How to Get a Revolut Card: A Step-by-Step Guide for Global Finance

Revolut has revolutionized the way people manage their money, especially when it comes to international transactions. Offering a multi-currency account, fee-free currency exchange up to certain limits, and a physical or virtual card for spending worldwide, Revolut has become a go-to solution for travelers, expats, freelancers, and anyone who frequently deals with different currencies. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of getting a Revolut card, from signing up to understanding its features and benefits.

What is Revolut?

Before diving into the steps, let’s understand what Revolut is. Revolut is a financial technology company that offers a range of financial services through its mobile app. It operates as a digital bank, providing users with a current account, currency exchange, cryptocurrency trading, stock trading, and more. Its core offering is the multi-currency account, which allows you to hold and exchange money in various currencies at competitive exchange rates. The Revolut card is linked to this account, enabling you to spend money in different currencies without incurring hefty transaction fees.

Why Choose Revolut?

Here are some compelling reasons to choose Revolut:

* **Multi-Currency Account:** Hold and exchange over 30 currencies in one account.
* **Fee-Free Currency Exchange:** Exchange currencies up to a certain monthly limit without any fees (depending on your plan).
* **International Payments:** Send and receive money internationally with low fees and competitive exchange rates.
* **Virtual and Physical Cards:** Get both virtual and physical cards for online and in-person spending.
* **Budgeting Tools:** Track your spending and set budgets to manage your finances effectively.
* **Security Features:** Freeze and unfreeze your card, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for transactions.
* **Cryptocurrency Trading:** Buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies within the Revolut app.
* **Stock Trading:** Invest in stocks and ETFs with commission-free trading (depending on your plan).
* **Vaults:** Save money for specific goals in dedicated vaults.
* **Perks and Rewards:** Earn cashback and other rewards on certain purchases.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you begin the sign-up process, ensure you meet the following eligibility requirements:

* **Age:** You must be at least 18 years old.
* **Residency:** You must be a resident of a country where Revolut operates. Revolut is available in most European countries, the United States, Australia, Singapore, and Japan, among others. Check the Revolut website for the most up-to-date list of supported countries.
* **Smartphone:** You need a smartphone (iOS or Android) to download and use the Revolut app.
* **Valid Identification:** You’ll need a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID card) to verify your identity.
* **Proof of Address:** In some cases, you may be required to provide proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or official letter).

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Revolut Card

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to getting your Revolut card:

Step 1: Download the Revolut App

The first step is to download the Revolut app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Search for “Revolut” and look for the official app with the Revolut logo.

* **For iOS users:** Open the App Store, search for “Revolut,” and tap “Get” to download the app.
* **For Android users:** Open the Google Play Store, search for “Revolut,” and tap “Install” to download the app.

Once the app is downloaded, tap “Open” to launch it.

Step 2: Create an Account

After launching the app, you’ll need to create a Revolut account. Follow these steps:

1. **Enter Your Phone Number:** The app will ask for your phone number. Enter your phone number, including the country code. Make sure it’s a valid phone number that you have access to, as Revolut will send a verification code to this number.
2. **Enter the Verification Code:** Once you’ve entered your phone number, Revolut will send you a verification code via SMS. Enter the code in the app to verify your phone number.
3. **Create a Secure Passcode:** You’ll be prompted to create a secure 4-digit passcode. This passcode will be used to access your Revolut account, so make sure it’s easy to remember but difficult for others to guess. Alternatively, you can enable biometric authentication (fingerprint or face ID) for quicker and more secure access.
4. **Enter Your Personal Information:** You’ll need to provide your personal information, including your first name, last name, date of birth, and residential address. Make sure the information you provide is accurate and matches the details on your identification documents.
5. **Verify Your Identity:** Revolut is required to verify your identity to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID card). Follow the instructions in the app to take a clear photo of your ID. In some cases, you may also be asked to take a selfie to confirm that you are the person in the ID photo. The verification process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Step 3: Choose Your Revolut Plan

Revolut offers several different plans, each with its own features and fees. Here’s a brief overview of the available plans:

* **Standard:** This is the free plan, offering basic features such as a multi-currency account, fee-free currency exchange up to a certain monthly limit, and a virtual card.
* **Plus:** This plan offers additional features such as higher fee-free currency exchange limits, priority customer support, and purchase protection.
* **Premium:** This plan includes even higher fee-free currency exchange limits, travel insurance, and access to exclusive perks.
* **Metal:** This is the top-tier plan, offering the highest fee-free currency exchange limits, a metal Revolut card, and exclusive concierge services.

Review the features and fees of each plan carefully and choose the one that best suits your needs. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time.

Step 4: Top Up Your Account

Before you can order a Revolut card, you need to top up your account with some funds. Revolut offers several ways to top up your account:

* **Bank Transfer:** You can transfer money to your Revolut account from your bank account. Revolut will provide you with the necessary bank details, such as the account number and sort code.
* **Debit or Credit Card:** You can use your debit or credit card to top up your account instantly. Revolut supports Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro cards.
* **Apple Pay or Google Pay:** You can use Apple Pay or Google Pay to top up your account if you have these services set up on your phone.

Choose your preferred method and follow the instructions in the app to top up your account. The minimum top-up amount may vary depending on your country and the method you choose.

Step 5: Order Your Revolut Card

Once you’ve topped up your account, you can order your Revolut card. Here’s how:

1. **Go to the “Cards” Section:** In the Revolut app, tap the “Cards” icon at the bottom of the screen.
2. **Tap “Get a Card”:** Tap the “Get a Card” button to order a new card.
3. **Choose a Card Type:** You can choose between a physical card and a virtual card. A physical card is a plastic card that you can use for in-person spending, while a virtual card is a digital card that you can use for online spending. You can order both types of cards if you want.
4. **Customize Your Card (Optional):** Some Revolut plans allow you to customize your card with a custom design or text. If this option is available, you can personalize your card to your liking.
5. **Confirm Your Shipping Address:** Verify that your shipping address is correct. This is where your physical card will be delivered. Make sure the address is accurate and complete to avoid any delivery issues.
6. **Pay for Shipping (If Applicable):** Depending on your plan, you may need to pay a shipping fee for your physical card. The shipping fee will be displayed in the app before you confirm your order.
7. **Confirm Your Order:** Review your order details and tap “Confirm” to order your Revolut card.

Step 6: Activate Your Card

Once you receive your physical Revolut card, you’ll need to activate it before you can start using it. Here’s how:

1. **Go to the “Cards” Section:** In the Revolut app, tap the “Cards” icon at the bottom of the screen.
2. **Select Your Card:** Select the card that you want to activate.
3. **Tap “Activate Card”:** Tap the “Activate Card” button.
4. **Enter the CVV Code:** Enter the CVV code (the 3-digit code on the back of your card) to activate your card.

Once your card is activated, you can start using it for online and in-person spending.

Using Your Revolut Card

Now that you have your Revolut card, here’s how to use it effectively:

* **Spending in Different Currencies:** When you spend money in a different currency, Revolut will automatically convert the currency at the interbank exchange rate (up to your plan’s limits). This can save you a significant amount of money compared to using a traditional bank card, which often charges high transaction fees and unfavorable exchange rates.
* **Withdrawing Cash from ATMs:** You can use your Revolut card to withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide. Revolut offers fee-free ATM withdrawals up to a certain monthly limit (depending on your plan). After you exceed the limit, you’ll be charged a small fee per withdrawal.
* **Online Spending:** Use your virtual or physical Revolut card for online purchases. The virtual card is particularly useful for online spending, as it provides an extra layer of security. You can generate a new virtual card number for each online transaction to protect your main card details.
* **Freezing and Unfreezing Your Card:** If you lose your card or suspect that it has been compromised, you can freeze it instantly in the Revolut app. This will prevent anyone from using your card until you unfreeze it. You can also unfreeze your card at any time if you find it or if you no longer suspect any fraudulent activity.
* **Setting Spending Limits:** You can set spending limits on your Revolut card to control your spending and prevent overspending. You can set daily, weekly, or monthly spending limits in the Revolut app.
* **Instant Notifications:** Receive instant notifications for all transactions made with your Revolut card. This allows you to track your spending in real-time and identify any unauthorized transactions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter when getting or using your Revolut card and how to troubleshoot them:

* **Account Verification Issues:** If you’re having trouble verifying your identity, make sure the photos of your ID are clear and that the information you provided matches the details on your ID. If you’re still having issues, contact Revolut support for assistance.
* **Top-Up Issues:** If you’re having trouble topping up your account, make sure you have sufficient funds in your bank account or on your debit/credit card. Also, check that you’ve entered the correct bank details or card information. If you’re still having issues, contact your bank or Revolut support.
* **Card Delivery Issues:** If you haven’t received your physical card within the expected delivery time, check the tracking information in the Revolut app. If the tracking information shows that the card has been delivered but you haven’t received it, contact Revolut support to investigate the issue.
* **Card Activation Issues:** If you’re having trouble activating your card, make sure you’ve entered the correct CVV code. If you’re still having issues, contact Revolut support.
* **Transaction Issues:** If you’re having trouble making a transaction, make sure you have sufficient funds in your Revolut account. Also, check that the merchant accepts Revolut cards. If you’re still having issues, contact Revolut support.

Tips for Maximizing Your Revolut Experience

Here are some tips for maximizing your Revolut experience:

* **Take Advantage of Fee-Free Currency Exchange:** Use Revolut for all your international transactions to take advantage of fee-free currency exchange up to your plan’s limits.
* **Use Virtual Cards for Online Spending:** Use virtual cards for online spending to protect your main card details.
* **Set Spending Limits to Control Your Spending:** Set spending limits to control your spending and prevent overspending.
* **Use Vaults to Save Money for Specific Goals:** Use Vaults to save money for specific goals, such as travel or a down payment on a house.
* **Explore Other Revolut Features:** Revolut offers a wide range of other features, such as cryptocurrency trading and stock trading. Explore these features to see if they can benefit you.
* **Refer Friends to Revolut:** Refer your friends to Revolut and earn rewards when they sign up and start using the app.
* **Stay Updated on Revolut’s New Features and Promotions:** Revolut is constantly adding new features and running promotions. Stay updated on these developments to take advantage of them.

Conclusion

Getting a Revolut card is a straightforward process that can significantly simplify your financial life, especially if you frequently travel or deal with international transactions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily sign up for a Revolut account, order your card, and start enjoying its many benefits. From fee-free currency exchange to budgeting tools and security features, Revolut offers a comprehensive solution for managing your money in the modern world. So, download the Revolut app today and take control of your finances.