Revolut Business vs Personal: What is the Right Choice?
Revolut offers personal and business accounts with different features to cater to customer needs.
Personal accounts provide all the necessary tools to manage your finances daily, including the ability to transact in over 30 different currencies.
Business accounts offer features similar to personal accounts, with additional perks that make life easier for freelancers, sole proprietors, and small business owners. You can easily integrate your Revolut business account with your favorite cloud accounting software and use it to receive payments from your customers and clients online and in person.
A dedicated business account can simplify things for entrepreneurs by separating personal and company finances, making monitoring and reporting on business activities, analyzing performance, and maintaining tax compliance more manageable.
An In-Depth Look at Revolut
Revolut is a financial technology company that has made a name for itself by offering innovative banking services through its mobile app. Established in 2015, Revolut's user-friendly interface, cost-effective solutions, and commitment to simplifying traditional banking norms have quickly gained traction.
Revolut has successfully established itself as a leading financial technology company by catering to the evolving needs of users in an increasingly interconnected world. Through the integration of traditional banking services with innovative features such as multi-currency accounts, cryptocurrency support, and budgeting tools, Revolut has carved a niche for itself.
As financial technology continues to advance, Revolut remains at the forefront, showcasing how innovation can redefine the banking experience and enable individuals and businesses to achieve their goals on a global scale.
Key Features
Multi-Currency Accounts
Revolut's key selling point is its ability to manage multiple currencies in one account without hassle. This feature is a game-changer for individuals and businesses involved in international transactions. This service allows users to hold and manage various currencies, eliminating the need for multiple accounts and simplifying cross-border financial activities.
Foreign Exchange
Revolut allows its users to exchange currencies at real-time interbank rates, which helps to avoid the unfavorable rates imposed by traditional banks. This feature is particularly beneficial for travelers, digital nomads, and businesses involved in global trade, as it allows them to optimize their currency exchanges and reduce unnecessary fees.
Debit Card
Revolut provides users with physical and virtual debit cards linked to their accounts. These cards can be used to make purchases online and offline, and they also support contactless payments for added convenience. Integrating debit cards makes accessing their funds easier for users worldwide and facilitates seamless transactions.
Budgeting and Analytics
Revolut is not just a traditional banking app; it also offers various budgeting and expense-tracking tools. With Revolut, users can set spending limits, categorize transactions, and gain valuable insights into their financial habits. This proactive approach to financial management aligns with the growing demand for apps that facilitate transactions and promote economic well-being.
Cryptocurrency Integration
Revolut has taken notice of the increasing significance of cryptocurrencies and has incorporated a feature into its app that enables users to purchase, sell, and maintain various digital currencies directly from the app. This functionality makes the platform more attractive to those interested in the dynamic environment of digital assets, offering a simple entry point into the world of cryptocurrency.
Global Transfers
Revolut is an excellent option for individuals and businesses who deal with international money transfers. It offers competitive exchange rates and a user-friendly interface. The app also provides features like bill splitting, making it easier for users to navigate the complexities of international finance.
Premium and Metal Plans
Revolut offers premium subscription plans, Premium and Metal, catering to users seeking enhanced features. These plans include benefits such as travel insurance, priority customer support, and higher ATM withdrawal limits, providing a tailored experience for those who desire additional perks.
Security Features
Revolut prioritizes user security by offering transaction notifications, the ability to freeze/unfreeze the card, and location-based security settings. These measures contribute to a secure and trustworthy banking experience in a digital era where security is paramount.
Business Accounts
Revolut has decided to cater to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by offering business accounts. These accounts are equipped with various tools such as expense management, employee cards, and other features. The aim is to make financial operations more efficient for businesses of different sizes.
Pros and Cons of Revolut
Pros
- Revolut provides an account and a card along with money transfer services.
- Although fees may apply, it is suitable for spending abroad.
- Revolut's fees and pricing structure are transparent.
- The Revolut app is user-friendly.
- A wide range of features is available, even on the free Standard plan.
Cons
- Upgrading to a paid plan is recommended for discounted international transfer fees.
- Revolut charges a 1% fee for currency exchange on weekends.
- There is a monthly exchange allowance; fees may apply if exceeded.
- Revolut uses its exchange rate for currency conversions, which may include a fee or a markup.
Alternatives to Revolut
Wise
Wise is an international money transfer specialist based in the UK. Unlike other providers, Wise operates differently. They keep local bank accounts in countries worldwide to cut out all the expensive international fees that come with sending money across borders. With your Wise multi-currency account, you can send money in over 40 currencies worldwide. You can do it easily online or via the convenient Wise app. Wise offers a card in over 150 countries to spend like a local.
Pros
- Wise offers mid-market exchange rates with no markups.
- You can get a multi-currency account, a card, and money transfers.
- Account sign-up is free.
- Payments are secure and fast.
- Wise app lets you manage your money on the go.
Cons
- Wise charges transfer fees, but they are always low and transparent.
- Cash pickup is not available.
Skrill
Skrill is a digital wallet owned by the global payments platform Paysafe Limited. It was launched in 2001 and has been around for quite some time. With the Skrill app, you can easily send money to over 40 countries worldwide, including the UK. Additionally, it can be used to pay for various online services, such as betting and gaming. Similar to Revolut, it also allows you to trade cryptocurrency. Furthermore, you can use the Skrill Prepaid Mastercard for real-world spending.
Pros
- Skrill offers both personal and business accounts.
- Safe and secure transfer of funds.
- An optional prepaid card is available.
- User-friendly Skrill mobile app.
- No fees for bank-to-bank international transfers.
Cons
- There are no options for cash payment or pickup.
- Skrill charges up to a 4.99% markup on the exchange rate for international transfers.
Western Union
Western Union is a well-known company that specializes in money transfer. It has been in operation since 1861 and currently operates in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. With Western Union, you can send money online or through their mobile app to bank accounts or mobile wallets anywhere in the world. Alternatively, you can make and receive transfers in person and withdraw cash at any Western Union agent location.
Pros
- Western Union has a vast global network.
- They offer a variety of delivery and collection methods, including cash payment and pickup.
- The Western Union app makes it easy to track transfers.
- The service is fully regulated around the world.
Cons
- Western Union may add a markup to the mid-market exchange rate.
- Some transfer fees may apply.
- Faster services and payment in cash may come at a higher cost.
- Not all delivery/collection methods are available for all destinations.