Revolut is in almost every traveller's backpack. But "I have Revolut" does not mean "I pay the least abroad". A few rules make the difference, and most people do not know them.
Why take Revolut on the road
- Interbank exchange rate instead of a bank rate where you typically lose 2-4 %.
- Multi-currency accounts - hold euros, crowns or dollars side by side and exchange with one tap.
- Virtual and disposable cards for bookings on less trusted websites.
- Instant card freeze in the app when your wallet goes missing.
- Notification for every payment, so you see the real cost in your home currency.
Exchange rates: where Revolut saves you and where it can burn you
On weekdays you exchange close to the interbank rate. Watch out for three situations:
- Weekend markup. From Friday evening to Sunday a markup applies (around 1 % on the free plan). Exchange larger amounts on Thursday.
- Free exchange limit. The free plan has a monthly limit; above it you pay a fee. Paid plans raise or remove it.
- Exotic currencies carry a higher markup than EUR or USD.
DCC: the terminal trap no card can fix
When a terminal or ATM asks whether to pay "in your home currency", always decline and choose the local currency. Otherwise the merchant converts at their own, much worse rate.
ATM withdrawals
Each plan has a monthly fee-free withdrawal limit; above it you pay a percentage. Some ATMs (typically Euronet in tourist areas) add their own fee. Withdraw less often but larger amounts, and skip Euronet.
Paid plans: Standard, Plus, Premium, Metal, Ultra
- Standard (free) - fine for an occasional European weekend.
- Plus and Premium - higher limits, Premium adds travel insurance and lounge discounts.
- Metal - more RevPoints, insurance, lounges and a bundle of partner app subscriptions.
- Ultra - top tier with unlimited lounges for frequent flyers.
Prices and benefits change, so always check them in the app.
When a paid plan pays off
If you exchange more than the free limit abroad, withdraw cash often or want travel insurance included, a paid plan pays for itself on a single longer trip. If you also use the partner subscriptions, it pays off at home too.
Which plan for your trip budget
| Trip budget | Recommended plan | Currency exchange | ATM withdrawals | When it pays off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 200 € (city break, weekend) | Standard (free) | Within the free limit, watch the weekend markup | The small free limit is enough | A paid plan makes no sense, exchange on a weekday beforehand. |
| Up to 500 € (a week in Europe) | Standard or Plus | Usually within the free limit, saves a good sum versus a regular bank | Cash only for small things, pay by card | Standard is enough, Plus adds headroom in higher limits. |
| 1 000 € and more (long trip, exotic places, family) | Premium or Metal | Higher or unlimited exchange limit | Several times higher free limit | Pays off in one trip: rates, insurance included and app subscriptions. |
Limits and plan prices change, always check current values in the app.
Combo with Wise: the backup card
Never travel with just one card. As a backup I recommend Wise - transparent fees, great rates even at weekends.
Data while travelling
To get payment notifications and 3D Secure confirmations outside the EU, get an eSIM.