Can I use Revolut in the USA?

You've booked the flights, secured the accommodation, and planned the perfect itinerary. The final piece of the travel puzzle's often the most confusing: figuring out how to spend money in the United States without losing your holiday budget to unexpected fees. Whether you're visiting the neon lights of Las Vegas or the historic streets of Boston, you'll need a reliable and cost-effective way to spend in US dollars (USD).

The good news is that our platform's designed to be your global travel companion. You can use your Revolut travel money card in the USA for everyday spending, cash withdrawals, and online bookings just as easily as you do at home in the UK.

Ready to start spending money abroad and managing all your travel finances in one app?

18+, T&Cs apply.

The information provided is accurate as of 9 January 2026.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut isn't a financial adviser.

Does Revolut work in the USA?

Yes, your Revolut UK account will still be usable in the United States, as well as your Revolut card.

Here's a quick breakdown of Revolut usage in the US:

• Accepted everywhere: use your Revolut card wherever Visa or Mastercard are accepted in the USA.
• Smart conversion: spend in USD from your balance or let us convert it automatically at our competitive exchange rate. Fair usage limits and weekend fees may apply, depending on your plan.
• ATM access: withdraw cash at millions of machines or look for our in-network ATMs in-app to avoid third-party surcharges.
• Connectivity: avoid high roaming fees by using a US eSIM for local data. eSIM T&Cs and fees apply.
• Planning ahead: you can exchange GBP to USD in-app during the week to avoid weekend fees. Exchange fees apply.

How Revolut works in the USA for UK customers

When you arrive in the United States, your UK-issued card works on the Visa and Mastercard networks. These are 2 of the most widely accepted payment networks in the world, meaning your card should be welcome at almost any merchant from coast to coast.

Our systems are built to recognise international transactions automatically, so there's no need to inform us of your travel dates.

You can manage your card's security features in-app, including freezing the card if it’s misplaced or adjusting spending limits to keep your holiday budget on track.

How to order your card

If you don't have a physical card yet, we recommend ordering one at least 2 weeks before your flight. While virtual cards are excellent for Apple Pay or Google Pay, having a physical card is essential for many US merchants, particularly petrol stations and older restaurants.

To order your card in the UK:

• Open the app
• Tap the card symbol in the top-right corner
• Select Add new and choose Physical
• Pick your card design and follow the prompts to set your PIN
• Confirm your delivery address

If you're on our Standard plan, you can choose standard delivery, while those on Premium, Metal, or Ultra plans enjoy free express delivery to get their card even faster.

Delivery and customisation fees apply.

Physical vs virtual cards in the United States

Many major US cities, like New York and San Francisco, have widely adopted contactless payments.

However, card-present transactions are still common in rural areas and smaller shops. A physical card also allows you to use ATMs and provides a reliable backup if your phone battery dies while you're out exploring.

Can you use your Revolut card in USA shops and restaurants?

Yes, your card's fully functional for retail and dining across the States. Most modern US terminals now support chip and PIN and contactless, although you may still find some places that ask for a signature, which is standard practice for many US providers.

Is USD supported for spending with Revolut?

USD is one of the primary currencies we support. You can spend in USD regardless of whether you have a pre-exchanged balance or not.

• If you have USD in your account: we'll automatically deduct the amount from your USD balance with no conversion needed at the point of sale
• If you don't have USD: we'll convert the necessary amount from your GBP balance at our current competitive exchange rate

The rule of thumb: always choose the local currency

When a payment terminal or ATM asks if you'd like to be charged in GBP or USD, always select USD. Choosing GBP allows the merchant's bank to set the exchange rate, a process known as dynamic currency conversion (DCC), which may include a high mark-up. By choosing the local currency, you ensure that we handle the conversion at our competitive rate.

Tipping culture and your card

Tipping's an integral part of service in the USA, usually ranging from 18–25% in restaurants. When you pay by card, the server will often bring you a receipt where you write in the tip amount.

Can you use ATMs in the USA with your Revolut card?

If you need cash for small purchases or tipping, you can use your card at any ATM that displays the Visa or Mastercard logo.

Understanding local ATM fees

While we don't charge you for withdrawals within your plan's monthly limit, most US ATM operators charge their own fee. This is a surcharge set by the bank that owns the machine. According to independent data, the average surcharge for out-of-network withdrawals in the US has risen to approximately $4.86.

To minimise these costs, try to:

• use ATMs located inside major bank branches rather than independent machines in convenience stores
• make fewer, larger withdrawals to avoid being charged multiple surcharges, keeping in mind your plan’s limits
• always decline the ATM's offer of currency conversion
• look for our in-network ATMs in-app to avoid third-party surcharges

No Revolut fees within plan limits. Third parties may charge ATM fees.

Exchanging pounds to US dollars with Revolut

You've got total flexibility in how you manage your currency for your trip.

Pre-exchange to lock in a rate

If you notice the GBP to USD exchange rate is particularly strong a few weeks before your trip, you can exchange your money in-app and hold it in a USD Pocket. This locks in the rate and helps you budget effectively.

Automatic conversion

If you prefer to keep your money in GBP until you need it, we'll simply convert it as you spend. This is the most convenient option if you don't want to monitor the currency markets.

If you’re ready to secure your rate, buy US dollars online with Revolut.

Understanding the costs of spending in the USA

We aim for clarity in all our pricing. The total cost depends on your plan and when you choose to exchange.

Our exchange rate

We use our competitive exchange rate for all currency conversions. You can check the live rate at any time in-app in the Exchange section. If you spend with your card and we handle the conversion at that moment, we’ll show you the exchange rate being used.

Weekend fees

Currency markets are closed during the weekends (between 5pm Friday and 6pm Sunday ET). During this time, we apply a 1% fee on currency exchanges for Standard and Plus customers. If you want to avoid this, try to exchange enough USD for your weekend spending during the week.

Fair usage limits

On our Standard plan, you can exchange up to £1,000 per month without any fair usage fees (excluding the weekend fee). If you exceed this limit, a 1% fee applies. If you upgrade to higher tiers, you'll enjoy higher or unlimited exchange limits.

Can you get a Revolut account in the United States?

If you're moving to the USA for an extended period, you might want a local account. We're available for residents of the United States. To sign up as a US resident, you'll need a local US residential address and a valid US Social Security number (SSN).

What happens if you move to the United States

If you're a UK customer moving to the States permanently, you'll eventually need to update your address in-app. Because of different regional regulations, you may be asked to close your UK account and open a new, US-based one. We recommend getting in touch with our support team in-app as soon as you've got your new local details.

Tips for saving on your travel budget for the USA

Preparation's the key to stress-free spending abroad. Before you even step into the airport, you should have your finances secured.

• Watch the sales tax: remember that the price on the tag isn't the final price. Sales tax is added at the till and varies by state (e.g. 0% in Delaware but around 8.8% in New York City).
• Avoid airport kiosks: currency exchange booths at airports may provide poor rates.
• Use one of our eSIMs: UK mobile providers can charge a fee for roaming. With our eSIM, you can get local data for a fraction of that price.

What's the best currency to take to the United States?

You should always use US dollars ($). While some border towns might accept other currencies, the exchange rates offered by merchants may be highly unfavourable. Carrying a small amount of physical USD for tips and using your card for everything else is the most efficient strategy.

Start spending money in the USA with Revolut

To take us along with you on your travels, follow these quick steps:

1. Download the app and sign up in minutes.
2. Add money from an existing account or via a debit card.
3. Order your physical card in-app (card delivery fees apply) and start using a virtual card immediately for online purchases, or add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
4. Set up your USD account: tap Accounts, then Add new. Choose Currency account to set up a new account in USD. You can then exchange money in-app before you travel, or simply let your card convert it automatically when you spend.