Revolut - Digital Banking with Crypto Trading

The financial technology revolution has transformed how we manage money, and Revolut stands at the forefront of this digital banking evolution. As one of Europe's most successful fintech companies, Revolut has redefined traditional banking by combining essential financial services with innovative features like cryptocurrency trading, international money transfers, and advanced budgeting tools. This comprehensive guide explores how to maximise your Revolut experience in 2025, covering everything from exclusive signup bonuses and subscription tiers to crypto trading features and international banking capabilities. Whether you're seeking a modern alternative to traditional banking or looking to integrate cryptocurrency into your financial routine, this guide provides the insights needed to navigate Revolut's extensive feature set effectively.

Exclusive Signup Bonuses

New User Rewards

• Referral Bonus: Get rewards when you sign up through our link
• First Transaction: Bonus for completing your first transaction
• Premium Trial: Free trial of Revolut Premium features
• Cashback Offers: Special cashback rates for new users

Bonus Requirements

• Sign up using our referral link
• Complete account verification
• Make qualifying transactions or deposits
• Meet minimum spending requirements

Why Choose Revolut?

All-in-One Financial App

• Digital Banking: Full banking services without traditional banks
• Crypto Trading: Buy, sell, and hold 80+ cryptocurrencies
• International Transfers: Send money globally with low fees
• Multi-Currency: Hold and exchange 28+ currencies
• Budgeting Tools: Track spending and set savings goals

Crypto Features

• 80+ Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and popular altcoins
• Competitive Spreads: Low-cost crypto trading
• Instant Trading: Buy and sell crypto instantly
• Price Alerts: Get notified of price movements
• Recurring Buys: Dollar-cost average into crypto

Banking Services

• Debit Card: Contactless payments worldwide
• ATM Withdrawals: Free withdrawals up to monthly limits
• Direct Deposits: Receive salary and payments
• Bill Payments: Pay bills and set up standing orders
• Savings Vaults: Automated savings with round-ups

Revolut Subscription Tiers

Standard (Free)

• Monthly Fee: Free
• ATM Withdrawals: £200/month free
• Currency Exchange: £1,000/month at interbank rate
• Crypto Trading: 1.5% fee on weekends
• International Transfers: Limited free transfers

Plus (£2.99/month)

• ATM Withdrawals: £400/month free
• Currency Exchange: £5,000/month at interbank rate
• Crypto Trading: No weekend fees
• Cashback: 0.1% on card purchases
• Travel Insurance: Basic coverage included

Premium (£6.99/month)

• ATM Withdrawals: £600/month free
• Currency Exchange: Unlimited at interbank rate
• Crypto Trading: No fees on crypto trades
• Cashback: 0.25% on card purchases
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage
• Airport Lounge: 3 free visits per year

Metal (£12.99/month)

• ATM Withdrawals: £800/month free
• Currency Exchange: Unlimited at interbank rate
• Crypto Trading: No fees plus exclusive features
• Cashback: 1% on card purchases
• Metal Card: Premium 18g metal card
• Airport Lounge: Unlimited visits
• Concierge Service: 24/7 lifestyle assistance

Crypto Trading Features

Supported Cryptocurrencies

• Major Coins: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC)
• Popular Altcoins: Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), Polygon (MATIC)
• Stablecoins: USDC, USDT, DAI
• DeFi Tokens: Uniswap (UNI), Chainlink (LINK), Aave (AAVE)
• New Listings: Regular addition of trending cryptocurrencies

Trading Features

• Instant Trading: Buy and sell crypto with one tap
• Recurring Buys: Set up automatic purchases
• Price Alerts: Get notified of price movements
• Portfolio Tracking: Monitor your crypto investments
• Market Data: Real-time prices and charts

Trading Fees

• Standard: 2.5% spread + 1.5% weekend fee
• Plus: 2.5% spread, no weekend fees
• Premium: 1.5% spread, no additional fees
• Metal: 1.25% spread + exclusive features

International Banking

Multi-Currency Support

• 28+ Currencies: Hold multiple currencies in one account
• Real Exchange Rates: Interbank rates with no markup
• Instant Exchange: Convert currencies instantly
• Rate Alerts: Get notified of favorable exchange rates

International Transfers

• Global Reach: Send money to 160+ countries
• Low Fees: Competitive transfer fees
• Fast Transfers: Most transfers complete within minutes
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or markups

Travel Features

• No Foreign Fees: Spend abroad without extra charges
• ATM Access: Withdraw cash globally
• Travel Insurance: Coverage for trips and purchases
• Airport Lounge: Access to premium lounges

Getting Started Guide

Step 1: Download & Sign Up

• Download the Revolut app from App Store or Google Play
• Click our referral link for exclusive bonuses
• Enter your phone number and email
• Create a secure PIN for the app

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

• Take a photo of your government-issued ID
• Complete a quick selfie for verification
• Provide your address and personal details
• Wait for verification (usually instant)

Step 3: Fund Your Account

• Link your existing bank account
• Make a bank transfer or card payment
• Receive transfers from friends or employers
• Deposit cash at supported locations

Step 4: Order Your Card

• Choose your card design and tier
• Provide delivery address
• Pay any applicable fees
• Receive your card within 5-7 business days

Step 5: Start Using Features

• Make your first crypto purchase
• Set up budgets and savings goals
• Enable notifications and security features
• Explore premium features with free trial

Security & Protection

Account Security

• PIN Protection: Secure app access with PIN or biometrics
• Two-Factor Authentication: Additional security layer
• Device Management: Control which devices can access your account
• Location-Based Security: Automatic security based on location

Card Security

• Instant Freeze: Freeze/unfreeze your card instantly
• Contactless Limits: Set custom contactless payment limits
• ATM Controls: Enable/disable ATM withdrawals
• Geographic Controls: Restrict card usage by location

Regulatory Protection

• FCA Regulated: Authorized by UK Financial Conduct Authority
• FSCS Protection: Up to £85,000 deposit protection
• Segregated Funds: Customer funds kept separate
• Regular Audits: Independent security assessments

Pros & Cons

Advantages

• All-in-One App: Banking, crypto, and international features
• User-Friendly: Intuitive interface and smooth experience
• Competitive Rates: Good exchange rates and low fees
• Global Reach: Works in 35+ countries
• Innovation: Constantly adding new features
• No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing structure
• Premium Features: Valuable benefits for paid tiers
• Customer Support: 24/7 in-app chat support

Considerations

• Limited Crypto Features: No staking or DeFi access
• Custodial Crypto: You don't control private keys
• Geographic Restrictions: Not available in all countries
• Premium Costs: Monthly fees for best features
• Customer Service: Can be slow during peak times
• Account Freezes: Strict compliance can cause delays

Alternative Digital Banks

For Crypto Focus

• Crypto.com - Dedicated crypto platform with Visa card
• Nexo - Crypto lending with debit card
• Wirex - Multi-currency crypto card

For International Banking

• Wise - Specialist in international transfers
• N26: European digital bank
• Monzo: UK-based digital banking

For Traditional Banking

• Starling Bank: UK digital bank with full license
• Chime: US digital banking platform
• Ally Bank: Online bank with high-yield savings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Revolut a real bank?

Revolut is a financial technology company with banking licenses in several countries. In the UK, they're authorised by the FCA and offer deposit protection up to £85,000. They provide most traditional banking services through their mobile app.

Can I use Revolut for crypto trading?

Yes, Revolut supports trading in 80+ cryptocurrencies directly in the app. However, it's custodial trading - you don't control the private keys. For self-custody, you'd need to transfer to an external wallet.

Are there any monthly fees?

The Standard account is free with basic features. Premium tiers (Plus, Premium, and Metal) have monthly fees but offer additional benefits, including higher ATM limits, better exchange rates, and travel insurance.

How do international transfers work?

Revolut offers international transfers to 160+ countries with competitive rates and low fees. Most transfers are completed within minutes using their network; however, some may take longer, depending on the destination.

Is my money safe with Revolut?

Yes, Revolut is regulated by financial authorities in countries where it operates. In the UK, deposits are protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS. Customer funds are kept separate from company funds.

Can I get a physical debit card?

Yes, Revolut offers physical debit cards for all account tiers. Standard cards are free, while premium tiers offer metal cards with enhanced benefits. Cards work globally with contactless payments and ATM access.

Conclusion

Revolut has successfully positioned itself as a comprehensive digital banking solution that bridges traditional financial services with modern cryptocurrency trading and international capabilities. The platform's intuitive mobile-first approach, competitive exchange rates, and innovative features make it an attractive choice for users seeking a modern alternative to traditional banking. While the platform has some limitations in terms of crypto custody and geographic availability, its continuous innovation, regulatory compliance, and user-focused design have made it a trusted choice for millions of users worldwide. As digital banking continues to evolve in 2025, Revolut's commitment to expanding features and maintaining competitive pricing positions it as a leading option for users seeking comprehensive financial services in a single, easy-to-use application.