Cryptocurrency has become a mainstream financial asset, and many people are turning to familiar fintech apps like Revolut to get started. With its sleek interface and seamless banking features, Revolut makes buying digital assets seem effortless. But is purchasing crypto on Revolut truly a smart move? And more importantly—could you be better off using dedicated crypto platforms?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the real value of buying crypto through Revolut, highlight key limitations, and explore superior alternatives that offer lower fees, greater control, and expanded investment opportunities.
Why People Choose Revolut for Crypto
Revolut has built a reputation as a user-friendly digital banking app used by millions worldwide. Its integration of crypto purchasing into an already trusted financial tool makes it an appealing entry point for beginners.
Key Advantages of Buying Crypto on Revolut
1. Simplicity and Accessibility
You don’t need prior knowledge of blockchain technology or wallet management. If you can use a mobile banking app, you can buy Bitcoin or Ethereum on Revolut in seconds.
2. Instant Transactions
Purchases are processed almost instantly, allowing users to capitalize on market movements without delays.
3. Intuitive User Interface
The clean, modern design removes complexity, making it ideal for first-time investors who want a stress-free onboarding experience.
These benefits make Revolut a natural starting point—but they come with trade-offs that could impact long-term growth and ownership.
The Hidden Downsides of Crypto on Revolut
While convenient, Revolut isn’t designed as a full-featured crypto exchange. Understanding its limitations is crucial before committing your funds.
1. High Transaction Fees
Revolut charges up to 1.49% per trade, significantly higher than most dedicated exchanges. For comparison:
- Binance: 0.1% trading fee
- Bybit: 0.1% or less
- Bitget: As low as 0.08%
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Over time, these differences add up—especially if you're dollar-cost averaging or making frequent trades.
2. You Don’t Own Your Cryptocurrency
This is one of the most critical issues. When you "buy" crypto on Revolut, you’re not actually receiving the digital asset. Instead, you’re purchasing a price-tracking instrument—similar to a CFD (Contract for Difference).
That means:
- No private keys
- No wallet address
- No ability to transfer or stake most assets
- Limited withdrawal support (only select coins, with additional fees)
True ownership is a cornerstone of cryptocurrency philosophy. Without it, you’re exposed to counterparty risk—if Revolut changes policies or suspends services, your access may be restricted.
3. Lack of Advanced Features
Revolut offers basic buy/sell functionality but lacks essential tools for serious investors:
- No limit orders or stop-losses
- No margin or futures trading
- No staking, lending, or yield opportunities
- Minimal charting or technical analysis tools
If you ever want to level up your strategy, you’ll likely need to migrate elsewhere anyway.
4. Limited Coin Selection
Although Revolut supports over 200 tokens, this pales in comparison to platforms like MEXC or OKX, which list thousands of altcoins—including emerging memecoins and early-stage projects.
For those seeking high-growth potential assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, Revolut’s selection feels restrictive.
5. Risk of Account Restrictions
Fintech apps often apply strict compliance rules. Unusual activity—even legitimate trading behavior—can trigger account freezes. During such periods, you may lose access to both fiat and crypto balances, creating financial uncertainty.
When Is Revolut Acceptable for Crypto?
Revolut can still serve a purpose—for specific use cases:
- Micro-investing: If you're testing the waters with small amounts (e.g., $5–$20 weekly), the convenience may outweigh the fees.
- Short-term speculation: Want to quickly bet on a price surge without setting up new accounts? Revolut works in a pinch.
- Non-custodial beginners: For users uninterested in managing wallets or seed phrases, temporary exposure might be acceptable.
But if you're serious about building a crypto portfolio, maximizing returns, or participating in decentralized finance (DeFi), Revolut should only be a stepping stone—not your final destination.
Better Alternatives to Revolut
For lower costs, full ownership, and advanced tools, consider these beginner-friendly exchanges:
Binance
One of the largest global exchanges offering spot, futures, staking, and an extensive token selection. Ideal for both new and experienced traders.
Bybit
Known for its intuitive interface and strong derivatives market, Bybit also supports spot trading and copy trading—great for learning from pros.
Bitget
Excellent for accessing trending altcoins and memecoins with competitive fees and robust security measures.
MEXC
Boasts one of the widest ranges of listed altcoins, perfect for discovering early-stage projects before they go mainstream.
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Each of these platforms allows you to:
- Withdraw crypto to your personal wallet
- Use advanced order types
- Earn passive income via staking
- Access real-time charts and analytics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I withdraw my crypto from Revolut to an external wallet?
A: Yes—but only for select cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH, and only on certain plans (e.g., Premium or Metal). Additional network fees apply.
Q: Is my crypto safe on Revolut?
A: While Revolut uses security measures like encryption and fraud monitoring, since you don’t own the private keys, your assets are only as safe as the company’s policies allow.
Q: Are there better apps than Revolut for beginners?
A: Absolutely. Platforms like OKX and Bybit offer guided onboarding, demo modes, educational content, and lower fees—making them better long-term choices.
Q: Does Revolut report crypto transactions to tax authorities?
A: Yes. Like most regulated platforms, Revolut may provide transaction data to tax agencies depending on your country’s regulations.
Q: Should I use Revolut for long-term crypto investing?
A: Not recommended. High fees and lack of ownership make it inefficient for holding over time. Use a self-custody wallet or trusted exchange instead.
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Final Verdict: Is Crypto on Revolut Worth It?
Revolut excels as a banking app—but falls short as a crypto investment platform. Its high fees, lack of true ownership, and limited functionality make it unsuitable for anyone serious about digital assets.
For beginners ready to take the next step, migrating to a dedicated exchange offers:
- Lower costs
- Full asset control
- Broader investment options
- Passive income opportunities
The world of cryptocurrency thrives on decentralization and autonomy. Don’t let convenience compromise your financial freedom.
Make the switch today—and unlock the full potential of your crypto journey.