Account Setup Guide

Complete Revolut Bank Review

Practical Guide to UK's Leading Digital Bank

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.

100% Free
Secure & Regulated
5 Minute Setup
Guide
Setup

What is Revolut & Why Choose It?

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.

45M+
Global Customers
£8B+
Company Valuation
200+
Countries Supported
30+
Currencies Available
Revolut Mobile App Interface

Revolut vs Traditional Banks

See how Revolut compares to major UK banks across key features

Features 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

Potential Annual Savings

Up to £300+

Based on typical usage: foreign transactions, ATM withdrawals, and exchange rates

Setup Speed

5 minutes vs 1-2 weeks

Get started immediately with Revolut's digital-first approach

Modern Features

10+ Exclusive

Advanced budgeting, crypto trading, multi-currency, and real-time controls

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Join millions who've switched to smarter banking with Revolut

Open Your Revolut Account
Account opening takes just 5 minutes • No monthly fees • FCA regulated

Revolut Account Features Comparison

Compare 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
Step-by-Step Guide

How to Open Your Revolut Account

Follow our simple 4-step process to get your account up and running in minutes

Complete setup in under 10 minutes
01
2-3 MINS

Sign Up & Verify Identity

Create your account using our recommended signup process and complete identity verification. The process is streamlined and secure.

Valid government ID
UK address proof
02
1-2 MINS

Fund Your Account

Add money to your new Revolut account via debit card or bank transfer. Start with any amount - we recommend at least £20.

Instant with debit card
Bank transfer (1-2 days)
03
1 MIN

Order Your Revolut Card

Request your physical Revolut card and add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Standard delivery is £4.99 (3-5 business days).

Use immediately with Apple Pay/Google Pay
04
ONGOING

Activate with Purchases

Make 3 qualifying purchases of £5+ to fully activate your account features. Use for everyday spending like groceries or online shopping.

Excludes gambling, gift cards & transfers

Account Setup Complete!

Once you've completed all steps, you'll have full access to Revolut's features and any available promotional rewards

Is Your Documents Ready?

Join millions of satisfied customers who've made the switch to smarter banking

FCA Regulated & Secure
5-Minute Setup
No Monthly Fees
Earning Opportunities

Revolut Referral Program Guide

Learn about Revolut's referral program and how sharing with friends and family may provide earning opportunities

Share Revolut with Your Network

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.

Unlimited Referrals Allowed
Up to £200 Potential Earnings*
You
Friends
Family
Colleagues

How the Referral Program Works

1. Open Your Account

Complete your Revolut account setup and verification process to become eligible for the referral program.

2. Share Your Link

Access your unique referral link through the Revolut app and share it with friends, family, and colleagues.

3. Requirements Met

When referred users complete account setup and meet qualification criteria, both parties may receive rewards.

4. Earn Rewards

Successful referrals may result in account credits or other rewards, subject to Revolut's current program terms.

Program Information

  • Referral rewards vary by current promotional campaigns
  • Both referrer and referee may be eligible for benefits
  • Rewards typically credited after qualification completion
  • Program terms and conditions apply

Typical Requirements

  • Account verification and identity confirmation
  • Minimum account funding (amount varies)
  • Physical card order and activation
  • Qualifying purchase transactions

Timeline & Limits

  • Requirements typically completed within 30-60 days
  • Reward processing may take 1-2 weeks
  • No limit on number of referrals
  • Cumulative earnings potential up to £200*

Start Your Revolut Journey Today

Open your account to access the referral program and start sharing with your network

*Earnings potential based on Revolut's current referral program terms. Actual rewards depend on successful referral completions and may vary by promotional campaigns. Terms and conditions apply.

FCA Regulated

Authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference 900562)

Bank-Level Security

256-bit SSL encryption and advanced fraud protection

45+ Million Users

Trusted by millions of customers worldwide

Global Coverage

Accepted in 200+ countries and territories

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock customer service via in-app chat

Award Winning

Recognized as leading digital banking platform

Need Setup Assistance?

Contact us if you need help with your account setup process

Response Time

We typically respond within 1 hour during business hours to help with any account setup questions or guidance you may need.

Setup Assistance

Our team can guide you through the account opening process and help ensure you complete all required steps correctly.

Account Guidance

We provide comprehensive support for new Revolut users, including tips for maximizing your account benefits and features.

Help & Support

Revolut UK: Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about opening and using a Revolut account in the UK

Account Opening & Setup

How do I open 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.

What documents do I need to open a Revolut account?

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.

How long does Revolut account verification take?

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.

Can I open a Revolut account if I'm not a UK citizen?

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.

Fees & Costs

Is Revolut free to use in the UK?

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.

What are Revolut's foreign exchange fees?

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.

How much does a Revolut card cost?

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.

Are there ATM withdrawal fees with Revolut?

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.

Security & Safety

Is Revolut safe and regulated in the UK?

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.

What happens if Revolut goes out of business?

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.

How do I protect my Revolut account from fraud?

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.

Cards & Payments

Can I use Revolut for contactless payments?

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.

Does Revolut work with direct debits and standing orders?

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.

Can I use Revolut abroad without fees?

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.

Features & Benefits

What's the difference between Revolut account types?

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.

Can I invest and trade crypto with Revolut?

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.

Does Revolut have budgeting and savings features?

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.

Can I get cashback with Revolut?

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.

Support & Help

How do I contact Revolut customer support?

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.

What if my Revolut card is lost or stolen?

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.

How do I close my Revolut account?

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.

Ready to Experience Modern Banking?

Join millions of satisfied customers who've switched to Revolut for better banking

Open Your Revolut Account
Free to open 5-minute setup FCA regulated