Revolut Review 2026

What is Revolut?

Revolut is a UK-founded financial super app launched in 2015. With over 45 million customers worldwide, it's one of the most popular choices for expats and travellers in Europe. Revolut offers multi-currency accounts, international money transfers, budgeting tools, and even crypto and stock trading — all in one app.

Is Revolut good for expats?

For most expats arriving in Europe, Revolut is the easiest first step. You can open an account in minutes from anywhere in the world, receive a virtual card immediately, and start spending in euros the same day — no local address, no NIF, no proof of residence required.

If you're moving to Portugal, Germany, Spain or any EU country, Revolut is an excellent bridge account while you sort out your local bureaucracy. You can receive salary payments, pay rent via SEPA transfer, and use it at any contactless terminal in Europe.

Revolut plans and fees

Revolut has four plans:

• Standard (free): Multi-currency account, debit card, fee-free ATM withdrawals in EUR within EEA, transfers in 25+ currencies. The best starting point for most expats.
• Plus (€3.99/month): Adds purchase protection and priority support.
• Premium (€9.99/month): Unlimited currency exchange, overseas medical insurance, higher ATM limits.
• Metal (€16.99/month): Cashback on card payments, concierge service, airport lounge access.

ATM withdrawals

On the Standard plan, ATM withdrawals in EUR within the EEA (including Portugal, Germany, Spain, France, etc.) are completely free with no limits. Outside the EEA or in non-EUR currencies, you get up to 5 withdrawals or €200/month free — after that a 2% fee applies (minimum €1).

This makes Revolut one of the best cards to use at ATMs across Europe as a euro-zone resident.

Is Revolut a real bank?

Revolut has a full banking licence in Lithuania (valid across the EU) and in the UK, but most customers are still on the e-money institution tier. This means your deposits are not automatically covered by the EU's €100,000 deposit guarantee scheme. Revolut safeguards your funds in segregated accounts at top-tier banks, which is a regulatory requirement — but it's not the same as FSCS or DGS protection.

If deposit protection is important to you, consider N26 or bunq which hold full banking licences with deposit guarantee coverage.

How to open a Revolut account

Download the Revolut app, enter your phone number, upload a photo ID (passport or national ID), and take a selfie. In most countries the process takes under 10 minutes and you'll receive a virtual card instantly. A physical card arrives by post in 3–5 business days.

Bottom line

Revolut is the best all-around option for expats who want a feature-rich account they can open before they even land. The free Standard plan covers 90% of what most expats need. Upgrade to Premium if you want travel insurance and higher ATM limits.