Getting started with Revolut: the activation checklist

Opening a Revolut account takes 10 minutes. But to unlock every feature of your plan, four simple steps really matter. Follow them in order: you will be up and running first time, with no nasty surprises.

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The 4 steps to activate your account

Allow about fifteen minutes in total. The most efficient approach: run through the steps straight after signing up, directly from your phone.

  1. Create your account 2 min

    Download the Revolut app, sign up as a new customer and verify your identity (ID document + selfie). Verification is usually approved within a few minutes.

    Tip: if you arrive through a referral link, open it on your mobile and complete the sign-up straight away: that is what guarantees your referral is properly recorded. Avoid re-downloading the app separately from the store in the meantime.

  2. Top up your account 2 min

    Add a first amount by bank card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or bank transfer. No need to add much: enough to cover your first purchases will do. It is this first top-up that actually activates the account.

  3. Order the physical card 3 min

    From the app: Cards, then Order a physical card. It is different from the virtual card (which already works with Apple/Google Pay). The physical card unlocks the full account, acts as a back-up when contactless is not accepted, and is one of the activation conditions.

    Please note: the card arrives within a few days. Remember to order it early: it is the step people forget most often.

  4. Make your first payments as you go

    Pay for a few everyday purchases (groceries, a coffee, a subscription...) with your Revolut card, online or in store. A few purchases of a few euros each are enough to complete the activation.

    Warning: the following do not count as valid purchases: currency exchange, transfers, gambling and the purchase of gift cards. Stick to genuine purchases.

Good to know: do not close your account or cancel your card within 14 days of opening: that would cancel the activation (and any referral). If you came through a referral link, complete the steps before the deadline of the current campaign.

In full transparency

The "Open an account" links on this site are referral links. If you open an account and activate it, we receive a reward, at no cost or extra charge to you. In return, we give you here the exact steps to follow so you miss nothing. In the standard programme, the new customer gets no cash bonus, but immediately has access to every feature of their plan: exchange at the real rate, RevPoints, sub-accounts, and so on.

What next?

Your account is active. Here is where to go next to get the most out of it.

Frequently asked questions

Why order a physical card if the virtual card already works?

The virtual card (and Apple/Google Pay) is enough for everyday payments. But ordering the physical card is the step that unlocks the full account, acts as a back-up when contactless payment is not accepted, and is one of the conditions for a referral to be activated. It is also the step most often forgotten: order it early.

Which payments do not count towards activating the account?

Currency exchange operations, transfers, gambling and the purchase of gift cards are not considered valid purchases. Stick to genuine everyday purchases, in store or online.

Does the new customer receive a welcome bonus?

In the standard referral programme, only the person who refers receives a reward. The new customer gets no cash bonus, but immediately has access to every feature of their plan: exchange at the interbank rate (up to €1,000/month fee-free on Standard), RevPoints (1 point per €10), sub-accounts, real-time notifications, and so on. Campaign amounts and conditions change regularly.

How quickly do these steps need to be completed?

The simplest approach is to do everything right after signing up. If you arrived through a referral link, the steps must be completed before the campaign deadline, and the account must not be closed within 14 days of opening.

Ready to get started?

Open your account for free, then keep this page to hand to follow the 4 steps.

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Referral link: we earn a commission if you open an account, at no extra cost to you.