Personal Finance

Is the Revolut debit card a prepaid card?

Emma-Jane Stogdon

01.07.25

Read time 1 minute

If you’re a Revolut user, you already know that they offer a debit card with each of their plans. Depending on the plan, you get different limits, fees and perks, like airport lounge access. But what type of card is Revolut?

In this guide, we’ll answer the question: is Revolut a prepaid card? We’ll explain why it’s classified that way and what features or restrictions come with it.

We’ll also introduce you to a handy alternative, the Wise debit card. You can use this Wise prepaid card for spending and cash withdrawals in 150+ countries and 40+ currencies. It converts your money at the mid-market exchange rate with a small, transparent fee*.

Learn more about the Wise card 💳

What is a prepaid card?

Before we answer whether Revolut is a prepaid card, let’s first explain what a prepaid card actually is.

A prepaid card allows you to spend only the money you’ve loaded onto it, without the option to overdraft. The most common ways to top up a prepaid card is via bank transfer or using a credit or debit card.¹

It’s important to note that prepaid cards are not traditional bank cards and typically aren’t covered by the FSCS.¹

Is Revolut a prepaid card?

So, is Revolut a prepaid debit card? Although Revolut has a UK Banking Licence, it isn’t yet operating as a bank.² This means their card is a prepaid card, instead of a standard debit card.

If you’re using their Standard plan, you’ll get your Revolut prepaid debit card for free. The Plus, Premium, Metal and Ultra plans all require a subscription. You can use your Revolut card for spending and ATM withdrawals, while the paid plans offer extra perks, such as airport lounge access and the option to personalise your card.³

Revolut offers Mastercard and Visa cards to their customers.⁴

Spend and withdraw worldwide with the Wise card

If you’re looking for an alternative to your Revolut debit card, the Wise card could be a good option to consider.

The Wise debit card is a prepaid card which is available for a one-off fee of £7, or you can use the virtual card at no cost by adding it to your Google Pay or Apple Pay wallet.

The Wise card lets you spend like a local in 150+ countries. Pay directly from your currency account with no Wise conversion fee, or have your money converted automatically for a low fee* at the mid-market exchange rate.

If you need cash, Wise allows you to withdraw up to £200 per month for free, in up to two withdrawals. After that, a 1.75% fee applies to any amount over the free limit. Starting with your third withdrawal in the same month, a £0.50 flat fee is also added to each transaction.

Learn more about the Wise card 💳

Sources used:

1. Money - what is a prepaid card?
2. Revolut - is Revolut a bank?
3. Revolut - plans
4. Revolut - card brands

Sources last checked on 12-Jun-2025

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.