Revolut and Safety Tips: What to Know
Understanding Revolut: A Quick Overview
Revolut is a UK-based fintech company offering digital banking services through its app. Since launching in 2015, it has expanded globally with over 35 million users as of 2025. Revolut provides services such as multi-currency accounts, peer-to-peer payments, stock trading, and cryptocurrency investments, all accessible via mobile. The company’s popularity stems from its low fees, real-time spending analytics, and travel-friendly features like no foreign exchange markups.
UK users enjoy features https://nongamstop-sites.com/no-deposit/ like free international ATM withdrawals up to a certain limit, Apple Pay and Google Pay integration, and real-time fraud alerts. It’s particularly popular among tech-savvy users looking for an alternative to traditional banks, offering a streamlined and user-friendly financial experience. Users can manage money, set budgets, and make international transfers quickly within the app.
What is Revolut and how does it work?
Revolut functions as a digital wallet and bank alternative, allowing users to open accounts with just a smartphone and valid identification. Once verified, users receive a physical or virtual debit card that connects to their account. Through the app, they can send and receive money, exchange currencies, and invest in stocks or crypto. Transactions are processed in real time, with push notifications for transparency.
For UK residents, Revolut works seamlessly with the Faster Payments Service (FPS), enabling quick bank transfers. Revolut’s infrastructure supports contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The app is available on both Android and iOS, and supports biometric logins like fingerprint and Face ID for added security.
Types of accounts and services offered
Revolut offers several account tiers: Standard (free), Plus (£2.99/month), Premium (£6.99/month), and Metal (£12.99/month). Each level provides increasing benefits like higher ATM withdrawal limits, travel insurance, lounge access, and priority support. Users can also open junior accounts for children, manage savings vaults, and create group bills for shared expenses.
Key services include:
- Multi-currency accounts (30+ currencies)
- Cryptocurrency trading (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
- Stock trading with fractional shares
- Personalised budget tracking tools
How Safe is Revolut?
Revolut takes extensive measures to protect user data and funds. It’s regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is required to follow strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures. As of 2025, Revolut also holds a full European banking licence through the Bank of Lithuania, allowing it to operate in the EU with deposit protection up to €100,000.
Security protocols include encryption, fraud detection systems, and real-time alerts. User funds in the UK are safeguarded in segregated accounts, meaning Revolut cannot use them for its own operations. Although it’s not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), these safeguarding measures provide a robust alternative.
Regulatory protection and licencing
In the UK, Revolut operates as an e-money institution under FCA regulation. It holds a European banking licence, ensuring compliance with EU and UK standards. The company must keep customer funds separate from operational finances, providing a buffer in case of insolvency.
Key regulatory facts:
- FCA-licensed e-money provider
- EU bank licence issued by the Bank of Lithuania
- Adheres to PSD2 and AML directives
Encryption and data security standards
Revolut employs advanced encryption protocols (TLS 1.2 and AES-256) to secure communications between the app and its servers. User data is stored using strong cryptographic algorithms and is protected against unauthorised access. Payment data is tokenised and processed through PCI DSS-compliant systems.
The company regularly undergoes security audits and penetration testing. It uses anomaly detection algorithms to identify suspicious activity in real time, ensuring threats are addressed swiftly and proactively.
User-side protection measures
Revolut encourages users to adopt safety features such as two-factor authentication (2FA), biometric logins, and custom spending limits. Users can freeze or unfreeze their cards instantly through the app if they suspect unauthorised activity.
Additional user-level safeguards include push notifications for all transactions, the ability to hide card details, and temporary virtual cards for online shopping. These tools empower users to take active control of their account safety.
Common Threats to Watch Out For
Despite strong security, users must remain vigilant. Social engineering and digital scams have risen sharply, with Action Fraud UK reporting over £300 million in losses to online banking scams in 2024. Fraudsters often target Revolut users due to the app’s popularity and ease of fund transfers.
Common methods include phishing emails, fake customer support messages, and malicious third-party apps. Understanding these risks helps users protect their finances and identities effectively.
Phishing and scam attempts
Scammers impersonate Revolut via emails or texts that mimic official branding. These messages often contain links to fake login pages or requests for personal information. In 2024, phishing accounted for over 70% of online banking fraud attempts.
Users should verify all messages by checking the Revolut app or official support channels. Never click links from unknown sources or respond to suspicious prompts asking for login credentials.
Account takeover and credential theft
Credential theft involves using stolen passwords or leaked data to access user accounts. Attackers may use data from previous breaches or malware to steal login info. Once inside, they can transfer funds or order new cards fraudulently.
Revolut combats this by monitoring IP addresses, login attempts, and unusual behaviour. Users should enable 2FA and avoid using the same password across multiple services to reduce this risk.
Fraudulent transactions and merchant scams
Some frauds involve fake merchants or manipulated transactions. Users may unknowingly authorise payments for non-existent services or subscriptions they never agreed to. Chargebacks can be complex and time-consuming.
To stay safe, users should research unknown sellers, read reviews, and use virtual cards for one-time purchases. Revolut’s Merchant Dispute process helps recover funds, but time limits apply (typically 120 days).
Secure Use of the Revolut App
The Revolut app is secure by design, but its safety depends on how users interact with it. Following best practices around app permissions, password management, and device settings is crucial for avoiding breaches.
App settings allow users to monitor all devices accessing their account, review transaction history, and manage active sessions. These tools provide full visibility and control.
Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA)
Revolut supports 2FA using time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) via apps like Google Authenticator. This adds a critical layer of protection beyond passwords. In case of unauthorised login attempts, users receive instant alerts.
Setting up 2FA is simple: navigate to the Security section in the app, enable 2FA, and link an authenticator app. This reduces account takeover risk by over 90%, according to cybersecurity experts.
Managing device and app permissions
Review and limit permissions such as location access, camera use, and notification control. If a device is lost, users can remotely log out or revoke access from that device.
Best practices include enabling biometric login, keeping the app updated, and disabling unnecessary permissions. This reduces potential vulnerabilities from third-party app interactions.
Keeping your login details safe
Never share login details with anyone. Avoid storing credentials in unencrypted files or auto-fill features on shared devices. Always use strong, unique passwords with symbols, numbers, and at least 12 characters.
Password managers like Bitwarden or 1Password can securely store and autofill logins without compromising safety. Revolut also flags unusual logins and allows users to review active sessions in real time.
Best Practices for Card and Payment Safety
Payment safety requires a combination of Revolut features and user habits. The app offers virtual cards, instant freeze/unfreeze capabilities, and spending insights to track all activity. These tools reduce exposure to fraud.
Proactive usage habits also matter: review statements weekly, set up transaction alerts, and use different cards for recurring subscriptions versus one-off purchases.
Using virtual cards for online purchases
Virtual cards are single-use or rotating cards designed for online transactions. They reduce fraud by minimising exposure of your primary card number. Once used, the details expire and cannot be reused.
This is especially useful on platforms like AliExpress or eBay, where trust in merchants can vary. Revolut Premium and Metal users gain access to more virtual cards per month.
Temporarily freezing/unfreezing your card
If a card is misplaced or suspected to be compromised, users can instantly freeze it from the app. This prevents any new transactions until the card is reactivated.
This feature is useful during travel, high-risk purchases, or when uncertain about a transaction. Revolut allows unlimited freeze/unfreeze actions without needing customer service involvement.
Monitoring transactions and spending limits
Transaction monitoring enables early fraud detection. Users can view all activity chronologically, filter by category, and receive real-time alerts for every purchase. Weekly or monthly reports provide spending overviews.
Setting spending limits for daily or category-based expenses (e.g., £100/day for entertainment) can prevent accidental overspending or unauthorised use. Custom alerts enhance budget control and safety.
Protecting Your Identity and Personal Information
Identity theft remains a growing threat. In 2024, the UK reported over 190,000 identity fraud cases. Revolut users can protect themselves by managing shared data, storing documents securely, and understanding how Revolut communicates officially.
Publicly sharing too much information online, such as screenshots of balances or Revolut cards, increases risk. Education and privacy-conscious habits are essential.
Recognising legitimate communications from Revolut
Revolut will never ask for passwords or full card numbers via email or text. Official communications come from verified Revolut domains or in-app notifications. Users can confirm legitimacy via the in-app chat support.
Fraudulent messages may mimic Revolut’s design but often contain typos, urgency cues, or suspicious links. Avoid responding and report the message immediately.
Avoiding oversharing on public platforms
Never share screenshots that include account numbers, balances, or transaction IDs. These can be exploited by social engineers to gain access or impersonate users.
Adjust privacy settings on social media and avoid linking Revolut to public forums. Use anonymised usernames and avoid tagging Revolut directly in posts that include sensitive info.
Securing documents and IDs linked to your account
Store photos of passports, driving licences, or utility bills in encrypted folders or apps like NordLocker or Google Drive with two-step verification. Never email these documents unless absolutely necessary and always through secure channels.
Regularly audit what identification documents are linked to your Revolut account and remove outdated or unused ones. This limits what can be accessed in case of breach.