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Revolut's high fx rates: a costly trap for users

Revolut's High FX Rates | Users Push Back Against Costly Fees

By

Fatima Al-Farsi

Jul 14, 2026, 09:20 AM

Edited By

David Kim

Updated

Jul 15, 2026, 09:48 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A frustrated person looking at phone displaying high foreign exchange rates and fees, symbolizing hidden costs with Revolut

A growing coalition of Revolut users is raising concerns over the app's foreign exchange (FX) rates, claiming they have slipped into uncompetitive territory. Recent comments reveal some users are finding cheaper options with traditional banks and other fintech apps, increasing demand for transparency and clarity.

Hidden Costs Emerge

Reports suggest that Revolut's touted zero fees for metal clients and weekend transactions may not hold true. Users indicate the app now adjusts rates based on hidden factors rather than adhering strictly to the mid-market rate, resulting in unexpected costs. One user reported,

"Paying 1000 EUR ends up costing more by 8.2 EUR in fees compared to other apps."

This sentiment is echoed by others who feel misled about the actual costs of using the service.

Competitive Alternatives

Amid growing dissatisfaction, users are turning to competitors like Wise and Trading212 for better rates. For instance, one user shared,

"I checked ING bank, and it was cheaper than Revolut for my euro-to-Curacao guilder transfer."

Interestingly, some users noted that the exchange rate on larger transactions improves, but that may not matter for smaller, daily payments.

Moreover, comments indicate that many users now believe even local banks could offer more favorable rates than Revolut. One user remarked, "Long time ago, they had rates close to ECB/Google, but now it’s worse."

User Experience Mixed

Despite the growing discontent, some users remain committed to Revolut, citing a lack of better alternatives for large transfers. One individual expressed,

"There’s nothing better than Revolut still, so where would you go? Local banks are multiple-magnitude worse."

However, others are less forgiving, labeling their experiences with traditional banks as frustrating, with one noting,

"ING is the worst for me, even with a gold VISA card."

The push for better offerings illustrates the ongoing struggle users face when searching for the best exchange rates.

Will Revolut Respond?

As criticisms mount, will Revolut reconsider its pricing strategy? With the current pace of competition in the finance app space, failing to address these concerns could drive frustrated users to alternatives.

Key Insights

  • β–³ Recent interactions reveal an increase of 8.2 EUR fees per 1000 EUR exchanged.

  • β–½ Users are turning to platforms like Wise and local banks for better rates.

  • β€» "Revolut’s exchange rates are not as good; local banks have better offers now," stated a user, highlighting the competitive pressure.

With users growing more vocal about their frustrations, all eyes remain on Revolut to see if it will take concrete steps to re-position itself in the market.