Who is Revolut?
Revolut was founded in London in 2015 by Nik Storonsky and Vlad Yatsenko. The company started as a travel money card and has grown into a full-service fintech platform used by over 40 million customers worldwide. In 2021, Revolut received a full European banking licence from the Bank of Lithuania, giving EU customers — including those in the Netherlands — additional regulatory protection and deposit guarantees up to €100,000.
In the Netherlands, Revolut has become one of the most popular alternatives to traditional banking for digital payments, international travel and currency exchange. The app supports over 150 currencies, offers real-time spending analytics, and allows users to exchange money, invest in stocks, trade crypto, and make international transfers — all from a single interface.
Revolut cards are Visa-branded (Standard, Plus, Premium) or Mastercard-branded (Metal) and operate as debit/prepaid instruments. Unlike traditional credit cards from Dutch banks, Revolut does not extend credit and does not register with BKR. You load money into your Revolut account and spend from that balance.
Revolut offers five subscription tiers: Standard (free), Plus (€3.99/mo), Premium (€9.99/mo), Metal (€15.99/mo), and Ultra (€45/mo). Each tier unlocks progressively more features, higher limits and better exchange rates. For most Netherlands residents, Standard or Premium offers the best value depending on travel frequency.
Revolut Plans Available in the Netherlands
Revolut Standard
- ✦€1,000/month free FX (weekdays)
- ✦€200/mo free ATM withdrawals
- ✦150+ currencies supported
- ✦Crypto trading in-app
Revolut Standard is the most widely-used free card in the Netherlands. With support for 150+ currencies at the interbank rate and €200 free ATM cash monthly, it offers exceptional value for a zero-cost card. The main limitation is the 1% weekend exchange surcharge — avoidable by simply exchanging currency on weekdays in advance of weekend travel.
Revolut Premium
- ✦0% FX 7 days a week, unlimited
- ✦€400/mo free ATM withdrawals
- ✦Travel & medical insurance included
- ✦Priority customer support
Revolut Premium is the most popular paid tier among frequent travellers in the Netherlands. The combination of 0% FX at all times, €400 free monthly ATM cash, and a comprehensive travel and medical insurance package makes it excellent value for anyone who travels internationally more than 4–5 times per year. The insurance alone — which covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation and delayed baggage — is typically worth €150–300 if purchased separately.
Revolut Metal
- ✦Physical metal Mastercard
- ✦€800/mo free ATM cash worldwide
- ✦0.1% cashback on all purchases
- ✦Premium insurance package
Revolut Metal is designed for power users who want the complete package: physical metal card, maximum ATM limits, cashback on all purchases, and the most comprehensive insurance coverage Revolut offers. The 0.1% cashback on all spending — though modest — adds up for high spenders. For most Netherlands residents, Premium offers 90% of Metal’s benefits at a significantly lower price.
Revolut exchange rates explained
Interbank rate vs. bank rate
Revolut uses the interbank exchange rate — also called the mid-market rate — which is the rate banks use to trade with each other. This is typically the best rate any consumer can access. Traditional Dutch bank credit cards add 1.5–2.5% on top of this rate, meaning Revolut Standard saves you money on every non-euro transaction even with the modest weekend surcharge.
The weekend surcharge explained
Global currency markets close on Friday evenings and reopen Monday mornings. During this window, exchange rates are not actively traded, which creates risk for Revolut when it pre-hedges conversions. The 1% weekend surcharge on Standard is Revolut’s protection against this risk. A simple workaround: exchange euros into your destination currency on Friday before markets close, then spend from your foreign currency balance all weekend without any surcharge.
Travel insurance on Revolut Premium and Metal
Revolut Premium and Metal include travel insurance provided by Chubb. Coverage includes: emergency medical expenses up to €10 million, trip cancellation up to €10,000, delayed baggage compensation, and winter sports coverage. The insurance activates automatically when you book flights or travel with your Revolut card. Always read the full policy terms before travelling to understand any exclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Revolut in the Netherlands
Are Revolut exchange rates the same at weekends?+
Is Revolut safe in the Netherlands?+
Does Revolut perform a BKR credit check?+
Can I buy crypto with Revolut?+
How does Revolut customer service work?+
Can I use Revolut for car rental?+
What are Revolut’s spending and ATM limits?+
Which Revolut plan is right for you?
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