Discover Revolut's innovative features and learn how to set up your account step-by-step. This guide covers everything from account opening to maximizing your banking experience with expert insights and practical tips.
Revolut is a UK-based financial technology company that has revolutionized how people manage their money. Founded in 2015, it has grown to serve over 45 million customers worldwide, making it one of Europe's most valuable fintech companies.
Unlike traditional banks with their legacy systems and physical branches, Revolut operates as a fully digital bank, offering everything through a sleek mobile app and web platform. This digital-first approach allows them to provide superior features, lower costs, and faster service.
See how Revolut compares to major UK banks across key features
| Features |
Revolut
|
Barclays | HSBC | Lloyds | NatWest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account Opening Time | 5 minutes | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Monthly Fees (Basic) | £0 | £0-£5 | £0-£5 | £0-£3 | £0-£6 |
| Foreign Exchange Markup | 0% (weekdays) | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | £0 | £1.50-£3 | £1.50-£3 | £1.50-£3 | £1.50-£3 |
| ATM Withdrawals Abroad | £200 free/month | £1.50-£3 per transaction | £1.50-£3 per transaction | £1.50-£3 per transaction | £1.50-£3 per transaction |
| Real-time Notifications | Yes | Basic | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| Budgeting Tools | Advanced | Basic | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| Cryptocurrency Trading | Yes | ||||
| Multi-currency Accounts | 30+ currencies | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Instant Card Freeze/Unfreeze | Yes | Phone only | Phone only | Phone only | Phone only |
| Spending Analytics | Detailed | Basic | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| Branch Network | Digital-first | Extensive | Extensive | Extensive | Extensive |
Based on typical usage: foreign transactions, ATM withdrawals, and exchange rates
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Advanced budgeting, crypto trading, multi-currency, and real-time controls
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Open Your Revolut AccountCompare different Revolut account tiers and their benefits
| Features | Standard Free |
Plus £2.99/month |
Premium £6.99/month |
Metal £12.99/month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | ||||
| Physical Card | Metal | |||
| Free ATM Withdrawals | £200/month | £400/month | £600/month | £800/month |
| Currency Exchange | Weekend markup | Free | Free | Free |
| Cryptocurrency | Basic trading | Enhanced | Enhanced | Premium |
| Travel Insurance | Premium | |||
| Cashback | Up to 1% | Up to 1% | ||
| Priority Support |
Follow our simple 4-step process to get your account up and running in minutes
Create your account using our recommended signup process and complete identity verification. The process is streamlined and secure.
Add money to your new Revolut account via debit card or bank transfer. Start with any amount - we recommend at least £20.
Request your physical Revolut card and add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Standard delivery is £4.99 (3-5 business days).
Make 3 qualifying purchases of £5+ to fully activate your account features. Use for everyday spending like groceries or online shopping.
Once you've completed all steps, you'll have full access to Revolut's features and any available promotional rewards
Join millions of satisfied customers who've made the switch to smarter banking
Learn about Revolut's referral program and how sharing with friends and family may provide earning opportunities
Revolut operates a referral program where existing customers can share their referral links with friends and family. When referred users complete account requirements, both parties may be eligible for rewards.
Complete your Revolut account setup and verification process to become eligible for the referral program.
Access your unique referral link through the Revolut app and share it with friends, family, and colleagues.
When referred users complete account setup and meet qualification criteria, both parties may receive rewards.
Successful referrals may result in account credits or other rewards, subject to Revolut's current program terms.
Open your account to access the referral program and start sharing with your network
Authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference 900562)
256-bit SSL encryption and advanced fraud protection
Trusted by millions of customers worldwide
Accepted in 200+ countries and territories
Round-the-clock customer service via in-app chat
Recognized as leading digital banking platform
Contact us if you need help with your account setup process
Get setup assistance via WhatsApp
Connect with us on Telegram
We typically respond within 1 hour during business hours to help with any account setup questions or guidance you may need.
Our team can guide you through the account opening process and help ensure you complete all required steps correctly.
We provide comprehensive support for new Revolut users, including tips for maximizing your account benefits and features.
Everything you need to know about opening and using a Revolut account in the UK
Opening a Revolut account in the UK is simple: download the app or visit their website, provide your personal details, verify your identity with a government-issued ID, and complete the setup process. The entire process typically takes 5-10 minutes and can be done entirely online.
You'll need a valid government-issued photo ID (UK/EU passport, UK driving license, or EU national ID card) and proof of UK address dated within the last 3 months (bank statement, utility bill, or tenancy agreement). You must be 18+ and a UK resident.
Revolut account verification typically takes 5-10 minutes during business hours. In some cases, it may take up to 24 hours if additional checks are required. Make sure your documents are clear and all information matches exactly.
Yes, you can open a Revolut UK account if you're a legal UK resident with a valid UK address, regardless of your nationality. You'll need acceptable ID (EU passport or national ID card) and proof of UK residency.
Yes, Revolut's Standard account is completely free with no monthly fees, no account opening costs, and no minimum balance requirements. You get free UK payments, a free virtual card, and basic features at no cost.
Revolut offers interbank exchange rates with no markup on weekdays for Plus, Premium, and Metal accounts. Standard accounts have a small weekend markup (0.5-1%). All accounts get much better rates than traditional banks.
The virtual card is free for all accounts. Physical card delivery costs £4.99 for Standard accounts, but it's free for Plus, Premium, and Metal subscribers. You can use the virtual card immediately while waiting for the physical one.
Revolut offers free ATM withdrawals up to £200/month (Standard), £400/month (Plus), £600/month (Premium), or £800/month (Metal). After these limits, there's a 2% fee on withdrawals.
Yes, Revolut is authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (Firm Reference 900562). Your money is protected, and they use bank-level security including 256-bit encryption and real-time fraud monitoring.
Your money is safeguarded under FCA regulations. Revolut keeps customer funds separate from company funds in segregated accounts with major UK banks, so your money would be protected and returned to you.
Enable all security features: biometric login, transaction notifications, location-based security, and spending controls. You can instantly freeze/unfreeze your card in the app, set spending limits, and block certain merchant categories.
Yes, you can add your Revolut card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay immediately after account setup. This allows contactless payments even before your physical card arrives. The contactless limit follows UK standards.
Yes, Revolut provides UK account numbers and sort codes, so you can set up direct debits for bills, receive salary payments, and create standing orders just like with traditional banks. It's fully compatible with UK banking systems.
Yes, Revolut is excellent for international use. You get real exchange rates, no foreign transaction fees, and can hold 30+ currencies in one account. It's widely accepted worldwide and perfect for travel.
Standard (free) includes basic banking and limited perks. Plus (£2.99/month) adds travel insurance and better exchange rates. Premium (£6.99/month) includes cashback and priority support. Metal (£12.99/month) offers the metal card and premium benefits.
Yes, Revolut offers commission-free stock trading and cryptocurrency trading directly in the app. You can buy fractional shares, popular cryptocurrencies, and manage investments alongside your banking. Investment features vary by account type.
Yes, Revolut includes advanced budgeting tools, spending analytics, savings vaults with round-up features, and goal-based saving. You can categorize expenses, set spending limits, and get insights into your financial habits.
Cashback is available with Premium and Metal accounts, offering up to 1% cashback on purchases at selected retailers. The cashback categories and rates vary, and you can track earnings in the app.
Revolut provides 24/7 customer support through in-app chat. Premium and Metal customers get priority support with faster response times. You can also find help articles and guides in the app's help section.
You can instantly freeze your card in the Revolut app to prevent unauthorized use, then contact support to report it lost/stolen. They'll send a replacement card, and you can continue using the virtual card or mobile payments immediately.
You can close your Revolut account anytime through the app settings or by contacting customer support. There are no closure fees, and you can withdraw any remaining balance to another account before closing.
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Open Your Revolut Account