Why Revolut Is the Best Travel Card for 2025

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Introduction
Travel costs add up fast—foreign transaction fees, bad exchange rates, ATM charges, and the hassle of managing multiple cards. Revolut streamlines all of that into one powerful app and card that’s purpose-built for travelers. After trying a range of travel cards and bank accounts, Revolut consistently delivers the best blend of exchange rates, fee transparency, and travel-friendly features.

Sign up here to get started with Revolut:

What Makes Revolut Ideal for Travel

Real exchange rates (no hidden markups)

Revolut uses interbank or close-to-interbank rates during market hours, which typically beat traditional banks and most debit/credit cards that add 2–3% markups. Example over a two-week trip to Singapore, this alone can save you a surprising amount.

Low or no foreign transaction fees

With Revolut, you avoid the typical 2–3% foreign transaction fee many banks charge. Even on the free plan, most travelers see immediate savings versus their home bank card.

Multi-currency accounts

Hold and exchange dozens of currencies in-app at excellent rates. Preload EUR, USD, or local currency before you fly, lock in a favorable rate, and spend like a local.

Smart ATM withdrawals

Take out cash abroad without paying your bank’s out-of-network or international penalties. Revolut offers monthly fee-free ATM allowances depending on your plan, and shows fees clearly if you go over.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) protection

If a terminal abroad asks “Pay in your home currency?”—always choose local currency. Revolut helps by sending instant spend notifications so you can spot bad DCC conversions and avoid them.

Virtual and disposable cards for safer bookings

Create single-use virtual cards for flights, hotels, and car rentals to reduce fraud risk. If a merchant is compromised, your main card stays safe.

Powerful budgeting and spend analytics

Get instant notifications, per-merchant tracking, and category budgets. Perfect for keeping your trip on budget without spreadsheets.

Travel perks on paid plans

Upgrading unlocks higher fee-free ATM limits, better FX allowances, and premium benefits like overseas medical insurance, lounge access with SmartDelay, and priority support—great value if you travel often.

International transfers made easy

Send money to friends or pay local providers in their currency at sharp rates. No need for clunky bank transfers that take days and add mystery fees.

Cards that just work globally

Apple Pay/Google Pay support, contactless everywhere, and wide acceptance make Revolut reliable at restaurants, transport kiosks, and small shops.

Common Travel Scenarios Where Revolut Shines

City breaks and weekend trips

Tap-and-go transit, café payments, and small merchants with no extra fees. The real-time spend alerts help you keep tabs on costs.

Backpacking or multi-country tours

Hold multiple currencies, swap at competitive rates, and withdraw cash when needed. The app’s security controls let you freeze/unfreeze the card instantly.

Longer stays and digital nomad life

Get paid or pay local rent in the right currency, avoid wire fees, and keep track of spending across categories. Virtual cards are perfect for recurring subscriptions.

Group trips and expense splitting

Use Revolut to split bills instantly—no complex math or awkward follow-ups.

How Revolut Compares to Traditional Banks

• Lower total cost: No 2–3% foreign transaction fee, better FX rates, and clear ATM allowances.
• Faster and clearer: Instant notifications, in-app controls, live exchange, and budgeting analytics.
• Safer online: Virtual/disposable cards greatly reduce fraud risk on travel bookings.

Tips to Maximize Savings with Revolut

• Always pay in local currency to dodge DCC markups.
• Exchange on weekdays during market hours for the best rates.
• Withdraw cash in fewer, larger amounts within your plan’s fee-free allowance.
• Use virtual cards for flights and hotels, and keep your physical card for in-person spending.
• Consider a paid plan if you travel often; the extra FX and ATM allowances can pay for themselves.
• Enable security features: location-based security, freeze on tap, and spending limits.

Is the Free Plan Enough?

For occasional travelers, yes. You get excellent FX rates, fee transparency, basic ATM withdrawals, and the core budgeting features. If you travel several times a year or need higher allowances, premium plans add meaningful value—especially for insurance and ATM limits.

Get Started with Revolut
It takes minutes to sign up, verify, and add your physical or virtual card to your phone wallet. You’ll be ready to spend abroad at excellent rates with instant spend alerts and better security.

Join Revolut here:

FAQ

Does Revolut charge foreign transaction fees?
Revolut doesn’t add the typical 2–3% foreign transaction fee most banks do. FX and ATM allowances vary by plan; the app shows any fees upfront.

Are weekend FX markups a thing?
Some plans apply a small markup outside market hours to account for rate fluctuations. Exchanging on weekdays usually gets you the best price.

Will Revolut work everywhere?
It’s widely accepted wherever Mastercard/Visa are supported. Still carry a backup card just in case a terminal is offline.

Is it safe to use abroad?
Yes—instant notifications, freeze/unfreeze, location-based security, and virtual cards give you multiple layers of protection.

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