Prepaid cards: How they work and why you might need one

Managing your daily spending should be simple, but the variety of cards available today can make it difficult to choose the right one.

If you're looking for a way to pay for goods and services without the risk of overspending, a prepaid card could be the solution.

We provide flexible prepaid card options that give you total control over your money in-app. Whether you're budgeting for a trip or shopping online, Revolut cards are designed to provide clarity and ease of use. Read on to learn all about them.

Terms and Conditions apply.

The information provided is accurate as of January 23, 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 advisor.

What's a prepaid card? Prepaid debit cards at a glance

Here's a quick summary of how prepaid cards work:

• The concept: You add money to the card balance before you spend it. You can't spend more than the amount you've loaded onto it.
• Revolut prepaid cards: Your Revolut card is linked to your digital account, which has no subscription fees on the Standard plan.¹ You can sign up for Revolut and order a card in-app in a few minutes.
• Usage: Use your card for online shopping, in-store purchases, and cash withdrawals at ATMs.
• Key benefits: These cards help you avoid debt, offer security for digital transactions, and don't require a link to a checking account.
• Card types: Choose between physical cards, virtual cards, or single-use virtual cards for enhanced security.

What's a prepaid card?

A prepaid card is a payment card that you load with money in advance. Unlike a standard debit card, it isn't connected to a checking account. With Revolut, your prepaid card is linked to your digital account balance.

When you're using a prepaid card, you're only spending the money you've put on it. These cards are a popular alternative to credit cards if you want to avoid the risk of interest charges and debt. Because there's no credit function, you don't need to worry about monthly bills or late payment fees.

We treat your balance with clarity, so you always know exactly how much you've got available to spend.

Different types of prepaid cards

Depending on your lifestyle and how you prefer to shop, there are several types of cards you can choose from to manage your money.

Physical prepaid cards

A physical card is the plastic or metal one you keep in your wallet. You can use it to pay at terminals in shops and restaurants, and for cash withdrawals at ATMs. Our physical cards are designed for durability and work anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard.

Virtual cards

Virtual cards only exist in your account in our app. They've got a unique 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV, but don't exist physically.

They're useful for online shopping or for adding to digital wallets like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet to pay in stores. Virtual cards allow you to start spending as soon as you open your account, without having to wait to receive your physical one by mail.

Single-use virtual cards

If you want maximum security when shopping online, single-use virtual cards are a great choice. The card details refresh automatically after every transaction. If a merchant's website is ever compromised, the card details they've got will be useless, as that specific card number will have already expired.

How to get a prepaid debit card

You can get a prepaid card online or in-app with us in just a few taps. Here's how it works:

1. Get the app: Sign up and verify your identity in a few minutes.
2. Add money: Make a bank transfer or link a debit card to put money into your account.
3. Order your card: Head to the Cards section to choose between a physical or virtual card.
4. Start spending: Once your card's active, you can use it for all your daily expenses while tracking your progress in real-time.

Want to learn more?Read all about how to get a prepaid card.

How to withdraw money with a prepaid card

You can use your Revolut prepaid card to withdraw cash from ATMs. As long as you've got enough money on your card, you can access it at thousands of locations across the US and overseas.

You can withdraw money from ATMs within the US without fees, up to a certain limit each month, depending on your plan. After you reach your limit, a 2% fee will apply. You can upgrade your plan in-app at any time.

When you use an ATM, the machine will communicate with us to verify your balance. If you've got enough money, the cash will be dispensed and the amount — along with any applicable fees — will be deducted from your balance. It's important to note that while we offer clear, competitive fees, some ATM operators might charge their own (sometimes confusing) fees for using their machines. You can look for our in-network ATMs in-app to avoid them.

Prepaid card benefits

Prepaid cards offer a range of advantages whether you're a traveller or you're simply looking to stick to a budget.

No credit checks

Since a prepaid card doesn't involve borrowing, we won’t perform a credit check. This makes them easy to get if you're just starting your financial journey or if you're working to improve your credit score.

Debt prevention

Because you can only spend what you've got, there's no risk of falling into debt. This is a big advantage over credit cards, where interest rates can quickly lead to a growing balance if the full amount isn't paid off each month.

Financial inclusion

Prepaid cards allow you to participate in the digital economy even if you don't have access to traditional banking options. You can use your Revolut account with a prepaid card to pay bills, receive direct deposits like your salary, and shop at millions of online stores worldwide.

Prepaid card fees

Prepaid card fees from most providers usually include:

• Monthly fees: Recurring charges for keeping your account active.
• Reload fees: A fee for adding money to your card, particularly when you're using cash at retail locations.
• ATM withdrawal fees: A charge for taking out cash, which might be increased if you're using an out-of-network ATM.
• Foreign transaction fees: Fees applied when you spend in a currency other than US dollars.

We believe in accessibility and clarity so our prepaid card pricing is competitive, and you’ll never be surprised by unexpected charges. Here's how we compare:

• No monthly subscription fees: You won't pay anything just to keep your account on our Standard plan.
• No Revolut ATM withdrawal fees: You won't get charged for taking cash out from an ATM in our network, as long as it's within your plan's limits. Third-party ATMs may charge a fee.
• No foreign transaction fees: We won’t charge you for using your card abroad.

We provide a full breakdown of our fees in-app, so you can choose the plan that offers the best value for your spending habits.

Prepaid cards vs debit cards and credit cards

It's easy to confuse prepaid cards with other types of payment cards, but they each serve different purposes.

Prepaid cards vs debit cards

A standard debit card is linked directly to a checking account. When you spend, the money comes out of that account. If you spend more than you've got, you might get hit by overdraft fees.

Want to learn more?Read all about the differences between prepaid cards and debit cards.

Prepaid cards vs credit cards

Credit cards allow you to borrow money up to a certain limit. You'll then pay this back, often with interest. Prepaid cards use your own money that you've added in advance. There's no interest to pay and no risk of accumulating debt.

Can a prepaid card help me build credit?

Generally, no. Because a prepaid card isn't a form of credit, your spending activity isn't reported to credit bureaus like Experian or TransUnion. If you want to build your credit rating, you'll need to consider other options specifically designed for that purpose.

Frequently asked questions about prepaid cards

Can I get my salary paid onto a prepaid card?

Yes, our prepaid cards are linked to your Revolut account, where you can receive direct deposits and transfers. You can provide your account and routing numbers to your employer, and your paycheck will be added to your balance automatically.

Do prepaid cards expire?

Yes, they do. Like any other payment card, a prepaid card has an expiration date printed on the front or back. When your card is close to expiring, we'll notify you in-app so you can order a replacement.

What should I do if my card is lost?

If you lose your card, you should freeze it immediately in-app to prevent any unauthorized transactions. Once you've secured your balance, you can report the card as lost and order a new one.

How to get started with Revolut

If you're ready to manage your money with more clarity and control, setting up your account is a simple, digital process. Here's how it works:

1. Download the app: Find it in the App Store or Google Play, then install it on your device.
2. Sign up for Revolut: Open the app and follow the instructions to enter your details and verify your identity.
3. Add money: Make a bank transfer or link a debit card to put money into your account.
4. Order your card: Head to the Cards section to choose between a physical or virtual card.
5. Start spending: Once your card's active, you can use it for all your daily expenses while tracking your progress in real-time.

¹$0 account subscription fees for Standard account only.