How to set up and use Revolut in the USA as a new arrival

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You can use Revolut in the USA, even if you just arrived. If you are a student or a new resident, you do not need a Social Security Number to open a Revolut account. Many students and newcomers find it easy to get started because you do not need a bank account. Revolut lets you manage money in different currencies, pay with your card, and send funds to friends. You can open an account with your ID and address. Revolut makes bank services simple for everyone.

• Multi-currency accounts
• No US bank account needed
• Fast setup with just your ID

Key Takeaways

• You can open a Revolut account in the USA without a Social Security Number or a local bank account, using just your ID and proof of address.
• Setting up Revolut is quick and easy through the app, which guides you to verify your identity and add money from various sources.
• Revolut lets you spend, withdraw cash, and send money in multiple currencies with low fees and real-time notifications for every transaction.
• The app offers strong security controls like freezing your card instantly and setting spending limits to protect your money.
• You can start with the free Standard plan and upgrade later for more features like higher ATM limits and discounts on international transfers.

Eligibility

Who Can Use Revolut

You can open a revolut personal account in the USA if you are a legal resident. You do not need to be a citizen. Many new arrivals, including students and international students, find revolut helpful. If you just moved to the USA, you can use revolut even if you do not have a Social Security Number. You only need to live in the USA and have a valid address.

Revolut welcomes people from many backgrounds. You can use a revolut personal account if you are working, studying, or just starting your new life. If you run a business, you might want to look at a revolut business account, but most newcomers start with a revolut personal account.

Tip: If you are a student, revolut can help you manage your money in different currencies. You can pay for things, send money to friends, and keep track of your spending.

You do not need a US bank account to get started. Many people use revolut before they open a bank account at a local branch. Some even keep using revolut after they get a bank account because it is easy and flexible.

Required Documents

To open a revolut personal account, you need a few simple documents. Here is what you should prepare:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or state ID)
• Proof of your US address (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement)
• A selfie for identity verification

You do not need a Social Security Number for most revolut personal accounts. This makes revolut a great choice for new arrivals and students. If you have documents from a Hong Kong bank, you can use a bank statement as proof of address. Make sure your documents are clear and up to date.

Once you upload your documents, revolut will review them. You can usually finish this step in a few minutes. After approval, you can add money to your revolut personal account and start using it right away.

Set Up Revolut

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Setting up your revolut personal account in the USA is easy. You do not need a Social Security Number. You can finish the process in just a few steps. Here is how you can get started.

Download Revolut App

First, you need to get the revolut app on your phone. You can find it in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Search for “revolut” and tap the download button. The app is free. Once you have the revolut app, open it and tap “Sign Up.” You will see a simple form. Enter your phone number and create a password. The app will send you a code by text. Enter the code to confirm your phone number.

Tip: Make sure your phone is connected to the internet. You need a working phone number in the USA to sign up.

Account Verification

After you start your registration, the revolut app will ask you to verify your identity. This step helps keep your revolut personal account safe. You will need to upload a photo of your government-issued ID. You can use your passport, driver’s license, or state ID. The app will guide you to take a clear picture. Next, you will need to take a selfie. Hold your phone steady and follow the instructions on the screen.

The revolut app will also ask for proof of your US address. You can use a utility bill, a lease agreement, or a bank statement from a Hong Kong bank if it shows your US address. Take a photo or upload a file. Make sure your name and address are easy to read.

You do not need to enter a Social Security Number to open a revolut account. This makes the process simple for new arrivals. The revolut app checks your documents quickly. Most people finish this step in a few minutes. If there is a problem, the app will tell you what to fix.

Add Money

Once your revolut personal account is ready, you can add money. Tap “Add Money” in the revolut app. You can use a debit card, credit card, or link another bank account. Many new arrivals use a card from their home country or a Hong Kong bank. The app will show you the amount in USD. You can also see the exchange rate if you add money in another currency.

You can start with a small amount, like $20 USD. The revolut app does not charge a fee for adding money with most cards. If your card charges a fee, the app will show you before you finish. After you add money, you can use your revolut personal account to pay, send, or exchange money.

Note: You do not need a US bank account to fund your revolut personal account. This is helpful if you just arrived and do not have a local bank yet.

You can now use your revolut personal account for shopping, paying bills, or sending money. The revolut app makes it easy to track your spending and manage your money in the USA.

Use Revolut in the USA

Spend and Withdraw

You can use revolut for shopping, eating out, and paying for services in the USA. After you set up your account, you will receive a virtual card right away. You can add this card to Apple Pay or Google Pay and start spending. If you want a physical card, you can order one in the app. The card works at most stores and online shops that accept Mastercard or Visa.

When you pay with your revolut card, the app sends you a notification. You can see every transaction in real time. This helps you track your spending and avoid surprises. If you lose your card, you can freeze it in the app with one tap. You can unfreeze it just as easily.

You can also withdraw cash from ATMs. Look for ATMs that accept Mastercard or Visa. Revolut lets you withdraw up to a certain amount each month for free. After you reach the limit, a small fee applies. The app will show you the fee before you confirm the withdrawal. If you use revolut at an ATM, always choose to be charged in USD to avoid extra fees.

Tip: Always check the ATM fee in the revolut app before you take out cash. Some ATMs charge their own fee, so compare options if you can.

Send and Receive Money

Revolut makes it easy to send money to friends or family in the USA or abroad. You can send money to other revolut users instantly. Just enter their phone number or select them from your contacts. The money arrives in seconds. If your friend does not have revolut, you can invite them to join and send money once they sign up.

You can also send money to bank accounts in the USA or other countries. The app guides you through each step. Enter the recipient’s bank details, choose the amount, and confirm. Revolut shows you the exchange rate and any fees before you send. Many people use revolut for international transfers because it is fast and often cheaper than traditional banks.

Receiving money is simple, too. Share your revolut username or account details with the sender. You get a notification when the money arrives. You can keep the funds in your revolut account or move them to another bank account if you want.

Note: If you have friends or family in China or Hong Kong, you can use revolut to send money to their accounts. Make sure you check the exchange rate and fees in the app before you send.

Currency Exchange

If you travel or shop online in other countries, you will find the currency exchange feature in revolut very useful. You can hold and exchange over 25 currencies in your account. The app uses real-time exchange rates, so you get a fair deal. You can swap USD for EUR, GBP, HKD, or many other currencies with just a few taps.

To exchange money, open the revolut app and tap “Exchange.” Choose the currencies and enter the amount. The app shows you the rate and any fees. Confirm the exchange, and your new balance appears right away. You can use revolut to pay in different currencies without worrying about hidden charges.

If you want to manage your finances better, set up rate alerts in the app. Revolut will notify you when your chosen currency hits your target rate. This helps you save money when you travel or send funds abroad.

Tip: If you plan to send money to Hong Kong banks or pay for services in another country, exchange your money in the app first. This way, you know the exact rate and avoid extra costs.

Revolut App Features

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Security and Card Controls

You want to keep your money safe. The revolut app gives you strong security tools. You can freeze or unfreeze your card with one tap. If you lose your card, just open the revolut app and lock it right away. You can also set spending limits on your revolut personal account. This helps you control your budget. The revolut app sends instant alerts for every transaction. You always know when someone uses your revolut personal account. You can turn on or off features like online payments or ATM withdrawals. These controls help you protect your revolut personal account from fraud.

Tip: Always check your revolut app for alerts. If you see something strange, freeze your card and contact support.

ACH and Wire Transfers

You can send and receive money using ACH and wire transfers with your revolut personal account. ACH transfers work for payments in the USA. Wire transfers help you move money to banks in other countries, including Hong Kong banks. The revolut app shows you how to enter the details. You just follow the steps and send money fast. You can use your revolut personal account for bills, rent, or even international transfers. The app will show you the fees and exchange rates in USD before you send money. This way, you always know the cost.

Multi-Currency Accounts

You can hold and use many currencies in your revolut personal account. The revolut app lets you switch between USD, EUR, GBP, HKD, and more. You can pay for things in different countries without extra hassle. The revolut app uses real-time exchange rates, so you get a fair deal. You can manage your finances better by keeping money in the currency you need. If you travel or shop online, this feature saves you money. You can also use your revolut personal account to send money to friends in other countries. The revolut app makes it easy to see your balances and switch currencies with a few taps.

Fees and Plans

Free vs Paid

When you open a revolut account, you can pick from three main plans. The Standard plan is free. You do not pay a monthly fee. If you want more features, you can choose the Premium plan for $9.99 per month or the Metal plan for $16.99 per month. Each plan gives you different benefits. The free plan works well for most new arrivals. You can spend, withdraw cash, and exchange currencies with no monthly cost. If you travel often or send money abroad, you might like the paid plans. These plans give you higher ATM withdrawal limits and discounts on international transfers.

Here is a quick look at the main differences:

Tip: You can start with the free revolut plan and upgrade later if you need more features.

Common Fees

You want to know what you will pay when you use revolut. Most everyday actions are free or low-cost. You can withdraw cash for free at over 55,000 ATMs in the USA. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you get a limited number of free withdrawals each month. After that, a small fee applies. The Metal plan gives you the highest free ATM limit, up to $1,200 per month.

Revolut does not charge foreign transaction fees for spending in other currencies. You can exchange up to $1,000 each month without extra cost. If you exchange money on weekends, a 1% fee applies. International transfers have standard fees, but the Metal plan gives you a 40% discount.

Here is a table to help you compare revolut with other banks:

Note: Revolut gives you a simple way to manage your money with clear fees. You can always check the app for the latest details.

Support and Alternatives

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, you might run into small issues when using revolut. Maybe your card does not work at a store, or you cannot add money from your Hong Kong bank. You can solve most problems right in the revolut app. Start by checking your internet connection and making sure your app is up to date. If you see an error message, read it carefully. The app often gives you steps to fix the problem. You can also review your account settings and card controls. If you freeze your card by mistake, you can unfreeze it with one tap. For payment issues, check if you have enough balance in your revolut account. If you still need help, move to the support chat in the app.

Customer Support

You get fast and friendly help with revolut. The customer support team is easy to reach inside the app. You do not have to deal with chatbots only. You can talk to a real person in just a few minutes. The chat feels like texting on WhatsApp, so it is simple to use. Once you log in, you do not need to repeat your information. This makes solving problems quick and smooth. Most users say their issues get fixed right away, without long waits or back-and-forth messages. You can ask about your revolut business account, card problems, or sending money to a Hong Kong bank. The support team helps you every step of the way.

• Access support directly in the revolut app
• Short wait times to reach a real person
• No need to repeat your details
• Fast and clear answers to your questions

Other Options

If you want to explore more than revolut, you have many choices. Some people need extra features or want to compare services. Here are some popular alternatives for new arrivals in the USA:

You can try these options if you want more than what revolut offers. Some focus on business needs, like Airwallex or Qonto. Others, like Venmo or N26, help with personal payments and spending. If you run a business, you might want to look at a revolut business account or compare it with these alternatives.

You can use revolut to make your move to the USA smoother. Many new arrivals and every student find revolut simple and helpful. You only need a few documents to start. When you use revolut, you get fast money transfers, easy spending, and strong security. Try the app and see how revolut fits your needs. Explore all the features in revolut and compare them with other options. If you have questions, revolut support is ready to help. You can feel confident as you begin your new life with revolut.

FAQ

Can you open a revolut account without a US bank account?

Yes, you can open a revolut account without a US bank account. You only need your ID and proof of address. Many new arrivals use revolut before they get a local bank account.

How fast can you start using your revolut card?

You get a virtual revolut card right after your account is approved. You can add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you order a physical card, revolut will mail it to your address in a few days.

Does revolut work for sending money to Hong Kong banks?

Yes, you can use revolut to send money to Hong Kong banks. The app shows you the exchange rate in USD before you send. Transfers are quick and easy. Many people use revolut for this reason.

What should you do if your revolut card is lost or stolen?

Open the revolut app and freeze your card right away. You can order a new card in the app. Revolut will help you keep your money safe and send a replacement to your address.

Are there limits on how much you can spend or withdraw with revolut?

Revolut sets daily and monthly limits for spending and ATM withdrawals. You can check your limits in the app. If you need higher limits, you can upgrade your revolut plan for more features.

Tip: Always check your revolut app for the latest limits and fees.

Setting up Revolut in the USA gives you a quick way to handle daily spending and transfers. But when it comes to larger international payments—like sending money home, paying overseas tuition, or funding a business abroad—traditional banks and even fintech apps can still be costly and slow. That’s where BiyaPay makes a difference.

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