Revolut Card: Detailed Overview
According to Worldpay’s 2023 study, digital wallets were the most popular payment method in the United States, accounting for 37% of total online transaction value. They are forecast to grow to 52% by 2027.
The most widely used digital wallets include Apple Pay, PayPal, Alipay, and Revolut. But what exactly is a Revolut card, and is it worth getting? Revolut offers more than one type of card, and more than one reason to apply for it. If you want to learn about the different Revolut card types, their pros and cons, fees, how to apply, and how to use them abroad, keep reading.
Revolut Card Types and Features
Revolut provides several debit card plans. There is also a Revolut credit card, which is a secured credit card. However, the launch process in the US is still in progress, so availability may be limited. Let’s go over the most popular Revolut plans.
Revolut Standard Debit Card
This is the basic plan with no monthly subscription fee and no minimum balance requirements. With the Revolut Standard card, you can send and receive money in over 25 currencies and make free transfers to other Revolut users without fees. The main features of this plan include:
- Free withdrawals from 55,000+ ATMs worldwide via the Allpoint network.
- Up to $1,000 per month (Mon–Fri) across 25+ currencies with no fees.
- Initial limits: $550 daily / $1,050 weekly withdrawals (first 120 days) → $1,050 daily / $1,750 weekly thereafter.
- International spending at the market rate.
- Security tools: single-use virtual cards, spending limits, card freezing, toggling contactless payments in the app.
- Google Pay and Apple Pay integration.
Revolut Premium Debit Card
If you want to have more features, you can upgrade to the Premium plan, which costs $9.99 per month. For this subscription, Revolut unlocks a complimentary, customizable physical card, every basic feature from the free plan, plus:
- Priority 24/7 customer support.
- A 20% discount on international transfers.
- Up to $10,000/month fee-free currency exchange.
- Discounted airport lounge access.
- $800 monthly ATM withdrawal with no fees.
Revolut Metal Debit Card
It's an exclusive, contactless card made of reinforced stainless steel that makes it look and feel premium. Priced at $16.99/ per month, this Revolut travel card comes with outstanding benefits, including:
- Unlimited fee-free currency exchanges.
- 40% discount on international transfers.
- Priority customer support.
- 5 included partner subscriptions.
- Purchase protection (90 days against theft or damage).
- Event ticket refunds (up to $1,000/year).
- Primary travel medical insurance (up to $10,000).
- Discounted airport lounge access.
- Trip cancellation & interruption protection (up to $5,000).
- Trip delay coverage.
- Baggage coverage: $600 delayed / $3,000 lost or damaged.
How to Apply for a Revolut Card
Applying for a Revolut card is quick and straightforward. You just need a smartphone and a valid ID. Follow these steps:
- Download the Revolut app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign up for an account with your phone number. You’ll receive a 6-digit code via SMS that you need to enter for verification.
- Verify your identity by taking a clear photo of a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport, driver's license, or national ID card, and taking a selfie video.
- Choose your plan. Pick your preferred Revolut plan during the sign-up process. You can start with the Standard plan and upgrade later, or choose Premium or Metal right away.
- Order Your Card. After setting up your account, go to the "Cards" section of the app and click "Add New." Here you can order a physical card or create a virtual one, which will be available instantly. If you order a physical card, you’ll be able to select a design (if available for your plan) and enter your delivery details.
In addition to providing personal details, you must also meet certain requirements to open a personal account. These include:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Being a legal resident of a country where Revolut is available.
- Having a valid mobile phone number.
Revolut Card Fees
So, how much is a Revolut card to use? Apart from the price you pay as a monthly fee, each card charges you for cash withdrawals, international transfers, and currency exchange. Some fees vary by plan, while others are fixed. For the latest details, always check the official site, but here’s a quick comparison:
⠀ | Revolut Standard Card | Revolut Premium Card | Revolut Metal Card |
|---|---|---|---|
Monthly fee | $0 | $9.99 | $16.99 |
Out-of-network ATM withdrawals | 2% | Free up to $800/month A 2% fee applies beyond this limit | Free up to $1,200/month A 2% fee applies beyond this limit |
Allpoint ATM withdrawals | No fee | No fee | No fee |
Fee-free currency Exchange | Up to $1,000/month A 0.5% fee applies beyond this limit | Up to $10,000/month A 0.5% fee applies beyond this limit | Unlimited and fee-free |
Weekend currency exchange fee | 1% markup | No additional fee | No additional fee |
International transfer fees | Vary by destination and currency | 20% discount | 40% discount |
Revolut Card Advantages
The is popular worldwide thanks to its many benefits, especially for travelers. Key advantages of using Revolut include:
- Fast application and approval processes.
- No monthly fees on the Standard plan.
- Easy control of finances in one app.
- Free transfers between Revolut users.
- Wide acceptance of the Revolut card globally.
- Travel perks on paid plans.
- Strong security features.
- Fee-free cash withdrawals at over 55,000 in-network ATMs.
- Market-based exchange rates.
Revolut Card Disadvantages
Before applying for any financial service, it’s important to weigh the downsides as well as the benefits. Revolut doesn’t have many cons, but a few could matter depending on your needs:
- 1% fee on foreign transactions made during weekends.
- No phone-based customer support or physical branches.
- Loading funds with a foreign-issued debit card can cost up to 3%.
- Tight monthly limits, particularly on the Standard plan.
How Does the Revolut Card Work Overseas
How to use a Revolut card abroad? Is there anything important to keep in mind? In general, making a payment with a Revolut card works just like with any other debit card. You can use it anywhere contactless payments are accepted.
Overall, using Revolut is often more cost-effective than traditional bank cards. All international purchases are processed at the real market exchange rate, allowing you to pay in local currencies without hidden fees. However, you need to know that Revolut may apply a small markup depending on the currency and the transaction volume.
There’s one more important detail to note. For exchanges made on weekends and public holidays, Revolut adds 1% fee. This means you’ll pay more when spending in a foreign currency, which can be a drawback if you often travel on weekends. Premium and Metal plan users are exempt from this weekend exchange fee.
Conclusion
Now you not only know how to get a Revolut card, but also understand its strengths and weaknesses, and how it works abroad. It can be a helpful companion for both everyday spending and international travel, as long as you use it wisely. If you frequently shop online in different currencies or travel overseas, Revolut can help you save money. Just remember that fees and limits differ across plans, so it’s important to choose the one that fits your lifestyle best. And if you explore more of the Revolut ecosystem, such as budgeting tools, crypto access, and stock trading, this card becomes even more valuable.
