Revolut Travel
Revolut Travel
Revolut has changed how people handle money, especially when traveling. This fintech company offers a range of services that cater to the needs of globetrotters. Their innovation and technology have simplified international transactions and made managing money abroad more efficient.
Multi-Currency Accounts
One of Revolut’s standout features is its multi-currency accounts. Users can hold and exchange up to 28 different currencies at interbank exchange rates. This eliminates the need to visit currency exchange desks at airports or withdraw large sums of foreign currency in advance.
Holding multiple currencies is particularly useful for frequent travelers. You can switch between currencies with just a few taps on the app. If you’re traveling through several countries, keep track of how much you have in each currency. This feature also helps you avoid hefty fees for international transactions that traditional banks often charge.
Interbank Exchange Rates
Revolut offers interbank exchange rates for currency conversion. This is often the cheapest rate you can get. Traditional banks and currency exchange services usually add a markup to their rates, making them more expensive. With Revolut, users save money by avoiding these hidden fees. However, it’s worth noting that over weekends, an additional markup is added to protect against fluctuations when markets are closed.
ATM Withdrawals
With a Revolut card, you can withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide. There are no direct fees for withdrawing currency, but there is a monthly limit based on your plan. If you exceed this limit, you’ll incur a small fee. This feature is highly convenient, especially in regions where card payments are not as widely accepted. Be sure to check the ATM’s fees though, as some machines charge their own fees for withdrawals.
Security and Ease of Use
The Revolut app includes extensive security features. You can instantly freeze and unfreeze your card, set spending limits, and receive real-time notifications for each transaction. There’s also a location-based security feature that matches your card transactions with your phone’s location to prevent fraud. These features provide peace of mind for travelers.
The user interface is designed with ease of use in mind. Navigating through different features and accessing your accounts is straightforward, even if you are new to digital banking. The app is available on both iOS and Android, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Travel Insurance
Revolut offers pay-per-day travel insurance. It automatically activates when you leave your country and deactivates when you return. The insurance covers medical expenses, trip delays, and lost luggage. You can even extend your coverage to include winter sports and other activities. This flexibility means you only pay for the days you are actually traveling, which can be more cost-effective than traditional travel insurance policies.
Revolut Rewards
Through Revolut Rewards, users can access special discounts and cashback offers. These rewards are available at a variety of retailers, both online and offline. When you travel, these rewards can add up and result in significant savings on hotels, car rentals, and dining. Regular updates to the rewards ensure there are always new deals to take advantage of.
Spending Analytics
The app includes spending analytics that allow users to track where their money goes. You can categorize your spending and set budgets for different categories. This feature helps you manage your finances more efficiently while traveling. You get a clear picture of your spending habits and can make adjustments to stay within your budget. You can also set up savings goals for future travel plans.
Split Bills and Group Expenses
Traveling with friends or family can lead to complicated shared expenses. Revolut simplifies this with its bill-splitting feature. You can easily split bills with other Revolut users, ensuring everyone pays their share. The app tracks who owes what and sends reminders for pending payments. This is particularly useful for group trips, where expenses can quickly become confusing.
Cryptocurrency Integration
For those interested in cryptocurrencies, Revolut provides an integrated platform to buy, hold, and sell cryptos. While not the primary feature for most travelers, it adds a layer of flexibility for managing your assets. Traditional finance tools and new-age digital currencies are both available within the same app.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support is crucial, especially when you’re in a foreign country. Revolut offers 24/7 in-app support. Whether you have a question or face an issue, help is just a tap away. Premium and Metal users get access to priority customer support with faster response times.
Global Acceptance
The Revolut card is accepted at millions of locations worldwide. Whether you’re dining in Paris, shopping in Tokyo, or booking a hotel in New York, you can use your Revolut card just like any other debit card. The card is contactless, making payments quick and straightforward.
Premium and Metal Plans
Revolut offers different plans with additional benefits. The Premium and Metal plans come with higher ATM withdrawal limits, priority customer support, and exclusive travel perks. Metal Plan subscribers get cashback on purchases and a sleek metal card. These plans are worth considering for frequent travelers who want extra benefits and services.
Limitations and Considerations
While Revolut has many features that make traveling easier, there are some limitations to consider. Some users have reported issues with card acceptance in specific regions, although this is relatively rare. Another consideration is the weekend exchange rate markup, which can make transactions slightly more expensive.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your withdrawal limits to avoid fees. If you have a standard account, the monthly withdrawal limit might not be sufficient for longer trips. Upgrading to a Premium or Metal plan can help mitigate this issue.
How To Sign Up
Signing up for Revolut is straightforward. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Register using your phone number and follow the verification steps. Once verified, you can top up your account and start using Revolut’s features. You’ll receive a physical card, but you can also use a virtual card for online transactions.