Is Revolut Safe for Crypto? An Expert Analysis
Revolut, the widely-used mobile banking app, has gained popularity as a platform for managing cryptocurrencies. But is it a safe option? In this blog post, we’ll provide a concise analysis of Revolut’s security measures, helping you determine its reliability as a crypto platform.
Revolut Safety and Security Measures
Revolut employs several methods to ensure the security of its users’ cryptocurrencies. To store cryptocurrencies on behalf of users, they use multi-signature wallets and cold storage. These measures provide an added layer of protection against hacking attempts and vulnerabilities.
Electronic Money Regulations and Cryptocurrency Services
Revolut offers cryptocurrency trading through a partnership with Paxos Trust, giving users access to various cryptos.
It is important to note that buying stocks on Revolut is considered safe as they are held by their clearing broker, which provides protection up to 500,000 USD in the unlikely event of financial difficulties [^7]. Moreover, Revolut holds an electronic money license and is regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring a degree of regulatory oversight for its financial services.
Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regulations
Revolut is committed to adhering to proper anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations, as required by their regulatory bodies. They implement strict protocols, such as identity verification and transaction monitoring, to ensure compliance with these regulations. This ensures that their platform remains safe for users and compliant with applicable laws.
Revolut takes various precautions to protect its users’ cryptocurrencies and complies with relevant regulations to ensure a secure and trustworthy platform. It’s important for users to be aware of these measures and stay diligent when using any financial service for cryptocurrency trading.
Revolut Supported Cryptocurrencies and Trading
Buying and Selling Process
At Revolut, users can easily trade cryptocurrencies within their account. The platform allows customers to instantly buy or sell cryptocurrencies using held currencies, such as USD, or existing crypto assets on the user’s Revolut account.
The closed system of Revolut, however, means that users cannot deposit or withdraw their crypto holdings via the base blockchain systems 1.
List of Supported Cryptocurrencies
Revolut supports a variety of cryptocurrencies on its platform, allowing users to diversify their investments. While the exact list of supported cryptocurrencies may periodically change, users can check the Revolut Help Centre for up-to-date information on which currencies are currently supported 2.
Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP)
When trading cryptocurrencies on Revolut, the platform uses the Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP) for calculating the exchange rates. This method ensures that users receive accurate and fair prices for their transactions. The VWAP takes into account the trading volume, as well as the price of the asset, to give an average price that reflects the liquidity and market conditions 3.
Revolut Global Availability and Support
Countries Where Crypto Services Are Available
Revolut, a fintech company offering financial services through a user-friendly mobile app, started in the United Kingdom and has expanded its services to most of Europe and the United States1.
Their cryptocurrency services are available in various countries, allowing users to buy, sell, deposit, withdraw, transfer, and stake cryptocurrencies2. Here is a list of countries where Revolut’s crypto services are available:
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Most European countries
Users can utilize Revolut’s platform for international transactions by holding, sending, spending, and receiving across multiple currencies, including cryptocurrencies3.
Revolut Customer Support
Revolut aims to provide a secure platform for handling cryptocurrencies. They use secure methods such as multi-signature wallets and cold storage to store cryptocurrencies on behalf of their users4. To ensure safe access to crypto services, Revolut recommends users download any updates for their device or the Revolut app as soon as they become available5.
Revolut also offers a Help Centre to assist users with their inquiries and concerns related to their services, including cryptocurrency transactions. Users can search for information, browse through frequently asked questions, and get in touch with Revolut’s customer support team for further assistance.
Exchange Partners
Revolut’s approach to cryptocurrencies involves partnering with established exchange platforms to provide its users with access to digital assets. This section will focus on the exchange partners, their features, and transaction processes associated with Revolut.
One of the key exchange partners for Revolut is Bitstamp, a reputable and well-known cryptocurrency platform. By collaborating with Bitstamp, Revolut can offer its users a secure and reliable way to buy, sell, and hold various cryptocurrencies.
In terms of features, the partnership allows Revolut users to access cryptocurrency prices through the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) methodology. The VWAP pricing model calculates the price based on the trading volume in a specific time period, ensuring that users receive an accurate and up-to-date price for their transactions.
Transactions within the Revolut app are subject to fees, which vary depending on the user’s account type and the amount of cryptocurrency being traded. For example, when buying cryptocurrencies through Revolut, users can expect to pay a fee between 1.5% – 1.99%, with an additional 0.5% fair usage fee applied for those who exceed the monthly account exchange limit.
Although Revolut has not directly partnered with other well-known exchanges like Coinbase, its collaboration with Bitstamp ensures that users have access to a reliable crypto trading platform. This partnership demonstrates Revolut’s commitment to providing a secure environment for users to engage with cryptocurrencies while maintaining their focus on offering a versatile banking platform.
Revolut Potential Risks and Concerns
Revolut Is Not The Cheapest Way to Buy Crypto
While Revolut offers a convenient platform for purchasing and managing cryptocurrencies, it may not be the most cost-effective choice. The app charges a 1.5% trading fee for crypto transactions, which may be higher than several other alternatives on the market. Additionally, Revolut’s lack of regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) raises concerns about potential custodial risks.
More cost-effective alternatives, such as eToro, can be a safer option. eToro is a licensed exchange regulated by the FCA, offering a vast range of assets for investment, lower fees, and enhanced security.
Be Aware Of Hacking Incidents
In the world of digital currencies, the potential for hacking incidents is a critical concern. Although Revolut takes necessary security measures to ensure the safety of its users’ assets, no platform is immune to cyber threats.
It is essential to be aware of the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, including the possibility of losing some or all of your invested funds if a hacking incident occurs or the value of the digital currency suddenly drops.
As a user, you should always enable two-factor authentication, use strong passwords, and monitor your account regularly for any suspicious activities. These practices can help mitigate potential risks and provide an added layer of security for your investments.
Footnotes
- https://www.cryptovantage.com/best-crypto-friendly-banks/revolut/ ↩
- https://www.revolut.com/legal/cryptocurrency-terms/ ↩
- https://wise.com/us/blog/is-revolut-safe ↩
- https://www.revolut.com/help/wealth/cryptocurrencies/understanding-revolut-cryptocurrency/are-my-cryptocurrencies-secure ↩
- https://www.revolut.com/legal/cryptocurrency-terms/ ↩
- https://www.cryptovantage.com/best-crypto-friendly-banks/revolut/ ↩
- https://www.revolut.com/help/wealth/cryptocurrencies/getting-cryptocurrency-exposure/which-cryptocurrencies-are-supported ↩
- https://help.revolut.com/help/wealth/cryptocurrencies/ ↩
