Revolut has emerged as a leading fintech platform, blending traditional banking services with modern financial tools — including cryptocurrency trading. But is it a smart choice for buying and holding digital assets? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how Revolut handles cryptocurrencies, its supported coins, fees, security, and whether it’s suitable for beginners or experienced investors.
Whether you're considering your first crypto purchase or evaluating alternative platforms, this article will help you make an informed decision using up-to-date insights and practical advice.
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What Is Revolut?
Revolut is a UK-based financial technology company that offers a wide range of banking and financial services through a mobile app. Originally launched as a multi-currency debit card provider, it has evolved into a full-service digital finance platform.
Key features include:
- Multi-currency accounts (EUR, GBP, USD, and more)
- Prepaid debit cards (Mastercard or Visa)
- Fee-free international money transfers
- Peer-to-peer payments
- Stock trading
- Budgeting and savings tools
- Cryptocurrency buying and selling
With support for over 120 currencies and availability across Europe, Australia, and select regions, Revolut appeals to travelers, expats, and digital-savvy users looking for an all-in-one financial solution.
Is Revolut a Real Bank?
Yes — with qualifications. In December 2018, Revolut obtained a specialized banking license from the European Central Bank via the Bank of Lithuania. This allows it to accept customer deposits and offer consumer credit products.
Additionally, Revolut holds an e-money institution license, enabling it to issue electronic money and provide payment services.
However, there's a key distinction: Revolut is classified as a specialized bank, not a full-service retail bank. That means it doesn’t offer investment services like asset management or brokerage in the traditional sense — though it does allow limited crypto and stock trading.
This regulatory standing enhances user trust but comes with functional limitations compared to traditional banks or dedicated crypto exchanges.
How Does Cryptocurrency Work on Revolut?
Revolut enables users to buy, sell, and hold a variety of cryptocurrencies directly within the app. As of now, the platform supports exposure to over 80 digital assets, including major names like:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Solana (SOL)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- Chainlink (LINK)
- Uniswap (UNI)
But here’s the crucial detail: you don’t actually own the underlying cryptocurrency when you “buy” it on Revolut.
Instead, your transaction functions similarly to a Contract for Difference (CFD) — you're speculating on price movements rather than acquiring real blockchain-based tokens. This means:
- No private keys
- No ability to withdraw crypto to external wallets
- Cannot use your coins in DeFi protocols or NFT marketplaces
- Cannot stake or earn yield on holdings
While this model simplifies the user experience — ideal for newcomers — it limits advanced use cases associated with true ownership.
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Which Cryptocurrencies Can You Buy on Revolut?
Revolut gives users "exposure" to a growing list of digital assets. You can trade these against fiat currencies like EUR, GBP, or USD directly in the app under the Exchange section.
Popular supported cryptocurrencies include:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Solana (SOL)
- Avalanche (AVAX)
- Polygon (MATIC)
- Shiba Inu (SHIB) — added in 2023
- Aave (AAVE), Maker (MKR), Synthetix (SNX), and other DeFi tokens
To add crypto exposure:
- Go to Accounts in the app
- Tap Add Account
- Select the desired cryptocurrency
- Begin trading instantly using your available fiat balance
Note: While early reports suggested Shiba Inu wasn’t available, Revolut now supports SHIB trading for eligible users.
Where Is Revolut Available?
Revolut primarily serves customers in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Australia. It is not available to U.S. residents, which is a significant limitation for global users.
Supported countries include:
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Australia
- And most EU member states
Availability may vary based on local regulations, so always check Revolut’s official site for updates.
Payment Methods and Cryptocurrency Fees
Accepted Deposit Methods
To fund your account, you can use:
- SEPA bank transfers (free)
- UK Faster Payments (free)
- SWIFT international transfers (possible third-party fees)
- Debit or credit cards (no deposit fee from Revolut)
Once funded, you can instantly trade fiat for crypto exposure.
Revolut Crypto Trading Fees
Revolut applies a spread-based fee model, which varies by subscription tier:
| Account Type | Trading Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard / Plus | Up to 2.5% |
| Premium / Metal | As low as 1.5% |
These fees are applied on top of the mid-market rate sourced from Bitstamp, one of Europe’s largest regulated crypto exchanges. The spread covers potential price fluctuations between order placement and execution.
There are no additional platform fees, withdrawal fees (since withdrawals aren’t allowed), or hidden charges.
Compared to dedicated exchanges like Binance or OKX, Revolut’s fees are higher — but the trade-off is simplicity and integration with everyday banking.
Daily Limits for Crypto Purchases
Revolut imposes transaction limits to manage risk:
- Maximum of €15,000 per single crypto purchase
- Up to 30 transactions per day
These limits apply regardless of account type and are designed to prevent misuse while still accommodating active traders.
How to Sign Up and Start Trading Crypto on Revolut
Step 1: Open a Revolut Account
Start by downloading the Revolut app from the App Store or Google Play. Use a referral link or sign up directly with your phone number.
The process takes just minutes and requires:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Nationality and residency status
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
As a regulated financial institution, Revolut complies with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) rules.
You’ll need to:
- Take a live selfie
- Upload a government ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID card)
Verification typically takes less than 10 minutes.
Step 3: Fund Your Account
Deposit funds via:
- Bank transfer (SEPA, Faster Payments)
- Credit/debit card
No minimum deposit is required.
Step 4: Buy Cryptocurrency
Navigate to:
More → Cryptocurrencies → Select coin → Enter amount → Confirm trade
Your purchase appears instantly in your portfolio as “exposure,” not as transferable tokens.
Pros and Cons of Using Revolut for Crypto
✅ Advantages
- Fast and intuitive interface
- Ideal for beginners exploring crypto
- No maintenance or hidden fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to €200/month
- Multi-currency accounts with real-time exchange rates
- Integrated budgeting and savings tools
❌ Drawbacks
- No true ownership of crypto assets
- Cannot withdraw to external wallets
- Cannot receive crypto from outside sources
- Limited utility for DeFi, staking, or NFTs
- Not available in the U.S. or Latin America
- Higher fees than specialized exchanges
Final Verdict: Is Revolut Good for Cryptocurrency?
Revolut excels as a user-friendly gateway into the world of digital assets — especially for those new to crypto who want a simple, secure way to speculate on price changes without dealing with wallets or private keys.
However, if you're looking for true ownership, low fees, or advanced functionality like staking, DeFi access, or cold storage options, dedicated platforms like OKX or Coinbase are better suited.
Revolut works best as part of a broader financial toolkit — not as a standalone crypto investment solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can You Transfer Cryptocurrency to Revolut?
No. You cannot send cryptocurrency from an external wallet or exchange to your Revolut account. All crypto positions must be purchased directly within the app.
Is It Safe to Hold Cryptocurrency on Revolut?
Yes. Revolut stores customer crypto assets in cold storage wallets managed by trusted custodians, following industry-standard security practices. While you don’t control the private keys, your funds are protected against hacks and unauthorized access.
Does Revolut Have Its Own Cryptocurrency?
No. Revolut does not issue its own blockchain token or native cryptocurrency. There are no current plans to launch one.
How Do I Unlock Crypto Buying on Revolut?
Crypto trading is enabled by default for Premium and Metal subscribers. Standard users can unlock it by:
- Upgrading to a paid plan
- Inviting three friends who sign up and verify their accounts
- Requesting access via the app (may take 1–2 weeks)
Can I Buy Shiba Inu on Revolut?
Yes. Shiba Inu (SHIB) is now supported on Revolut for eligible users in supported regions.
Is Revolut Regulated for Crypto Services?
Yes. In August 2022, Revolut received authorization from Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC) to provide crypto services across the EEA. This strengthens compliance and user protection standards.
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