How to set up Revolut for international payments

Revolut is a popular finance app that makes paying abroad a lot cheaper and easier. Whether you're going on vacation, shopping online at foreign webshops or sending money to family abroad, Revolut often offers better rates than traditional banks. In this article we explain step by step how to set up and use Revolut.

What is Revolut?

Revolut is a fintech company from the United Kingdom, founded in 2015. It started as an app for low-cost payments abroad, but has grown into a complete financial service with checking accounts, savings features and even ways to invest. Revolut now has millions of users worldwide, including many people in the Netherlands.

Why use Revolut?

The main reasons to use Revolut:

  • Favorable exchange rates: Pay at the real exchange rate without hidden markups
  • No withdrawal fees abroad: Withdraw cash from ATMs for free (up to a limit)
  • Multiple currencies: Hold money in different currencies
  • Instant notifications: See every transaction on your phone right away
  • Virtual cards: Shop safely online with disposable cards
  • Sending money internationally: Send money abroad at low cost

Creating a Revolut account

Opening a Revolut account takes only a few minutes. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the app

Download the Revolut app from the App Store (iPhone) or the Google Play Store (Android). Search for "Revolut" and install the official app with the purple logo.

Step 2: Register with your phone number

Open the app and enter your mobile phone number. You'll receive a text message with a verification code. Enter this code to continue.

Step 3: Fill in your personal details

Fill in the requested information:

  • Your full name (as shown on your ID)
  • Your date of birth
  • Your home address
  • Your email address

Step 4: Verify your identity

For certain features you need to verify your identity:

  • Take a photo of your ID card or passport
  • Take a selfie so Revolut can check that it's really you
  • Wait for approval (usually within a few minutes)

Step 5: Choose your plan

Revolut offers several plans:

  • Standard: Free, with basic features
  • Plus: A few extra features for a small monthly fee
  • Premium: More options and higher limits
  • Metal: The most comprehensive package with extra perks

For most users, the free Standard plan is enough to get started. You can always upgrade later.

Step 6: Add money to your account

Before you can pay, there needs to be money in your Revolut account. You can add money via:

  • iDEAL (free and instant)
  • Bank transfer to your Revolut IBAN
  • Credit card or debit card (may involve fees)

Getting to know the Revolut app

Once you're set up, you can start exploring the app. Here are the most important parts.

The home screen

On the home screen you'll see:

  • Your total balance
  • Your various currency accounts
  • Recent transactions
  • Shortcuts to features

Your cards

In the cards menu you manage your Revolut cards:

  • View your virtual card with its card number
  • Order a physical card if you want one
  • Manage settings per card
  • Create disposable cards for safe online shopping

Overview and analytics

Revolut gives you insight into your spending:

  • See what you spend your money on
  • View your spending per category
  • Compare months with each other
  • Set budgets

Exchanging money in Revolut

One of Revolut's strongest points is currency exchange.

How does exchanging work?

  1. On the home screen, tap "Exchange"
  2. Select the currency you have (for example EUR)
  3. Select the currency you want (for example USD)
  4. Enter the amount
  5. Confirm the exchange

The money is exchanged instantly and appears in your account in the new currency.

When to exchange?

Revolut uses the real exchange rate without a markup (during business hours on weekdays). On weekends a small markup is charged. Want the best rate? Then exchange on a weekday.

Automatic exchange

You can also set up automatic exchanges:

  • Exchange automatically when a certain rate is reached
  • Exchange a fixed amount periodically
  • Handy if you regularly need a particular currency

Paying with Revolut

Revolut offers several ways to pay.

With the physical card

If you order a physical Revolut card, you can pay with it just like any other debit card:

  • Contactless tap up to a certain amount
  • With your PIN for larger amounts
  • Withdraw cash from ATMs

With your phone

Revolut works with Apple Pay and Google Pay:

  1. Add your Revolut card to Apple Pay or Google Pay
  2. Pay by holding your phone near the payment terminal
  3. Confirm with Face ID, your fingerprint or your PIN

Paying online

For online purchases you use the card details from the app:

  1. Open the Revolut app
  2. Go to your card
  3. View the card number, expiration date and CVC
  4. Enter these details at the webshop

Disposable cards

For extra security with online purchases you can create disposable cards:

  • A disposable card works for only one transaction
  • After use, a new card number is generated automatically
  • That way your real card details are never at risk

Sending money internationally

Revolut makes sending money abroad simple and affordable.

Sending money to other Revolut users

Sending to other Revolut users is free and instant:

  1. Tap "Send" in the app
  2. Select the recipient from your contacts
  3. Enter the amount
  4. Confirm the payment

Sending money to foreign bank accounts

You can also send money to regular bank accounts worldwide:

  1. Tap "Send"
  2. Choose "To a bank account"
  3. Enter the recipient's details
  4. Choose the currency and the amount
  5. Confirm the transfer

Revolut shows the fees and expected arrival time in advance.

Saving with Revolut

Revolut also offers savings features.

Vaults

Create digital vaults (Vaults) for your savings goals:

  • Give each vault a name and a goal
  • Set money aside manually
  • Or use automatic saving rules

Automatic saving

Set up saving rules:

  • Round up every payment and save the difference
  • Save a fixed amount per day, week or month
  • Save a percentage of every deposit

Security and privacy

Revolut takes security seriously.

Card security

  • Freeze and unfreeze your card instantly in the app
  • Turn online payments, contactless payments or cash withdrawals on or off separately
  • Set limits per transaction type

App security

  • Secure the app with a PIN, fingerprint or Face ID
  • Get instant notifications for every transaction
  • See on a map where your card is being used

What to do if your card is lost or stolen?

Is your card lost or stolen?

  1. Open the Revolut app right away
  2. Freeze your card with a single tap
  3. Order a new card if needed

Revolut as a complement to your Dutch bank

Many people use Revolut alongside their regular Dutch bank account. This is a smart approach:

When to use Revolut?

  • On vacation abroad
  • For purchases in other currencies
  • For online shopping at foreign webshops
  • When sending money abroad

When to use your Dutch bank?

  • For your salary and fixed expenses
  • For Dutch iDEAL payments
  • For your mortgage and other loans
  • As a backup payment method

Tips for getting the most out of Revolut

Get the most out of Revolut with these tips:

Exchange at the right time

Exchange currency on weekdays during business hours for the best rate. On weekends Revolut charges a small markup.

Use the free cash withdrawals wisely

The free Standard plan has a monthly limit for free cash withdrawals. Plan your withdrawals so you stay within this limit.

Turn on notifications

Turn on notifications so you see right away when your card is used. This helps you detect fraud quickly.

Don't keep too much money in Revolut

Revolut is not a full-fledged bank the way banks in the Netherlands are. Don't keep more money in it than you need for your planned spending.

Frequently asked questions about Revolut

Is Revolut safe to use?

Yes, Revolut is safe. The company has a banking license in Lithuania and is therefore subject to European supervision. Your money is protected up to 100,000 euros under the European deposit guarantee scheme. Revolut also uses strong security such as encryption and fraud detection.

Can I use Revolut as my only bank account?

Technically you can, but it isn't recommended as your main account in the Netherlands. Revolut is excellent as a complement for international payments, but for things like receiving your salary, direct debits and iDEAL, a Dutch bank is more convenient. Many people use Revolut alongside their regular bank.

What does a Revolut account cost?

The Standard account is free and already offers many features. Paid plans (Plus, Premium, Metal) cost between 3 and 15 euros per month and offer extra benefits such as higher limits for free cash withdrawals, better exchange rates on weekends and travel insurance options.

How long does it take for my Revolut card to arrive?

After you order a physical card, delivery within Europe usually takes five to nine business days. You can start right away with the virtual card in the app, though. You can add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payments, even before your physical card arrives.

Conclusion

Revolut is an excellent choice for anyone who regularly deals with foreign currencies or international payments. The app is easy to use, the exchange rates are favorable and extra features such as virtual cards make online shopping safer. Download the app, try it for free and discover for yourself how Revolut can improve your international payments.

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