Or Revolut?

Both Wise and Revolut are highly rated, popular money transfer companies.

However, after comparing Revolut vs Wise, you can see that both providers excel in certain areas and lack elsewhere.

Therefore, the best choice will depend on your specific needs. 

Wise has more authority as a money transfer service and operates almost globally.

Therefore, it’s the best option for frequent travelers looking for cheaper access to money abroad.

It’s also ideal for remote workers receiving payments from clients worldwide.

You can learn how does Wise work .

However, Revolut is undoubtedly the best option for anyone who predominantly travels in Europe, thanks to their no fee transfers within the EEA.

PSSST! You can always use both! This is what I do.

Want to use Paypal instead? Read our blog post about Wise vs Paypal to learn more about both companies.

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The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Wise Vs Revolut (2024 Comparison)

Updated: Aug 5, 2024, 3:08pm

Table of Contents

Wise and revolut at a glance, wise vs revolut: comparisons, wise vs revolut: summary of services and pricing, which is faster for money transfer: wise or revolut, pros of wise, pros of revolut, conclusion: wise vs revolut, frequently asked questions (faqs).

There’s a raft of companies offering money transfer services with competitive exchange rates and low fees—and both Wise and Revolut are popular choices in the Australian market. So, which one is the right choice for you? This will depend on a number of factors, not least of which is how you plan to use the service.

Forbes Advisor Australia spoke to both Wise and Revolut to get sense of their features, strengths and how the two competitors stack up.

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When deciding between Wise and Revolut for money transfer services it’s important to note that both are valid options that rank well in our independent analysis.

Wise, formerly known as Transferwise, was founded in 2011, and offers app-based and online accounts (including a debit card) for personal and business customers. Wise has more than 10 million customers worldwide, and was launched in Australia in 2016. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Meanwhile, Revolut launched in 2015 in London with a prepaid card and app-only payments service. It has since expanded rapidly and now offers a range of payment and banking services which aim to cater to “global lifestyles”. Revolut is a privately held company that was co-founded by Nikolay Storonsky and Vlad Yatsenko.

Revolut expanded its operations to Australia in 2019, and offers three tiered plans. The company boasts 30 million personal users worldwide, with nearly 500,000 here in Australia.

As Charlie Short, head of growth for Revolut Australia, explained to Forbes Advisor Australia, Revolut operates in the country as a financial institution with a full AFSL licence.

“(However) Revolut in Australia is not a licensed bank yet, but partners with a licensed bank to provide services and protect user funds,” Short said.

Wise, on the other hand, is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL), while Revolut Australia is not a bank or authorised deposit-taking institution.

Ultimately, Wise and Revolut are both international fintech companies that offer financial services.

“One of the main differences between the two providers is that Revolut operates on a subscription model and Wise does not,” Wise ANZ country manager, Tristan Dakin, explained to Forbes Advisor Australia.

As Wise and Revolut both offer multiple products, including business offerings and memberships, Forbes Advisor Australia has chosen to compare each of the entities based on the following analysis.

Stated Mission

Dakin says Wise’s main goal is to make it easy for Australians to make international payments as low cost, conveniently and as quickly as possible.

Short, on the other hand, says that while Revolut’s initial goal was to focus on travel and international transactions, the platform has now adapted to cater to a variety of financial needs, including budgeting and analytics, an under 18s junior money tool, wealth and trading, and teaching courses to help Australians better understand their finances.

“Our product is designed to be used by everyday Australians,” Short says, “however we find it appeals most to those aged between 18 to 35”.

There are different pricing requirements and fees for both, and the price you will pay will depend on what tiered Revolut card you are using, as well as whether you’re adding money to your card, withdrawing cash from an ATM, as well as, of course, the exchange rate differences.

Here are some of the key costs you may encounter:

Subscriptions

Wise is free to sign up to, with a $10 charge made in order to receive the attached debit card.

Revolut, on the other hand, has three tiers of subscription: a free account with a free card for non-express shipping, or express delivery of $33.99 per card; a $9.99 subscription plan with an express delivery card at no extra cost; and a higher-tier subscription plan for $24.99 with an express card delivery as well.

Exchange Rates

Wise customers receive the exact mid-market rate on currency exchange transactions, so Wise makes its money back through its fees.

The fee charged will depend on the specific currency transaction, but it ranges from 0.15% to 2%. Wise offers an online calculator so customers can see how much they’ll be charged for their currency transfer before they proceed.

Revolut has different charges for business and personal customers and fees also vary depending on the size of your transaction. The company publishes a list of its fees online and on the app. For example, currency exchange is fee-free on weekdays, subject to maximum limits; instead of charging a fee, Revolut makes its money back through a less competitive exchange rate for consumers.

Revolut uses a real-time exchange rate for foreign exchange, while Wise uses a mid-market rate.

Additionally, transfers with Revolut at the weekend or on Australian public holidays are charged at 1%.

While Wise can facilitate foreign exchange transactions in 40 currencies and operates in 160 nations, Revolut works with 29 currencies.

Wise Money Transfer

The speed of your currency transfer will depend on a range of factors including how you pay (debit and credit card is fastest), the type of transfer you choose, and where you’re sending the cash and the currency.

Wise has three transfer speed options at different prices with the ‘fast and easy transfer’ costing the most:

• Advanced transfer:  funds arrive within one to three working days.
• Low cost transfer:  funds arrive within three to 24 hours
• Fast and easy transfer: funds arrive within 3 to 5 hours

As an example: to send $1,000 worth of Australian dollars to a recipient in the UK, paying with your Wise debit card, with the cash to arrive within seconds, would cost approximately $5.

Revolut Money Transfer

The standard time for international currency transfers is one working day, depending on the nature of the transaction and the receiving bank. Some transfers may take longer over the weekend or public holidays, for example.

• Nine local accounts, available in AUD, GBP, EUR, NZD, SGD, CAD, HUF, RON and TRY
• Two free withdrawals of up to $350 AUD a month
• 40 currency balances
• Immediate transfers available
• No subscription fees
• Mid-market exchange rate
• Can open multiple bank accounts
• Manage funds in different currencies
• Fee-free international spending
• Cryptocurrency trading
• Real-time spending notifications
• Advanced security features

Consumers of both products have high reviews to share of each money transfer service. Via ProductReview, customers of Wise reported their experience as “so good, no problems” and that it is a “fantastic service”. Revolut customers shared similar sentiments, saying it was a “must have card when travelling abroad”.

Ultimately, which currency transfer service is best for you will depend on what you want from the account and how you plan to use it.

For fast, low-cost currency exchange the Wise account is straightforward with a transparent fee structure and mid-market exchange rates.

For added services, Revolut could offer customers more value, particularly for regular travellers who want fee-free spending overseas, insurance for baggage when on holiday and discounts on airport lounge access and don’t mind paying for one of Revolut’s premium accounts.

Does a Wise card cost money?

Yes. While the Wise app is free to use and download, it costs $10 AUD to order the attached debit card.

How much does a Revolut subscription cost?

Revolut has three different subscriptions: Revolut Standard, Revolut Premium, and Revolut Metal. Revolut Standard is their free account, while Revolut Premium costs $9.99 per month, or $99 when paid annually, and Revolut Metal costs $24.99 per month.

Can I open an overseas bank account with Wise?

Yes, Wise allows you to open up to nine overseas bank accounts in the following currencies: Australian dollars, New Zealand dollars, Great Britain Pounds, Euros, Singapore dollars, Canadian dollars, Hungarian Forint, Romanian Leu, and Turkish Lira.

“This means you can share these account details with anyone to get paid like a local, in the local currency,” Wise’s ANZ country manager Tristan Dakin explained.

“Even people who do not use Wse can send you money to these account details, because they work just the same way local account details do. It’s perfect for if you’re receiving money from someone while on holiday, getting paid from an employer in a foreign currency or needing to send someone else money easily.”

• Best International Money Transfer
• Best Way To Send Money To India
• Best Way To Send Money To UK
• Best Way To Send Money To USA
• Wise Vs CommBank Travel Money Card Comparison
• Wise Review
• Xe Money Transfer Review
• Revolut Personal Account Review
• Revolut Business Account Review

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Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

Revolut Review [2024] Pros and Cons

These days, 85% of Americans own a smartphone. And these magical devices are changing almost everything, including the way we bank. 

For proof, just look at Revolut . 

This “all-in-one” digital banking app lets you manage your finances from the palm of your hand, and it can also make real financial sense.

In this complete Revolut Review , I’ll explain exactly how the platform works. 

I’ll also provide a Revolut Vault Review, so you can decide whether this modern banking solution is the best way to grow your savings. 

What is Revolut?

Revolut is a digital banking platform designed for everyday convenience and hassle-free international travel. 

On its official website, Revolut calls itself a single app “for all things money,” and that’s actually a pretty good description of what this platform has become. 

Revolut offers a wide variety of services, including:

• Digital payments
• Currency exchange 
• International money transfers
• Debit cards (with ATM access)
• Early access to paychecks
• Stock trading
• “Savings Vaults,” which currently earn up to 4.25% annual percentage yield (APY)

Thanks to those “Saving Vaults” and the easy access to funds, a Revolut plan basically acts as a savings account and a checking account rolled into a single package and managed through a user-friendly app.

Welcome to 21st-century banking! 

How Does Revolut Work?

An all-in-one money app sounds like an amazing idea, but it’s important to understand the nuts and bolts before signing up. 

First of all, it’s important to understand that Revolut offers “plans,” not accounts.

There are three plans to choose from:

• Standard (free)
• Premium ($9.99/month)
• Metal ($16.99/month)

Each plan gives you a different level of access to Revolut’s central features.

With the Standard Plan, you’ll get:

• A debit card with access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs
• Fee-free currency exchange for over 25 currencies (up to $1,000 a month)
• 3.25% APY on savings (rate active at the time of this publication)
• 24/7 customer service

That’s pretty solid. The paid plans allow you to:

• Exchange even more money for free (up to $10,000 a month for Premium Plan; unlimited with the Metal Plan) 
• Earn 4.25% APY on savings (rate active at the time of this publication)

The higher-level plans also give you increased access to a wide range of travel perks, including:

• Ticket protection
• Purchase protection
• Trip cancellation protection
• Trip delay protection
• Medical insurance
• Discounted access to airport lounges
• Lost/delayed baggage protection
• Priority customer service support

Once you’ve chosen your plan and signed up , you can deposit money and then begin using the platform features. 

And one option is to put money into a “Savings Vault,” which is how you can grow your savings and keep your money FDIC-insured.

Read more in the Revolut Vault review below!

How Does The Vault Work in Revolut?

The “Vault” is an important feature of Revolut, so I’ve included a mini-section with a specific Revolut Vault review.

In the Revolut App, a “Vault” is basically a savings account. The main difference is that a Vault doesn’t exist as a separate account but as a feature within your Revolut “plan.”

Once you sign up for Revolut and choose a plan (Standard, Premium, or Metal), you can then open a Vault where you stash your savings.

And there’s something this Revolut Vault review should make clear: A Vault has some real advantages over standard savings accounts.

For one thing, the Revolut app allows you to enable automatic saving mechanisms. One option is to round up the spare change when you make a purchase and deposit it into the Vault. You can also set up recurring payments, which means a set amount of money is automatically transferred to the Vault on a regular basis.

While the money sits in the Vault, it will earn some serious interest (up to 4.25% APY for paid plans). 

Another perk of the Revolut Vault is that the first $250,000 deposited is FDIC-insured, just like with a traditional bank!

Is Revolut Legit? 

Revolut is absolutely a legitimate platform. It has more than 30 million personal users and over 500,000 business clients. This means a lot of people trust Revolut to meet their banking needs.

And those users often have good things to say about the platform. Revolut currently has an excellent 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot, which is pretty amazing for a financial institution. After all, people often get frustrated when dealing with a bank!

Is Revolut Safe?

Depositing money with Revolut is safe, especially if you put your money in a Savings Vault. 

Here’s why:

Revolut’s Saving Vaults are insured up to $250,000 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). That means that if Revolut were to somehow lose your money, Uncle Sam would step in to pay you back.

Interested in the technical details? Revolut itself isn’t FDIC-insured, but it partners with Sutton Bank to provide its Saving Vault services. And Sutton Bank is FDIC-insured, which means your money (up to $250,000) is government-protected. 

Pros and Cons of Revolut

This wouldn’t be a full Revolut review without a careful look at the pros and cons of the platform. 

Here are the details:

• The Standard Plan is free. It also gives you access to most (not all) of the most important features.
• You can earn up to 4.25% APY with paid plans. And even the free Standard Plan earns you 3.25% APY on savings (at the time of this publication). 
• The convenience of an app, but with a real-world presence. You can handle your finances right on your smartphone, then use your physical debit card to withdraw cash from over 55,000 fee-free ATMs. 
• You need to pay for full access to features. The Premium and Metal Plans really are better, but they cost $9.99/month and $16.99/month. 
• There are no physical branches. When you bank with Revolut, you’re going fully digital. 
• Not-so-great customer support. Several online reviewers say it can be tough to get help when issues come up.

Revolut Reviews

Revolut gets a lot of online reviews, and many of them are super positive. 

I found one Revolut review from a customer who successfully used the app in multiple countries. 

Of course, not every Revolut review is positive. One user complained that their money was frozen, but they also acknowledged that the issue was at least dealt with quickly.

And another negative review went so far as to call Revolut “the worst so-called banking system ever.”

Now, this last Revolut review needs some unpacking because it reveals something important about the platform. 

In the U.S., the first $250,000 you deposit in Revolut is insured by the FDIC, but only if you put it in a Savings Vault. So make sure you take that essential step to keep your money safe!

Revolut Reviews Reddit

Over on Reddit, a user started a thread by asking, “Is Revolut really as bad as people say it is?” Apparently, they’d noticed a lot of Redditors saying bad things about the app.

The responses showed that Revolut isn’t bad at all. In fact, a lot of people reported positive experiences.

One user praised the convenience of being able to use different currencies. 

Another person said they’ve personally had no issues, but mentioned that other people have had their accounts suddenly banned.

And I really like how one user summed up Revolut by calling it “a good introduction to lots of things but not the best at any one particular thing.” 

Just one note on that last Revolut review: The user talks about using Revolut for crypto, which is an option in the U.K., but it does not seem to be available for American users just yet.

Is Revolut Worth It?

Revolut is definitely worth considering, especially if you’re a world traveler.

Imagine taking an international trip as a Revolut user. Thanks to a single app, you’d be able to:

• Easily exchange currencies,
• Transfer money from one country to another,
• Protect your money in case of cancellations (with a paid plan), and
• Hang out in airport lounges at a discounted price (with a paid plan). 

And that’s all on top of the basic banking services. You know, the debit card, ATM access, and interest earned on savings.

Now, Revolut does have its drawbacks. There are no physical branches, and you can’t just call up a local company representative when you have an issue.

But if you’re a tech-savvy person and you like the idea of app-based banking, Revolut is a game-changer! 

Commonly Asked Questions About Revolut

What are alternatives to revolut.

Revolut isn’t the only app-based banking platform. Other options include: 

• Fierce (read full Fierce Finance review here )
• Current (read full Current Bank review here )
• SoFi Relay  
• Chime (read full Chime review here )
• Bright Money (read full Bright Money review here )
• Raisin (read Raisin review here )

You can also check out this list of the best banks in America . 

And if you’re looking ot boost your new bank account fast, check out these banks with immediate sign-up bonus .

Is Revolut a Scam?

Revolut isn’t a scam. It has a 4.3-star on Trustpilot, and it partners with Sutton Bank to provide “Saving Vaults” that are insured by the FDIC. 

What is the Catch with Revolut?

There is no “catch” with Revolut . The platform makes money through its paid “Premium” and “Metal” plans, not through some sneaky, backhanded scheme. That said, Revolut does have drawbacks, including the lack of physical branches. 

Revolut Card Review?

Revolut cards are basically debit cards, allowing you to make purchases and withdraw cash from over 55,000 fee-free ATMs. They’re solid cards overall, but they’re especially great for international travel because you can use them abroad in over 150 currencies.

See how much you could save by learning how to cancel all subscriptions on your debit card or credit card. 

Revolut Travel Card Review?

All Revolut cards are “travel cards” because they let you spend money abroad in over 150 currencies. This feature makes them an excellent choice for international travelers. And for domestic travel, you’ll have access to a network of 55,000 fee-free ATMs, so cash will likely be within reach!

What is the Downside of Revolut?

The major downside of Revolut is that you have to purchase a paid plan to get some of the best features, including unlimited currency exchange, travel expense protection, and the highest APY on savings – which is currently 4.25%.  

If you’d like to learn which budgeting app could best help you manage your finances, check out these comparisons:

• Rocket Money vs YNAB
• Rocket Money vs Simplifi
• Rocket Money vs Copilot

Then use a net worth tracker to see how your new financial strategies are paying off. 

Does Revolut Charge Fees?

Revolut does charge some fees, including:

• Currency exchange fees (If you’ve reached your monthly limit or you make a weekend exchange, varies based on plan)
• Stock trading fees
• Monthly fees (only for the Premium and Metal plans)

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