Does Revolut Charge for Selling Crypto?

When exploring cryptocurrency trading through platforms like Revolut, a common question among users is whether selling digital assets incurs any fees. Understanding the detailed fee structure is essential for traders aiming to optimize profitability, avoid hidden costs, and make informed decisions. While Revolut offers a user-friendly gateway to crypto trading integrated into a comprehensive digital banking app, its approach to fees differs significantly from dedicated crypto exchanges. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Revolut’s fee policies for selling crypto, examining the underlying mechanisms, account tier implications, and comparisons with specialized crypto trading platforms to help you navigate your trading strategies effectively.

Revolut’s Crypto Trading Model: An In-Depth Overview

Revolut presents itself as a versatile financial platform that seamlessly combines traditional banking services with accessible cryptocurrency trading. Its core philosophy emphasizes simplicity, speed, and user-friendliness, targeting casual investors who may lack extensive experience with complex trading interfaces. Within the Revolut app, users can purchase, sell, and hold a curated selection of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and others. Unlike dedicated cryptocurrency exchanges, Revolut’s crypto offering is embedded within its broader banking ecosystem, which significantly influences its fee mechanics and trading conditions. It functions more as a simplified trading interface rather than a full-fledged exchange, making it attractive for users seeking quick and straightforward transactions without the complexity of traditional trading platforms.

Is There an Explicit Fee for Selling Crypto on Revolut?

Officially, Revolut does not charge a traditional, clearly stated “selling fee” akin to those found on standard crypto exchanges like Binance or Coinbase. Instead, their revenue model relies heavily on a spread markup—the difference between the price at which Revolut buys crypto from users and the current market (spot) price. When you sell crypto through Revolut, you essentially receive a slightly less favorable price than the prevailing market rate. This discrepancy, embedded as a markup, functions as a hidden cost that effectively acts as a fee, reducing your net proceeds from each transaction.

Understanding the Spread Markup in Detail

The spread markup is a common mechanism used by streamlined trading platforms prioritizing user convenience over transparency. Revolut’s spreads are dynamic—they fluctuate depending on market volatility, trading volume, the specific cryptocurrency involved, and overall liquidity conditions. During periods of market stability, spreads tend to be narrower—often between 0.5% and 1%. However, during high volatility or market upheavals, spreads can widen significantly, sometimes exceeding 2% or even 3%, making the cost of selling crypto notably higher.

For example, if Bitcoin’s spot price is $30,000, and the spread markup is 1%, Revolut might offer you a selling price of approximately $29,700, effectively earning a $300 margin on your sale. Recognizing this variability is crucial for strategic timing, especially for traders looking to maximize returns or minimize costs. The spread serves as a risk buffer for Revolut, helping them manage liquidity risks during rapid price swings and ensuring operational stability.

Impact of Account Tiers on Crypto Trading Fees and Conditions

Revolut offers several account tiers—namely Standard, Premium, and Metal—each with distinct trading conditions, fee implications, and benefits designed to cater to different levels of trading activity:

• Standard Account: As the basic tier, this provides access to crypto trading with standard spreads. Users are subject to certain trading volume limits per calendar month—for example, a cap on total trading volume, beyond which spreads may widen or additional charges may be applied. The Standard account is suitable for casual traders or those testing the platform’s capabilities.
• Premium and Metal Accounts: These tiers are aimed at more active traders, offering benefits such as narrower spreads, reduced or zero trading fees on select cryptocurrencies, priority customer support, and perks like travel insurance or lounge access. For high-volume traders, upgrading to Premium or Metal can significantly reduce trading costs, enhance profitability, and improve overall trading experience. Additionally, these accounts often include features such as fee-free currency conversions and priority executions, making them more cost-effective for frequent traders.

It’s important to note that these benefits and fee structures are subject to periodic updates. Users should regularly check Revolut’s official fee schedule and account terms to stay informed. The tiered system incentivizes active trading, and for serious investors, it can be a strategic way to reduce costs and improve trading efficiency.

Additional Costs and Hidden Fees to Consider

While there is no explicit fee solely for selling crypto, traders should be aware of other potential costs that can impact overall profitability:

• Currency Conversion Fees: If your Revolut account is denominated in GBP, EUR, USD, or other fiat currencies, and you trade cryptocurrencies priced in different fiat currencies, Revolut applies a currency conversion fee. These fees typically range from approximately 0.5% to 2%, depending on your account tier and the currency pair involved. Premium and Metal accounts often benefit from reduced or waived conversion fees, making them more cost-effective for multi-currency trading.
• Inactivity Fees: Revolut charges a small fee if no account activity occurs over an extended period (usually 12 months or more). While not directly related to crypto trading, inactivity fees can gradually erode your account balance if not managed properly.
• Exchange Rate Margins During Conversions: When converting fiat currencies or selling cryptocurrencies, Revolut adds a margin over the interbank or real-time exchange rate. This margin acts as an additional hidden fee and varies depending on the currency pair, account tier, and market conditions.
• Withdrawal and Transfer Fees: Transferring cryptocurrencies to external wallets or withdrawing fiat funds to other bank accounts may incur platform-specific charges. Always review these fees beforehand, especially for large or frequent transactions, to avoid unexpected costs.

Comparison with Dedicated Crypto Platforms: Costs, Transparency, and Features

For traders prioritizing cost efficiency, transparency, and a broad suite of trading tools, dedicated crypto exchanges typically outperform platforms like Revolut. Here’s a detailed comparison:

• Binance: Known for its ultra-competitive trading fees starting at just 0.1% per trade, with additional discounts available when paying fees using Binance Coin (BNB). Binance supports a vast array of cryptocurrencies, including many altcoins, and offers advanced features such as margin trading, futures contracts, staking, lending, and comprehensive analytical tools. Its tiered fee structure rewards high-volume traders with further discounts, making it suitable for both casual and professional investors.
• MEXC: Frequently offers low trading fees, often as low as 0.1%, with various promotional discounts and staking options. MEXC supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including many emerging altcoins, and offers earning programs for passive income.
• Bitget and Bybit: Popular among derivatives traders, these platforms provide competitive fee structures, high liquidity, and advanced trading capabilities such as futures, options, and copy trading. Their tiered systems reward high-volume traders with lower fees and promotional perks.

Compared to Revolut, these dedicated exchanges offer:

• Lower and Transparent Fee Schedules: Clearly published, often decreasing with higher trading volumes, with no hidden spreads or margins.
• Greater Trading Flexibility and Advanced Instruments: Margin trading, futures, staking, and more, catering to diverse trading strategies.
• Enhanced Market Data and Analytical Tools: Real-time order books, technical analysis charts, and market alerts suitable for active traders.
• Higher Security and Liquidity: Robust security protocols, cold storage, and deep liquidity pools minimize slippage and improve trade execution quality.

Practical Tips for Crypto Traders Using Revolut

• Always review the official fee schedule before executing trades, as fee structures, spreads, and benefit tiers are periodically updated.
• Trade during times of low market volatility to benefit from narrower spreads and more favorable prices.
• Consider upgrading to Premium or Metal accounts if you trade frequently or in large volumes to access reduced spreads and lower overall trading costs.
• Be mindful of currency conversion charges—holding multiple fiat currencies could be advantageous if you frequently trade cryptocurrencies in different denominations.
• For active traders or those with high trading volumes, consider supplementing Revolut with dedicated exchange accounts to access lower fees, advanced trading features, and greater transparency.

Conclusion

In summary, Revolut does not impose a flat, explicit “selling crypto fee.” Instead, its cost structure primarily hinges on the spread markup—the difference between the buy and sell prices—that varies with market conditions, user account tier, and currency conversions. While this setup offers convenience for casual investors, it can lead to higher costs during periods of market volatility. Active traders or professionals seeking lower, more transparent fees, sophisticated trading tools, and broader market access will often find dedicated crypto exchanges such as Binance, MEXC, or Bitget more cost-effective and better suited for their needs. Staying informed about evolving fee structures, platform updates, and market dynamics is key to optimizing your crypto trading activities and maximizing profitability.