What the Revolut Credit Card Is

Revolut is a fintech company that issues a credit card through partnerships with traditional banks. The card works like any other credit card — you charge purchases, receive a monthly bill, and pay interest if you carry a balance. The main difference is that Revolut handles the account through a mobile app rather than a traditional bank website, and the card is tied to a Revolut account that also offers currency exchange and money transfer services.

Revolut offers multiple card tiers, each with different fees and benefits. The basic tier is free; higher tiers charge monthly fees but include perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and higher spending limits. The credit card itself is a separate product from Revolut's debit card and money transfer features, though they all live in the same app.

The card is issued by partner banks — which vary by country — and is accepted anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Revolut does not set your credit limit or interest rate; those come from the issuing bank based on your credit history and income.

Key Takeaways

  • Revolut's credit card is managed through a mobile app and issued by a partner bank, so approval depends on the bank's credit check, not Revolut's decision alone.
  • The card itself is free on Revolut's basic tier, but higher tiers charge monthly fees ranging from roughly £7 to £13 depending on your region and tier level.
  • Your credit limit, interest rate, and approval odds depend on the issuing bank's underwriting, not Revolut's policies.
  • Revolut charges foreign transaction fees on some tiers and offers fee-free currency conversion on others, so compare tier benefits against your spending patterns.
  • The card is a Mastercard and works at any merchant that accepts Mastercard, but some countries and card tiers have different feature sets.

How to Request a Revolut Credit Card

To request a Revolut credit card, you must first have an active Revolut account. If you do not have one, read the Revolut app, verify your identity with a photo ID and selfie, and link a bank account. This process usually takes a few minutes.

Once your account is active, open the app and look for the credit card section — usually under a "Cards" or "Products" tab. Select the option to request a credit card. Revolut will ask for your income, employment status, and existing debts. This information goes to the issuing bank, which runs a credit check and makes the approval decision.

The bank may request additional documents, such as proof of income or address verification. Revolut will notify you through the app if more information is needed. Approval typically takes a few days to a week, though it can take longer if the bank requests documents.

Once approved, the card is usually issued within 1 to 2 weeks. You can use the virtual card number in the app when ready for online purchases while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Credit Limits and Interest Rates

Revolut does not set your credit limit or interest rate — the issuing bank does. Your limit depends on your credit score, income, employment history, and existing debts. First-time credit card users or those with limited credit history may receive lower limits, often starting between £500 and £2,000.

Interest rates vary by country and by the issuing bank's policies. Revolut does not publish a standard APR; instead, you will see your rate in the card terms after approval. Rates are typically higher for users with lower credit scores and lower for those with strong credit histories.

You can request a credit limit increase after you have held the card for several months and made on-time payments. Submit the request through the app, and the bank will review your account history and current financial situation.

Fees and Costs by Tier

Revolut's basic tier (Standard) includes a free credit card with no monthly fee. You pay interest on any balance you carry, and you may incur foreign transaction fees depending on your region.

Higher tiers charge monthly fees and offer additional benefits. Revolut Plus typically costs around £7 per month and includes travel insurance and higher spending limits. Revolut Premium costs roughly £13 per month and adds airport lounge access, cashback on purchases, and fee-free currency conversion. Revolut Metal is the highest tier and costs around £13 to £20 per month, depending on your region, with additional perks like concierge services and premium travel insurance.

All tiers charge interest on unpaid balances at the rate set by the issuing bank. Late payment fees and over-limit fees, if applicable, are set by the bank and will appear in your card terms. Some regions do not allow over-limit fees, so check your local regulations.

Foreign transaction fees vary by tier and region. On the Standard tier, you may pay a percentage fee (often 1% to 3%) for purchases made in currencies other than your account currency. Higher tiers often offer fee-free currency conversion, which can save money if you travel or shop internationally.

How Payments Work

You can make payments to your Revolut credit card through the app. Link a bank account, and you can transfer money from that account to your card balance. Payments usually process within 1 to 2 business days.

Set up automatic payments through the app to pay a fixed amount each month or to pay your full balance automatically on your due date. This helps you avoid late payments and interest charges. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the app.

Your monthly statement shows all charges, payments, interest, and fees. You can view it in the app or request a PDF copy. Your due date is set by the issuing bank and will be shown in your account.

If you miss a payment, the bank will charge a late fee (if allowed in your region) and report the missed payment to credit bureaus. This can lower your credit score and make future credit harder to obtain. Contact Revolut's support team when ready if you cannot make a payment on time.

Using Your Card and Rewards

Your Revolut credit card is a Mastercard and works at any merchant that accepts Mastercard, both online and in stores. You can use the virtual card number in the app for online purchases when ready after approval, before the physical card arrives.

Revolut does not offer rewards points or cashback on the Standard tier. Higher tiers may include cashback on certain categories or all purchases — check your tier's terms for details. Cashback is usually credited to your account within a few days of the purchase posting.

Some merchants may not accept the card if they have restrictions on fintech-issued cards or if they require a traditional bank card. This is rare but can happen with certain government agencies, insurance companies, or international merchants. If a merchant declines your card, try a different payment method or contact Revolut support.

Security and Fraud Protection

Revolut's app includes security features such as biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition), PIN protection, and the ability to freeze or unfreeze your card when ready from the app. If your card is lost or stolen, you can freeze it when ready without waiting for a replacement.

The card is protected by Mastercard's fraud liability policies. If unauthorized charges appear on your account, report them to Revolut through the app. Revolut will investigate and, if fraud is confirmed, reverse the charges. This process typically takes 5 to 10 business days.

Revolut stores your card details in the app and does not share them with merchants during transactions — instead, a tokenized version is used. This reduces the risk of your full card number being exposed if a merchant's system is compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Revolut credit card if I have bad credit?

The issuing bank makes the approval decision based on your credit history, income, and debts. If you have bad credit, you may be declined or offered a very low credit limit. Some banks are more lenient than others, so it depends on which bank issues cards in your region. If you are declined, focus on improving your credit score before reapplying.

What happens if I do not pay my Revolut credit card bill?

If you miss a payment, the issuing bank will charge a late fee (where allowed), report the missed payment to credit bureaus, and may increase your interest rate. Repeated missed payments can lead to the bank closing your account and referring your debt to a collection agency. Contact Revolut support when ready if you cannot pay on time to discuss options.

Is the Revolut credit card accepted everywhere?

The card is a Mastercard and is accepted at any merchant that takes Mastercard. However, some merchants — particularly government agencies, certain insurance companies, and some international retailers — may not accept fintech-issued cards. If a merchant declines your card, try a different payment method or contact Revolut support to report the issue.

Can I transfer my Revolut credit card balance to another card?

Balance transfers depend on the issuing bank's policies and the other card's terms. Some cards offer balance transfer options, but Revolut does not manage this process — you would need to contact the other card issuer directly. Check whether a balance transfer fee applies before proceeding.

How does Revolut's currency conversion work on the credit card?

When you make a purchase in a currency different from your account currency, Revolut converts it using its exchange rate. On the Standard tier, a foreign transaction fee may explore. On higher tiers, currency conversion is often fee-free, meaning you get Revolut's mid-market rate without additional markups. Check your tier's terms for the exact fees that explore to your region.