Don’t look away, because we’ve got a new lobang for you to cop, with perks that will make your upcoming travels, and even global online shopping, more fuss-free. If you haven’t heard of Revolut, let this be your introduction.
Revolut is a free multi-currency wallet, though it also has paid plans. For the uninitiated, it’s a digital wallet where you load money, convert it into any supported currency, and spend it using an issued debit card.
You can use these multi-currency wallets both locally and overseas – in Revolut’s case, this comes with zero transaction fees in 35 currencies, though you can get your money auto-converted for Forex spends in more than 150 countries. Do note, however, that exchange rates may vary, and exchange fees, fair usage limits, weekend fees, as well as other terms and conditions may apply depending on your plan – but more on that later.
What’s more, because it can all be done on the Revolut mobile app (iOS | Android), you can convert your money anytime, anywhere.
Here’s a quick summary of each Revolut tier:
| Standard | Premium | Metal | |
| Cost | Free | $10.99/month | $21.99/month |
| Card delivery fee | $4.99 | Free | Free |
| Airport lounge access | $54 | $41 | $41 |
| Fee-free overseas ATM withdrawal | $350/month or 5 withdrawals, whichever comes first | $700/month | $1,050/month |
| Currency exchange with no fees | $5,000 | $15,000 | Unlimited |
| Weekend currency exchange fees | 1% | N.A. | N.A. |
Exchange rates for illustrative purposes only, and may vary. Terms and conditions apply.
Anyone who’s swiped their credit cards overseas will tell you: transaction and admin fees are terrible, at approximately 3% for overseas spends, and bank FX rates suck.
That’s where Revolut triumphs, because their app uses real-time interbank exchange rates – in other words, the same FX rates that you find on Google.
Revolut supports over 150 currencies, and at any one time, you can hold up to 35+ currencies at great rates, which vary over time, in your app. These currencies include countries that we Singaporeans love to visit, such as Thailand, Korea, Indonesia, and China.
Besides the physical card, which we mentioned earlier, Revolut also issues every user a virtual card, which you can use in your electronic wallets for convenient payments. Trust us – it’s a pain when you’re travelling and need to hunt for your physical wallet, then dig out a card to tap in and out of transport stations, or buy single-use transport tickets.
On top of that, Revolut also has one-use virtual cards that you can use for your online shopping, helping you stay safe from hackers and phishing websites. Think of it as a digital door lock to your Revolut debit account, except the lock is replaced every time you use it.
These cards, by the way, are for users above the age of 18. Terms and conditions apply.
In the event that you find yourself needing cash while you’re overseas, fret not, because Revolut also allows you to use overseas ATMs to withdraw money. Plus, it’s free, with some limits:
On a Standard plan, you can draw up to $350, or 5 overseas withdrawals, a month, whichever comes first. This is upped to $700 on the Premium plan, and $1,050 for the Metal plan.
Thereafter, a 2%, or $1.49 fair usage fee applies. Do note, however, that some banks charge for ATM withdrawals – make sure to check the small print at the ATM before you complete the withdrawal.
For illustrative purposes only. Terms and conditions apply.
Screenshot from: Revolut
These days, we’re no longer restricted by roaming fees from our local telcos, or having to physically buy and switch SIM cards at our travel destinations. Hands up if you’ve ever lost your SIM card because you forgot where you safekept it.
With Revolut, you don’t even have to source for an eSIM online – simply log into your app and navigate to the Lifestyle icon, and click into eSIM. Pick from country-specific, regional, or global eSIMs, and select the amount of data you need. Et voila, follow the installation instructions, and you’re all set. eSim fees, as well as terms and conditions, are as always, applicable.
We all know how tiring travel gets, especially if you’re doing long-haul flights with extended layovers. When you have a Revolut paid plan, you can take away some of that pain with discounted lounge access at over 1,600 lounges worldwide – a game changer when you’re flying cattle class all the way.
Plus, you can purchase up to 10 passes! Airport lounge pass terms and conditions apply.
Screenshot from: Revolut
To make your monthly subscriptions worth while, Premium and Metal plans come with loads of partner subscriptions – in the case of the Metal plan, this is valued at over $3,700 annually.
We’re talking monthly ClassPass, Duolingo, SleepCycle Premium, foodpanda Pro, AKA pandapro, and Laundryheap credits – super helpful when you need washing or dry cleaning after your travels.
The one that’s got us talking is the included ChatGPT Go subscription – 3 months free for Standard users, and 12 months for Metal users – with higher usage limits, more uploads, and fewer interruptions as you use the AI tool in your daily life.
Now comes the best part: how you can get $50. It’s simple, really. All you have to do is sign up for a new account, and make one transaction using the card.
There are, of course, some terms to this – the transaction that you make has to be at least $20, and it’s only applicable to the first 200 new users.
If you don’t already have a Revolut account, this is your sign to sign up for one ASAP, because you do want to be one of the first 200 new users to get your card and quickly make that $20 transaction to qualify.
This post was brought to you by Revolut.
The Smart Local is not licensed to provide financial services or advice.
Photography by: Wani Khan
Cover image adapted from: Changi Airport, Getty Images
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