If you’re here, chances are you’re looking for a better way to spend abroad—one that doesn’t hit you with hidden fees or poor exchange rates. Revolut is one of the most well-known travel card options, but how does it really stack up? And is there a better alternative?
Let’s dive into the details.
What is Revolut?
Revolut is a global neobank and fintech company that was founded in 2015 by British-Russian businessman Nikolay Storonsky and British-Ukrainian software engineer Vlad Yatsenko. Revolut offers a range of digital banking services, from multi-currency accounts to international money transfers and foreign exchange.
Revolut features & plans
Revolut offers five personal account plans: Standard, Plus, Premium, Metal, and Ultra. Only the Standard plan is free, while the others range from £3.99 to £45 per month, offering perks like cashback, insurance, and partner discounts.
Each account comes with a multi-currency debit card, but personalised card designs are only available on paid plans. The Ultra plan even comes with a platinum-plated card for those looking for a little extra flash.
To use Revolut, you need to either get paid directly into your Revolut account or manually top it up. This applies whether you're spending at home or abroad.
Revolut exchange rates & fees
Revolut sets its own variable exchange rate known as the ‘Revolut Rate’, the FX percentage applied to their rate isn’t clearly displayed in the app. Tests in Q1 2025 showed that on average, the Revolut rate was 0.3% more expensive than the interbank rate. Further research also shows Revolut applies a weekend exchange rate markup, adding an extra 1% fee to all transactions between Friday 5 PM and Sunday 6 PM.
Currency exchange fees and limits:
- Standard plan: £1,000 monthly exchange limit, then a 1% fair usage fee
- Plus plan: £3,000 monthly exchange limit, then a 0.5% fair usage fee
- Premium, Metal, and Ultra: No limits
ATM withdrawal fees and limits:
After exceeding fee-free withdrawal limits, Revolut charges 2% on additional withdrawals. Limits vary depending on the plan:
- Standard & Plus: Up to £200/month
- Premium: Up to £400/month
- Metal: Up to £800/month
- Ultra: Up to £2,000/month
Delivery fees:
Revolut Standard customers must pay for the delivery of their card, which starts at £4.99.Plus
- Local standard untracked: £4.99
- International standard untracked: £5.99
- Express tracked: £16.99
Customers on the Plus plan and above get complimentary standard delivery but must pay for international standard untracked or express tracked.
Is Revolut good for travel?
Revolut can be a good option for travel, especially for those looking for competitive exchange rates and a multi-currency account. It offers a range of plans, from a free Standard account to premium options with extra perks like insurance and cashback. However, there are limitations to consider, such as weekend markups on exchange rates, ATM withdrawal limits, and potential fees if you exceed certain thresholds. If you’re happy managing a separate account and topping it up as needed, Revolut can be a solid choice. But for those who prefer spending directly from their existing bank account without the hassle, other options may be more convenient.
So, what is Currensea?
Currensea is a travel debit card that connects directly to your existing bank account. Unlike Revolut, there’s no need to open a new bank account or preload like you would with a prepaid card.
Currensea allows you to spend abroad just as you would at home—without needing to transfer or manage funds separately. You simply spend, and the money comes directly from your bank account.
Currensea’s pricing plans
Currensea offers three travel card options:
- Currensea Essential (free, similar to Revolut Standard)
- Currensea Pro & Currensea Elite (paid plans with market-leading FX rates and exclusive perks)
For this comparison, we’ll focus on Currensea Essential, which is free, just like Revolut Standard.
Currensea vs. Revolut – What’s Different?
Unlike Revolut, Currensea doesn’t require you to manage a separate account or worry about topping up your card. Since your Currensea card links directly to your main bank account, you can spend abroad as effortlessly as you do at home.
But what about exchange rates?
Currensea offers the Realtime Rate, which removes bank fees and is consistently competitive and typically better than "fee-free" cards like Monzo, Starling, and Chase. Crucially, there are no weekend fees, unlike Revolut.
For Pro and Elite users, the Currensea Pro Rate is even stronger, beating all Revolut pricing plans and also beating “fee-free” cards by over 0.5% and high street banks by over 3%.
Currensea Fees & Limits
Card spend:
- Essential: £500/month fee-free at the Realtime Rate, then 1% FX fee
- Pro & Elite: Unlimited fee-free spending at the Pro Rate
ATM withdrawals:
- Essential: £200/month fee-free, then 2% FX fee
- Pro & Elite: Higher limits with only 1% FX fee beyond them
Delivery:
Currensea charges just £4.95 for the delivery of essential cards. Currensea Pro and Elite customers receive free delivery when they sign up.
So, which one is better?
Both Revolut and Currensea offer competitive rates that significantly undercut high street banks, but let’s be honest: no one wants to deal with hidden fees, topping up or unexpected charges when traveling - especially at weekends
If your trip doesn’t fall on a weekend, you’re spending under £1,000, and you rarely withdraw cash, Revolut Standard might be a solid option. But that’s making some big assumptions:
1️⃣ You’re not traveling on a weekend. Revolut’s 1% weekend markup means you’ll pay more to spend abroad than you would with Currensea.
2️⃣ You don’t need cash. While Currensea’s worst-case ATM fee is 2% beyond £500, Revolut charges that rate after just £200 (or 5 withdrawals per month).
3️⃣ You don’t mind managing a separate bank account. Revolut requires constant top-ups unless you switch your salary payments over. Currensea, on the other hand, works with your existing bank account, hassle-free.
If you're after a fully-fledged neobank experience, Revolut has its perks—but if you want highly competitive exchange rates without opening a new bank account, Currensea is the smarter, simpler choice.
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