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5 Alternatives to Revolut You Should Know

Michal Krzysztof v2 a28a1397a9

24/02/2020 |

7 min read

Michał Krzysztof

In 2019, the UK-based financial technology company Revolut fell victim to a series of publicity disasters. The Telegraph alleged that the company's executives deliberately decommissioned anti-money laundering software earlier last year. Further reporting revealed that Revolut attracted the attention of the UK financial regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). 

Combined with news of data breaches, this inspired many of Revolut's customers to look for alternatives to the digital banking service. Are there any decent alternatives out there? Revolut has so far offered a great advantage over traditional banks. The service allows users to save plenty of money on foreign currency exchange, recurring monthly payments, and bank commissions. However, that doesn't mean that Revolut has no serious competitors. 

Read this article to discover five alternatives to Revolut that you should know if you're planning to move on from your traditional bank account and are on the lookout for digital banking services that guarantee free money transfers, bank accounts in multiple currencies, and fee-free atm withdrawals. All that in pair with Google Pay and/or Apple Pay.

Table of contents:

  1. What features to look for in a banking services provider?
  2. Best alternatives to Revolut – list
  3. Revolut alternatives – wrap up

 

What features to look for in a banking service provider?

Before we move on to list all of the alternatives to Revolut, let's take a closer look at the critical features consumers should take into account when choosing their banking applications.

1. Security 

The company you choose needs to offer its customers top-notch security in all of its digital products. Whether it's online banking or mobile apps, make sure that the bank complies with all of the regulations required in their country. The best way to apply security measures is through the options of setting limits, two-factor authentication, and enabling or disabling payment options.

2. Mobile apps 

Many of the alternatives to Revolut are mobile banks – and some of them are even mobile-only. This means that they should offer their customers a state-of-the-art mobile app. An app like that should allow you to transfer money, check your balance, check account history, set security limits, and many more.

3. Multicurrency accounts 

Most alternatives to Revolut offer the option of setting up multicurrency accounts. That way, you can easily store different currencies in your account and convert your money whenever the exchange rate is optimal. If you use your card in any country abroad, the exchange rate should be calculated at the time of your withdrawal. 

So, if you're planning to travel abroad soon, you can still save a lot of money by exchanging at the best time.

4. ATM withdrawals 

All of the Revolut alternatives we present below allow their customers to withdraw a certain amount of money for free every month. However, when customers reach that limit, usually, some fees will apply. 

5. Contactless payments 

Many digital banks now offer NFC or contactless payment options. For example, customers can use mobile apps to pay for their purchases. 

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Smart Conversational Banking and Chatbots

Best alternatives to Revolut – list

1. N26

This German startup offers accessible banking accounts for the residents of the majority of European Union member states. Founded in 2013, N26 has operated as a regular bank ever since it received its banking license. The bank offers a fantastic mobile app and desktop platform. And you can choose from three available cards: personal, black personal, and business. N26 uses the exchange rates provided by Transferwise. 

Note that N26 is no longer available to UK-based customers. The company recently decided to leave the UK market following Brexit. 

N26 Pros:

  • High availability to a broad range of nationalities.
  • Constant expansion of solutions to other countries.
  • Collaboration with Transferwise for exchanging currency.

N26 Cons:

  • You can only have one account. So if you already have a personal account, you can't set up a business account.

2. Monzo

It is a mobile-only digital bank based in the United Kingdom. The company started by offering a prepaid debit card. Once it received its banking license in 2017, Monzo began operating like any other bank. Now customers can choose from current accounts, with more services set to be offered in the future. The company counts almost 4 million active customers. Monzo is currently only available for UK residents. However, the company is busy at work expanding its audience reach. The exchange rates offered by Monzo are MasterCard exchange rates. 

Monzo Pros:

  • No day-to-day fees.
  • You can upgrade for extra features – for example, by upgrading, you can get travel insurance and set a higher ATM withdrawal limit.

Monzo Cons: 

  • At the moment, Monzo is only available for UK residents, and the account is designed to be used with GBP only.

3. Transferwise

Transferwise was founded in 2011. The UK-based company provides the broadest range of currency exchanges and money transfer services between international accounts. There is a reason why Transferwise was called the future of international money exchange. The company boasts worldwide recognition and a top rank in the banking world. While Transferwise doesn't hold a banking license, the company is an authorized electronic money institution regulated by the FCA in the UK. 

Transferwise Pros:

  • Transferwise is available worldwide – users from all over the world can apply for a Transferwise borderless account (except for a few selected countries).
  • You can hold up to 40 currencies in a single account.
  • Transferwise offers amazing customer service.
  • You can set up sub-accounts with various account numbers.

Transferwise Cons:

  • Customers have to pay a small fee to send money.

4. Bunq

This Dutch bank is relatively young, but it has already gained international recognition. It was founded in 2015 in Amsterdam. Bunq is available to the majority of European Union residents and is particularly active in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, France, and Belgium. However, any other EU citizen can open an account for free. Bunq's partner has partnered with Transferwise for currency exchanges as well. 

Bunq Pros:

  • Bunq services are available to a broad range of customers within the EU.
  • The company is always rolling out updates.

Bunq Cons:

  • Topping up a credit or debit card might not be free (depending on your account).

5. Monese

This UK-based company offers a wide range of services such as money transfers or current accounts. Founded in 2013, Monese has been growing steadily and acquired a solid customer base. The service is available to all of the residents of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes non-EU countries like Norway or Iceland. 

Monese Pros:

  • Monese services are just perfect for digital nomads and travelers because you can open an account without a permanent address.

Monese Cons:

  • Foreign currency transfers will only be free as long as you transfer to another Monese account. If this is not the case, expect to pay a fee.

The best alternatives to Revolut – wrap up

We hope this list helps you choose the best service available to match your unique requirements and preferences. This list is also excellent for business owners looking for top banking alternatives to Revolut that will allow their businesses to go international.  

As you can see, fintech is a rapidly growing sector with an increasing number of businesses offering new banking services and a much better customer experience than traditional banking. 

Software development services by Codete >

Are you looking for more insights into fintech? Be sure to browse our company blog, where our experts share news about current and future trends in digital banking. If you're looking for a fintech software development partner, don't hesitate to contact us

Rated: 5.0 / 2 opinions
Michal Krzysztof v2 a28a1397a9

Michał Krzysztof

Sales Director at Codete

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