Revolut card review: Advantages & Disadvantages

Looking for a travel card with no fees? Then this article is for you! Since this is a topic that often causes confusion—and even skepticism—we’re here to clear things up. We’ll introduce you to one of the must-have tools for any travel lover: the Revolut card. You’ll find everything you need to know, from features and fees to benefits for travelers, how to apply, and more. By the end, you’ll have a revolut card review, which has become a top choice among frequent travelers.

Whether you’re planning to settle in a new country for a few months to work and explore or just mapping out your next trip, having a Revolut card will make your life so much easier. This handy tool lets you travel stress-free, save on fees, and avoid unnecessary charges—something that often happens with traditional bank cards.

Want to learn more? Stick around!

What is Revolut?

Let’s start with the basics. Revolut isn’t just a card—it’s a next-generation bank, also known as a neobank, that operates entirely online. Founded in the UK, it has millions of users worldwide and has been around since 2015, making it one of the pioneers in digital banking.

Originally launched as a low-cost alternative for international payments and transfers, Revolut quickly grew into a full-service financial platform. Today, it offers debit and credit cards, multi-currency accounts, cryptocurrency investments, insurance, and more. That’s why it’s become an essential tool—not just for travelers, but also for digital nomads who work remotely while exploring the world.

How does the Revolut card for travelers work?

Before we get into the different card options for travelers, here’s a quick rundown of how Revolut works. It gives you a fully digital bank account that you can manage straight from your phone, along with one or more debit cards. The best part? You can set it up and start using it from anywhere in the world—whether you’re hiking in the mountains or taking in the view from a skyscraper—all you need is an internet connection.

Once your account is set up, the next step is to add funds. You can do this via bank transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or another card. Just keep in mind that if you’re using a card issued outside the European Economic Area, a small fee may apply. Once your balance is topped up, you’re ready to start spending at the best exchange rates, withdraw cash, and access even more features—depending on the plan you choose.

What card does Revolut offer for travelers?

With Revolut, you can get a debit card that lets you make purchases abroad with highly competitive exchange rates. If you’re tired of being charged just to use your own money, this card is the perfect solution—plus, it comes with plenty of other perks. Not only can you avoid foreign transaction fees, but you can also track your spending in real time, withdraw cash in multiple currencies, earn daily interest to grow your savings, and more—all from your phone.

When you open an account, you’ll see that Revolut offers five different plans: Standard, Plus, Premium, Metal, and Ultra. Each plan comes with its own features and benefits, which we’ll go over in detail. Here’s a quick overview of what each plan offers, followed by a comparison chart to help you easily spot the differences between them:

• Standard. This is a free plan that offers the basic features of the card, such as currency exchanges and international payments. With this plan, you’ll have lower withdrawal limits and won’t have access to extra benefits like insurance or VIP lounge access.
• Plus. A slightly more advanced plan than the previous one, which includes a 20% discount on international transfers and the possibility of personalizing the card.
• Premium. This plan comes with a wider range of benefits, such as travel insurance and access to airport VIP lounges. You’ll also enjoy higher withdrawal limits and enhanced rewards.
• Metal. This plan is designed for frequent users who want extra perks like exclusive rewards and access to events. You’ll get all the benefits of the previous plans, plus a metal card and more personalized support.
• Ultra. This is the most comprehensive plan of all, with tons of benefits! From higher withdrawal limits to access to events, VIP lounges, extra rewards, and personalized customer service. It’s the priciest option, but you’ll get the most out of your Revolut card.

Delivering as promised, here’s a summary of the different plans Revolut offers for travelers:

Revolut card features

You’re already familiar with the basics of the Revolut card and the different plans it offers for travelers. Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into its features so you can fully understand everything it has to offer.

• Free of charge: Revolut is completely free with no hidden fees. Plus, if you ever decide you no longer need it or want to stop using it, you can easily cancel the service right from the app without any hassle.
• Multi-currency: A main advantage of Revolut is that it allows you to hold balances in more than 30 currencies and convert them at the interbank exchange rate.
• International payments: Make transactions outside your country without hidden fees in most cases.
• ATM withdrawals: Depending on the plan you choose, you’ll have a monthly ATM withdrawal limit (which increases as you move up in plans). After that, moderate fees apply.
• Control from the app: You’ll have full control over your card through the app. Plus, you’ll get instant notifications after every transaction, which adds an extra layer of security. Whenever you withdraw money or make a purchase, the app will immediately show you the details: the amount in the local currency, the exchange rate, and the equivalent in euros. Any fees, like those for currency exchanges or weekend transactions, will also be clearly shown.
• Travel insurance (in Premium and Metal plans): With the higher-tier plans, you’ll get access to various insurance coverage, including medical insurance, flight delay compensation, lost baggage, liability, winter sports, and rental car excess insurance.
• Access to cryptocurrencies: In a world where Bitcoin and altcoins are becoming more popular, your Revolut card lets you buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly from the app.
• Advanced security: Features such as disposable cards for online payments and the ability to disable contactless payments.
• Customer service: The customer service is professional, quick, and available in Spanish and English, so you’ll get the help you need for any questions or issues. Plus, all plans (except the Standard one) offer access to priority chat support.
• RevPoints: It’s a rewards program that gives you up to one point for every 1 euro you spend with your card (this may vary depending on your subscription plan). You can then redeem your points for discounts on accommodations, airline miles, and much more.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Advantages and disadvantages of the Revolut card

Like any service, the Revolut card has its pros and cons. While there are plenty of benefits, we’ll focus here on the ones that are most important for travelers and everyday use.

Here is a table with the main advantages and disadvantages:

(*) The interbank exchange rate doesn’t apply when the forex market is closed (from Friday at 10 PM to Sunday at 11 PM). So, if you make a transaction during this time, a 0.5% fee will apply to most currencies.

How to apply for the Revolut card?

Getting a Revolut card is a simple process that you can do entirely online. In just a few minutes, you’ll have access to your virtual card, and if you’ve requested a physical one, it will arrive in just a few days.

1. Download the app. First you can download the Revolut app available on Google Play or App Store to get your card.
2. Create an account. Fill in your personal data, verify your identity with a photo of your ID card and a selfie.
3. Select the plan. Choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the Standard plan is free, and the others come with a monthly fee that increases as the plan’s services expand.
4. Order the card. Choose the physical or virtual card and provide a shipping address in case you request the former.
5. Fund the account. Add funds to your account by bank transfer or credit card.

With these simple steps you’ll have your Revolut card and you can start enjoying all its benefits!

Revolut Travel Card: opinions and review

If you look up reviews of the Revolut card online, you’ll find plenty, especially on travel blogs. That’s no surprise, as it’s one of the card’s main target groups. We’ve collected feedback from users across various areas to give you a well-rounded view.

1. Make payments in stores

“I’ve been using the Revolut card for over a year now, and I’ve had no issues paying in physical stores across Europe and America. The best part is that I get instant notifications for every purchase, and I can exchange currencies without hidden fees. However, some smaller shops don’t accept contactless payments, so I sometimes have to carry another card as a backup.” – Laura G.

“In Asia, the card worked perfectly in most shops and restaurants. What I like is that I can convert my balance into the local currency before using it, so I avoid surprises with exchange rates. However, in Japan, I had some issues with certain terminals that only accept cards with a specific chip.” – Mark T.

2. Revolut card review: ATM cash withdrawals

“I withdrew money in Brazil and Argentina without any major issues. However, some ATMs charged extra fees that weren’t very clear, which was annoying. The option to see a breakdown of the fees in the app helped me understand it better.” – José R.

“In Europe, everything went smoothly; ATM withdrawals were free up to the monthly limit. In Thailand, while I had no issues withdrawing money, the $200 fee-free limit felt too low for a long trip.” – Emily W.

3. Make online payments

“I use it for subscriptions like Spotify and Netflix, and I’ve never had any issues. Plus, the option to create virtual cards is really useful for shopping on lesser-known websites, since I can delete them after using them.” – Miguel A.

“I booked hotels and flights with my Revolut, and it was great. The exchange rate was always better compared to other cards I’ve used. The only downside is that some websites don’t accept cards issued outside their country.” – Hannah L.

4. Revolut Card review: restrictions and limits

“The $200 withdrawal limit without fees was a bit inconvenient during my trip to the U.S., where costs are higher. Also, when I tried to increase the limit, the verification process took longer than I expected.” – Peter J.

“I went for the Premium plan because I needed higher limits. I’m really happy with it—it does exactly what was promised, and the value for money is excellent. If you tend to spend a lot, I’d recommend going for a higher-tier plan.” – Samuel G.

“Before heading to Italy, I looked into the limits of the standard card. I can say that as long as you plan your withdrawals and are aware of the conditions, it’s smooth sailing. For my use, the limits are fair, and the great thing is that Revolut keeps you well-informed about them through the app.” – Laura M.

5. Security

“I really like that I can freeze and unfreeze my card directly from the app if something seems off. The real-time transaction alerts also make me feel secure, especially when I’m traveling.” – Clara B.

“My card was cloned during a trip, but Revolut’s system detected the suspicious activity and blocked the card right away. The support team was quick, and within a few days, I received a new card, which really put my mind at ease.” – Alex M.

6. Trustpilot opinions about the Revolut card

The Revolut travel card gets great reviews on Trustpilot. Users praise its simplicity for making international payments with no hidden fees, the competitive exchange rates, and the convenience of managing expenses via the app. Many travelers also value extra features like travel insurance and the added security for transactions.

However, some reviews mention issues with customer service, unexpected account freezes, and long resolution times. Despite this, it remains a popular choice due to its flexibility and digital-first approach.

Alternatives to the Revolut card

After reviewing feedback on the Revolut card, it’s clear that it’s a very useful tool for travelers looking to save on fees and manage their money from their phone. While it’s a highly competitive option, there are other alternatives that offer similar services. Curious to know what they are?

1. N26

N26 is another great travel card option and one of the first digital banks in Europe with an official banking license. It provides an easy-to-use platform that lets you make quick and simple transactions right from your phone.

Opening an account is also a quick and easy process. Since it’s a Mastercard linked to a bank account, you can use it anywhere in the world without any issues. Making it a perfect option for travelers or digital nomads who are always on the move.

2. Vivid Money

Vivid Money is a financial platform that’s also very handy for travelers and digital nomads. Its online banking is user-friendly, secure, and allows you to withdraw money, make payments without fees, and handle transfers and currency exchanges for free.

You have two card options to choose from: Vivid Standard, which allows you to withdraw up to 200 euros ($216) a month without any fees (after that, a 3% charge applies), and Vivid Prime, which lets you withdraw up to 1,000 euros ($1,082) a month without any fees.

Frequently asked questions about Revolut Card

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