Personal Finance Tips

How to open and use the Revolut virtual card in the UK

Gert Svaiko

30.06.25

Read time 2 minutes

Thinking of joining Revolut, or just signed up? You’ll want to know about all of the features you’ll have access to with your Revolut account.

A great feature with Revolut is virtual cards, which can be used for shopping and spending using just your phone.

But how do they work, and how do you get one? Read on for everything you need to know about opening and using the Revolut card in the UK.

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What is the Revolut virtual card?

The Revolut virtual card is a digital debit card, meaning it only lives on the Revolut app on your phone (or in your digital wallet). It’s not a physical debit card.

This type of digital card offers a few benefits, including convenience - as you can pay using just your phone, without needing to carry a wallet full of cards around with you. And when spending abroad, the Revolut virtual card automatically converts your pounds to the local currency using the Revolut exchange rate.

There’s also security, as a virtual card can’t be lost or stolen like a physical one. It lives safely in the Revolut app, protected by two-factor authentication and biometrics even if you lose your phone.

Revolut offers two types of virtual card:

A disposable debit card - best for online purchases, this is a one-use card where the details refresh after you pay.
A multi-use debit card - designed for everyday use for contactless payments, this is a virtual card where the details remain the same.

Revolut virtual card fees

There are no fees to create virtual cards with Revolut. But before you can access them, you’ll need to open an account and choose a monthly plan. The Standard plan is free, but upgraded plans cost from £3.99 to £45 a month.¹

Once you’ve created your virtual card, it’s free to use. You’ll just need to watch out for a couple of fees:²

Currency conversion fees (when spending in another currency) - 1% for Standard plan holders for exchanges on weekends
Fair usage fees (for exceeding your plan limits on currency exchange) - 1% for the Standard plan, once you exchange more than £1,000 in a month.

How to get a Revolut virtual card - step-by-step

To get your first Revolut virtual card, follow these simple steps:

Create a Revolut account
Go to the ‘Cards’ section
Tap the virtual card type
Follow the on-screen instructions to create your new card.

Your new virtual card will appear in your app instantly, and you can start using it right away.

How many virtual cards can I have with Revolut?

There are some limits on how many virtual cards you can have with your Revolut account. You can:³

Create up to 4 multi-use virtual cards every 30 days, up to a maximum of 20
Have 1 disposable card linked to your account.

How to use a Revolut virtual card

Virtual cards are simple to use, and you can use them anywhere you can use a normal physical debit card. The exception to this is ATMs, unless you can find a contactless ATM (and there aren’t too many of those about).

You can use your Revolut card to:

Shop online - go to the ‘Cards’ section of your Revolut app to find your card details, then enter those on the website you’re shopping on
Pay in person - store your virtual card in your mobile wallet, then you can just tap to pay with your phone at the till.

You can also set up recurring payments with Revolut multi-use virtual cards, as well as adding the Revolut Shopper extension to your Google Chrome browser. This auto fills your card details when shopping online.

Can I use Revolut virtual cards abroad?

Yes, Revolut virtual cards work anywhere in the world where contactless Visa/Mastercard payments are accepted. Plus, retail websites based in other countries.

Sources used:

Revolut - Our Pricing Plans
Revolut - Help - Currency exchange fees and limits
Revolut - Virtual card

Sources last checked on date: 29-May-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.