
Revolut In Depth Review
Revolut is a global financial super-app offering multi-currency spending, savings, investments, and travel-friendly features, all within a sleek mobile experience. Known for its powerful international tools, real-time analytics, and wide product range, Revolut has become a leading choice for people who want more than a simple current account.
Review Contents
Navigate through detailed analysis
Overview & Approach
Revolut positions itself as a financial super-app rather than a traditional bank, offering a broad selection of tools that range from currency exchange and savings to crypto, stocks, and travel perks. Its approach prioritises flexibility, speed, and global usability, making it ideal for users who want to manage multiple aspects of their finances from a single app.
With over 65 million customers worldwide, Revolut has evolved from a travel card service into a comprehensive digital financial platform. It has obtained a UK banking licence and is currently in a 'mobilisation' period, during which it operates as an e-money institution. The platform is designed for users who want modern tools, global spending power, and access to financial features not typically found in traditional bank accounts.
Trust & Customer Ratings
Revolut operates as an e-money institution in the UK, meaning funds are safeguarded in ring-fenced accounts but are not currently protected by the FSCS. The company is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and has a UK banking licence, but is in a transitional 'mobilisation' period as it sets up its banking processes.
Customer sentiment presents a dual picture. Reviews on platforms like Trustpilot frequently praise the app's user-friendly interface, fast transactions, competitive exchange rates, and convenience for travel. However, a significant and recurring theme in user feedback, particularly on app stores, involves severe frustrations with customer service. These include reports of accounts being blocked or funds held for extended periods with little explanation, long and ineffective support chat queues, and difficulties resolving verification or technical issues.
Security features are strong, with biometric login, instant card freezing, disposable virtual cards for online shopping, and AI-powered fraud alerts.
4.6 / 5
Trust Score
FSCS Protection
No β safeguarded, not FSCS
Apple App Store
4.8 / 5
Google Play
4.7 / 5
Sign-up Time
~3 minutes
Digital & App Features
Revolut offers one of the richest feature sets of any financial app, covering everything from everyday spending and budgeting to international transfers, multi-currency accounts, investments, and even travel perks. The interface is sleek and intuitive, providing quick access to powerful tools not commonly found in traditional banking apps.
Users can hold and exchange dozens of currencies, spend abroad at competitive rates, track spending in real time, and create multiple 'Pockets' for budgeting. The app also supports commission-free stock trading (capital at risk), crypto trading, automated savings with 'Vaults', and offers premium subscription tiers that unlock additional features like airport lounge access and partner subscriptions.
For users who want financial flexibility, international capabilities, and lifestyle tools all in one app, Revolut stands out as one of the most feature-packed digital finance platforms available.
Hold & exchange 36+ currencies
Fee-free international card spending (subject to plan)
International transfers to 160+ countries
Budgeting 'Pockets' & spending analytics
Savings 'Vaults' with round-ups (up to 4.25% APY)
Stock & cryptocurrency trading
Virtual, disposable, & physical cards
Premium plans with travel insurance & lounge access
Accounts for kids, teens, joints, and businesses
24/7 in-app customer support
Account Types & Fees
Revolut operates a tiered pricing model with five personal plans, from the free Standard account to the high-end Ultra plan. The free account is suitable for light day-to-day use, while frequent travellers or heavy international spenders may benefit from the increased allowances and protections provided by paid tiers.
Key benefits on paid plans include higher fee-free currency exchange and ATM withdrawal limits, better savings rates, travel insurance (on Metal and Ultra), airport lounge access (Ultra), and bundled subscriptions. Revolut does not offer overdrafts or other credit products in the UK.
Account Types
- Standard (Free)
- Plus (Β£3.99/month)
- Premium (Β£7.99/month)
- Metal (Β£14.99/month)
- Ultra (Β£55/month introductory)
- Joint Accounts
- Business & 'Pro' Accounts
- Kids & Teens Accounts (6-17)
Detailed Fees
App Experience
Revolut offers a premium, modern app experience with smooth navigation and quick access to a huge range of financial tools. The interface is visually polished and designed to handle everything from daily spending to advanced financial actions in just a few taps.
Performance is generally fast and responsive, with detailed analytics and real-time updates across spending and investments. Security controls, like instant card freezing and generating single-use virtual cards, are robust and easily accessible.
While the core app experience is highly rated for its design and features, users should be aware that navigating complex issues can be challenging due to widely reported customer service difficulties.
Pros & Cons
Revolut offers one of the broadest and most powerful financial toolkits available in a single app. Here is a balanced view of its main advantages and significant limitations, based on user experiences and its current regulatory status:
β Pros
- β’Excellent for travel & multi-currency spending with competitive rates
- β’Huge range of features beyond banking: stocks, crypto, savings vaults
- β’Transparent, tiered pricing with a robust free plan
- β’User-friendly app praised for speed and design
- β’Premium plans offer valuable perks like travel insurance and lounge access
β Cons
- β’Not FSCS protected in the UK; funds are safeguarded as an e-money institution
- β’Severe and frequent customer service issues reported, including account blocks and fund holds
- β’No traditional banking services like overdrafts, loans, or cash/cheque deposits
- β’Complex issues can take days or weeks to resolve with support
- β’Weekend exchange surcharges and ATM limits on free/low-tier plans
Revolut Features Overview
About Revolut
- β’A global financial super-app with over 65 million users.
- β’Holds a UK banking licence and is in a 'mobilisation' period to become a fully operational bank.
- β’Popular among travellers, freelancers, and users seeking advanced financial tools.
Savings & Pots
- β’Savings 'Vaults' offer interest up to 4.25% APY (higher on premium plans).
- β’Savings can be held in GBP, USD, or EUR.
- β’Funds can be accessed at any time without penalty.
Loans & Overdrafts
- β’Does not provide UK overdrafts or traditional personal loans.
- β’Focus is on spending, saving, and investing, not credit products.
Who Is Revolut Best For?
- β’Frequent international travellers and global spenders.
- β’Users comfortable with a fully digital, app-based service.
- β’People who want to manage spending, saving, and investing in one place.
- β’Those who may not require in-person support for complex issues.
Card & Spending
- β’Physical and virtual debit cards (Mastercard or Visa).
- β’Disposable virtual cards for secure online spending.
- β’Advanced in-app controls for spending limits and location security.
Budgeting & Money Tools
- β’Spending categorisation & budgeting tools across 36+ currencies.
- β’'Pockets' feature to organise money for specific goals.
- β’Instant insights and bill-splitting functionality.
International & Travel
- β’Competitive exchange rates for spending abroad.
- β’Travel insurance included with Metal and Ultra plans.
- β’Airport lounge access included with the Ultra plan.
App & Usability
- β’Premium, polished design frequently praised by users.
- β’Account setup takes just a few minutes.
- β’Widely reported difficulties obtaining timely, effective customer support for non-routine issues.
Final Verdict
Revolut is one of the most feature-rich financial apps in the world, offering an unrivalled suite of tools for international spending, currency exchange, saving, and investing. For frequent travellers, digital nomads, or anyone seeking a powerful, all-in-one financial hub, its value proposition is exceptionally strong.
However, this recommendation comes with a critical caveat. Revolut's most significant weakness is its customer service, with numerous and consistent reports of accounts being blocked, funds held without clear explanation, and support being slow or ineffective in resolving complex issues. Furthermore, it is not yet a full UK bank for FSCS protection purposes.
Therefore, Revolut is best suited as a secondary financial tool for specific purposes like travel and currency exchange, or for tech-savvy users who are confident they won't need complex support. It is difficult to recommend as a user's sole or primary bank account until its customer service and banking authorisation processes mature.
Financial Information Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and may not always reflect the latest fees, rates, or terms offered by each bank. While we do our best to keep content accurate and up-to-date, you should always check the bankβs official website or app before applying for an account. Nothing on this site constitutes financial advice.
Ready to Choose Your Digital Bank?
Compare all features, rates, and benefits side-by-side to find your perfect match.
