How the Revolut referral works
Revolut is one of the most-downloaded finance apps in the UK, with over 10 million UK users and 50 million globally. The referral offer gives new customers a free card and exclusive perks on signup — the exact campaign details are shown inside the Revolut app once you start the process, as Revolut adjusts its welcome offers more frequently than most providers. The core steps are the same regardless of which campaign is live.
- Click the referral link on this page. This ties your account creation to the referral offer. Starting via the app store or Revolut's homepage directly will not attach the referral.
- Download the Revolut app and create your account. Revolut is app-based. You will need to complete identity verification (usually a selfie and ID document) before the account is active.
- Order your free Revolut card. During onboarding, Revolut will prompt you to order a physical card. The free card is typically part of the signup offer.
- Complete the qualifying actions shown in-app. Revolut usually requires a qualifying step such as a first transaction, top-up, or completing the onboarding checklist. Follow what the app shows you — this is always the accurate source for the current campaign requirements.
There is no code to type. The referral is tracked through the link. Complete the signup in one session where possible — switching devices or opening the app store independently partway through can occasionally disrupt tracking.
What is Revolut and what can you do with it?
Revolut started as a travel money card and has evolved into a full financial super-app. In 2024 it received a UK banking licence from the PRA, which means UK customer deposits are now protected by the FSCS up to £85,000 — the same protection as a traditional bank. This was a significant milestone that removed a common reason people hesitated to use Revolut as a primary account.
The core features that make Revolut popular for UK users:
- Spending abroad: Revolut offers interbank exchange rates on currency conversion with no markup up to a monthly limit on the free plan. For travel this remains one of the best options available.
- Budgeting and analytics: Automatic spend categorisation, merchant-level tracking, and monthly spending summaries are built into the app.
- Savings vaults: Pockets for separating savings from your main balance, with interest available on some plans.
- Instant transfers: Revolut-to-Revolut transfers are instant and free. UK bank transfers via Faster Payments are also available.
- Premium plans: Revolut Plus, Premium, and Metal offer additional features including higher cashback, travel insurance, and lounge access. The free Standard plan is solid for everyday use.
For UK users comparing Revolut with Monzo: Monzo has a more established current account product and the longer track record with the UK banking licence. Revolut has broader international functionality and tends to move faster on new features. Both are worth having — they are not necessarily competitors in the same way a traditional bank pair would be.
Revolut referral FAQ
Do I need a Revolut promo code?
No. The tracked referral link handles everything — there is no code to enter manually.
What exactly do I get?
A free Revolut card and exclusive perks shown during your signup flow. Revolut updates its welcome campaigns regularly, so the specific perks are shown in-app once you start the process.
Does the Revolut referral work in 2026?
This page lists the offer as live for May 2026. Always check what Revolut shows you during onboarding as the definitive current offer.
Is Revolut safe — are deposits protected?
Yes. Revolut received a full UK banking licence from the PRA in 2024. UK customer deposits are now protected by the FSCS up to £85,000, the same as a traditional bank.
Can I use Revolut as my main bank account?
Many people do. Revolut supports direct debits, standing orders, UK bank transfers via Faster Payments, and salary payments. Whether it suits you as a primary account depends on your banking habits — it is worth trying alongside your existing account before switching fully.
How does Revolut compare to Monzo?
Both are UK-licensed digital banks. Monzo has a longer track record with the UK banking licence and a strong community reputation. Revolut has broader international functionality, more aggressive feature development, and a larger global user base. Many UK users keep accounts with both for different purposes.
Can existing Revolut users claim the referral?
No. Referral offers are for new eligible customers who have not previously held a Revolut account.
What are the different Revolut plans?
Revolut offers Standard (free), Plus, Premium, and Metal plans. The free Standard plan covers most everyday needs. Paid plans add features like higher cashback rates, travel insurance, and priority customer support. You can start on Standard and upgrade later.
Is there a Revolut referral code as well as a link?
The link includes the referral code embedded within it. There is no separate code to copy and paste — starting from the link on this page is everything you need.