How to get a debit card in the UK: your guide to debit card requirements and applications

For many people in the UK, a debit card linked to their account is the main way they manage their finances. As a fully licensed UK bank, Revolut Bank UK Ltd offers debit cards alongside a wide range of account features.

Whether you're looking for a straightforward way to manage your budget, a safe tool for online shopping, or a reliable option for travel, knowing how to get a debit card is the first step.

We break down the differences between card types and explain the security features you should be looking for. Our goal is to give you all the information you need to order and use your card safely, so you can have complete control over your money.

Curious how our cards can simplify your spending? Discover Revolut cards and open your account.

18+, T&Cs apply.

What's a debit card?

A debit card is a payment tool connected to your main account.

When you make a payment, the money is taken from your balance right away. This makes it a useful tool for staying within budget, as you can only spend the money you have.

The process is fast and relies on major payment networks, like Visa or Mastercard, to instantly communicate with your account provider. This instant communication makes sure the money is available, approves the transaction, and updates your balance in real-time.

Debit cards vs credit cards

To manage your finances responsibly, it's important to understand the difference between a debit card and a credit card.

A debit card gives you a good oversight of your finances. A credit card offers flexibility but comes with the responsibility of managing debt and interest payments.

More about debit cards

A debit card — whether physical or virtual — has several important pieces of information that allow it to work safely. Knowing about these details will help you protect your information, especially when shopping online. Let's break it down:

• The 16-digit card number: this unique number identifies your card and is primarily used for online transactions.
• The expiry date: this shows the month and year until which the card is valid.
• The cardholder name: your name, as it appears on the account.
• Card Verification Value (CVV): also called the Card Security Code (CSC), this is the 3-digit number on the back of your physical card (also visible in-app for virtual cards). It's an important security measure used for things like online shopping. It confirms you physically have the card or have access to its secure virtual details.
• Sort code: this is the 6-digit number that identifies the specific branch your account is held in. This information is important for receiving payments or setting up Direct Debits, and is associated with your account, not the card itself.

Want to know more about debit cards? Check out our guide on what a debit card is.

How to apply for a debit card

The application process to get a Visa or Mastercard debit card today is almost entirely digital and designed for speed. There's no need to visit a physical location or wait for paper forms.

What are the requirements to get a debit card?

The first step to getting your card is opening an account.

While providers will verify different details, the core requirements to get a debit card linked to a new account are relatively standard across the UK. They include:

1. Proof of identity: you'll need a current and valid government-issued photo ID, such as a full passport or driving licence.
2. Proof of address: a recent document showing your current residential address in the UK is required. This often includes utility bills, bank statements, or a council tax bill.
3. UK residency: you must confirm that you're a legal resident in the UK to open an account with us.
4. A valid mobile number: this is used for verification during signup and for secure in-app communication, including two-factor authentication.

The entire sign-up process with us happens in-app. We use digital verification tools to quickly and securely process your documents, so the process takes just a few minutes.

How long does it take to get a debit card?

One of the greatest benefits of using a digital provider like us is speed.

The key takeaway is that you can start using your account and making payments online or via your phone's digital wallet almost immediately, without having to wait for the physical card.

What's the minimum age to get a debit card?

While most full personal accounts require the customer to be 18 or over, we understand the need for younger people to learn financial responsibility.

In the UK, we offer specific Revolut Kids & Teens accounts tailored to kids and teenagers. Customers under 18 can have their own kids debit cards, supervised by a parent or guardian if they're under 16, or manage their own teens account and debit cards if they're 16 or 17.

Kids & Teens T&Cs apply.

Beyond plastic: physical, virtual, and single-use cards

Debit cards no longer come in just plastic. We offer different card types that fit different spending habits and security needs. This gives you control over your money in any situation.

Physical cards: for everyday transactions and ATMs

This is the standard card you carry in your wallet. It's used for ATM withdrawals, in-store shopping via chip and PIN, contactless payments, and for transactions where a physical card is required.

When you order it in-app, you can often select from various designs and colours. Customisation and delivery fees may apply.

Virtual cards: the key to secure online payments

A virtual card exists only in the digital space. It has a unique card number, CVV, and expiry date that's entirely separate from your physical card.

Virtual cards are a great security tool because you never have to share your real card information online. You can use your virtual card for all online shopping. You can also instantly link it to your phone's digital wallet for contactless payments (via Apple Pay or Google Pay) in person. This lets you start spending instantly, even before your physical card arrives.

Single-use cards: the ultimate security shield

For the highest level of security when shopping online, a single-use virtual card is the best choice, especially with a new retailer or an unfamiliar website.

• One-time use: the card details (number, CVV, expiry date) are generated only for one use
• Automatic destruction: after the transaction is completed, the card details automatically refresh and are destroyed
• Fraud protection: if a retailer suffers a data breach, the details they have for your single-use virtual card will be useless to any fraudulent parties, protecting your main account balance

This feature gives you complete peace of mind when making online payments.

Using your debit card effectively

Having a debit card is about more than just spending. It's about accessing and managing your money efficiently, securely, and globally.

Stay safe when spending in-store and online

Your debit card is protected by several layers of security:

• In-store: contactless payments are capped at £100 per transaction, and you'll occasionally be asked for your PIN to verify your identity.
• Online: always check the website uses secure protocols (look for the padlock symbol and an address starting with https://). Using virtual and single-use cards adds a layer of protection.
• Instant control: our account gives you push notifications for every transaction, so you're immediately alerted to any activity on your card, allowing you to react quickly if you notice anything suspicious. You can always freeze and unfreeze your card in-app.

Using your debit card abroad: travel money made easy

When you're travelling, your debit card is an essential financial tool. You can use your Revolut card almost anywhere in the world where major card networks are accepted, making it an excellent travel money card.

Using it for payments or ATM withdrawals abroad means you get access to competitive exchange rates. Being able to hold and exchange multiple currencies in-app means you can lock in a good rate before you even leave home. You can also let our card manage your currency conversion automatically when you make a payment on holiday.

Fair usage limits and exchange fees may apply. T&Cs apply.

Managing your card: lost, stolen, expired, and activated

Having control over your card is important for safety and accessibility. Our app is designed to give you easy, self-service management tools.

If your debit card has been lost or stolen: instant control

If you realise your physical card is missing, the most important thing to do is secure your money immediately. Here's how:

1. Open the app
2. Navigate to the Cards section
3. Tap on the card and select Freeze

Freezing the card instantly blocks all transactions, preventing any unauthorised use. If you find the card, you can unfreeze it instantly following the same steps. If the card is permanently lost or you suspect it was stolen, you can order a replacement one right away in-app, which automatically cancels the lost one.

How to handle an expired or non-working card

We replace expired cards automatically. Your new card will usually be sent to your registered address well before the old one expires.

Here's what to do if your card stops working:

1. Check the app: sometimes a card can be temporarily frozen for security reasons. Check the Cards section in-app to see if its status is active.
2. Try chip and PIN: if contactless fails, try a chip and PIN transaction, as this may be required to reset your contactless.
3. Look at your balance: check you have enough money in your account to cover the payment.
4. If you're still having issues: our customer support team can help you via the in-app chat function.

How to activate your debit card

When your new card arrives in the post, you must activate it to link it securely to your account. Activating a debit card in-app is simple and easy, and usually only needs one chip and PIN transaction. Here's how it works:

1. Open the Revolut app and navigate to the Cards section.
2. Select the image of the new card. You'll see prompts to activate it.
3. Make a chip and PIN payment: go to any physical terminal or ATM and make a successful payment or withdrawal using your physical card and your PIN. This validates and activates the card for all functions, including contactless and online payments.

Remember: you can safely view your PIN in-app, but you should never write it down or share it with anyone.

Why get a debit card with Revolut?

If you're looking for a debit card, Revolut is worth considering. As a fully licensed UK bank, regulated by the PRA and FCA, we issue debit cards directly — backed by the same standards as any other UK bank.

Here's what sets a Revolut debit card apart:

• Physical and virtual cards: order a physical card for everyday spending and ATMs, or use virtual and single-use virtual cards for extra security online
• Global spending: use your card in over 150 countries with competitive exchange rates and no fees on currency exchange within your plan allowance
• Full in-app control: freeze and unfreeze your card, set spending limits, and get instant payment notifications — all in-app

Exchange fees, international transfer fees, fair usage limits, T&Cs, and Paid Plan Terms apply.

Get started with Revolut

Here's how you can start your journey with us:

1. Download and install: find the Revolut app in the App Store or Google Play and install it on your device.
2. Create your account: open the app and follow the prompts to sign up for Revolut. Give your details and complete the quick digital ID verification process.
3. Order your card: once your account's open, tap on the Cards section. You can start using your virtual card right away, then order your physical card for delivery.
4. Add money: use a quick bank transfer or link an existing debit card to add money to your new account.
5. Start spending: use your virtual card immediately and, once it arrives, activate your physical card to enjoy easy, secure spending every day.

The information provided is accurate as of 17 April 2026.

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

We were granted our full banking licence in March 2026. At the time of publication, some existing customers may still be‌ being moved over to bank accounts. This means that some information about banking protections may not yet be applicable to all customers.