Revolut vs. YouTrip: My Honest Comparison Guide

The main difference is that Revolut offers a broader range of financial services, including cryptocurrency trading and stock investments, while YouTrip focuses primarily on providing fee-free multi-currency wallets for travelers. Revolut’s global presence and diverse features make it appealing for those who want an all-in-one financial app, whereas YouTrip is ideal for frequent travelers who prioritize simple, fee-free currency conversions.

Revolut vs. YouTrip: Overview of Key Features

The table below compares the key features of Revolut and YouTrip:

FeatureRevolutYouTrip
Multi-currency support✔️✔️
Cryptocurrency trading✔️
Stock investments✔️
Fee-free international payments✔️✔️
Travel insurance✔️
Cashback on spending✔️ (limited)
User interface and experience✔️✔️

Personal note:

Even though I loved using Revolut for its extensive multi-currency support, I found myself needing a simpler solution for my frequent travels. That’s why I switched to YouTrip. It offers hassle-free, fee-free currency conversions without the overwhelming features I didn’t need. As someone who values straightforward tools, YouTrip just made sense. I still think Revolut is great, especially for those who need more robust financial management, but YouTrip fits my travel-focused lifestyle perfectly.

What is Revolut and how does it work?

Revolut is a financial super-app that offers a wide range of services, from banking and budgeting to investments in cryptocurrencies and stocks. Launched in 2015, it quickly became popular for its low fees on international transactions, multi-currency accounts, and the ability to hold, exchange, and transfer money in different currencies without incurring excessive fees. Revolut users can also invest in stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities directly through the app, making it a versatile tool for managing finances globally.

Pros of Revolut:

  • Wide range of financial services
  • Low fees for international transactions
  • Access to cryptocurrency trading and stock investments
  • User-friendly interface
  • Advanced security features

Cons of Revolut:

  • Some features are paywalled behind premium plans
  • Limited customer support availability
  • Account freezing issues reported by some users

What is YouTrip and how does it work?

YouTrip is a mobile wallet designed specifically for travelers. It allows users to hold and exchange multiple currencies in a single account without incurring foreign exchange fees. Launched in 2018, YouTrip is particularly popular in Southeast Asia and offers seamless currency conversion across 150+ currencies. The app is simple to use, with features focused on making travel more convenient and affordable by eliminating hidden fees that are often associated with foreign transactions.

Pros of YouTrip:

  • Fee-free currency conversions
  • Supports 150+ currencies
  • User-friendly interface designed for travelers
  • Instant access to exchange rates
  • No annual fees

Cons of YouTrip:

  • Limited to travel-related features
  • No cryptocurrency or stock trading options
  • Available only in select regions

Revolut vs YouTrip: A Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s expand on the 7 key features comparing Revolut vs YouTrip. I’ll dive deeper into each feature to provide a more insightful comparison.

1. Multi-currency Support

Revolut supports over 30 currencies, allowing users to hold, exchange, and transfer money effortlessly. The app’s built-in exchange feature offers real-time currency rates, making it convenient for users to manage their finances across different countries. Revolut also enables users to set up multi-currency accounts, which can be especially useful for those dealing with frequent international transactions or managing diverse financial portfolios.

YouTrip, while also supporting multiple currencies, focuses more narrowly on providing a seamless experience for travelers. The app allows users to hold and exchange over 150 currencies without incurring foreign exchange fees. However, YouTrip does not offer the ability to maintain multiple accounts in different currencies, which can be limiting for users who need to manage funds across different countries simultaneously.

Verdict: Revolut wins for its more comprehensive multi-currency support and the ability to hold multiple currency accounts, which offers greater flexibility.

2. Cryptocurrency Trading

Revolut offers integrated cryptocurrency trading, allowing users to buy, sell, and hold popular digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. This feature is particularly attractive to users interested in diversifying their investment portfolios. Revolut’s interface makes it easy for beginners to start trading, while also providing more advanced tools for experienced traders. Additionally, Revolut’s instant exchange feature ensures users get real-time prices for their trades, minimizing potential losses.

YouTrip, on the other hand, does not offer cryptocurrency trading. The platform is strictly focused on currency conversions and travel-related financial services, leaving users who are interested in cryptocurrencies without any options within the app. This absence makes YouTrip less versatile compared to Revolut, especially for those looking to explore or invest in digital currencies.

Verdict: Revolut clearly wins here due to its cryptocurrency trading feature, which adds significant value for users interested in digital assets.

3. Stock Investments

Revolut provides users with the ability to invest in stocks, offering commission-free trades on a wide range of global stocks and ETFs. This feature is ideal for those who want to manage their investments and banking from a single platform. Revolut’s user-friendly interface makes stock trading accessible even to beginners, while also offering tools for more advanced traders. This seamless integration of banking and investment services is a standout feature that makes Revolut more than just a digital wallet.

YouTrip does not offer any stock trading or investment features. The app’s primary focus remains on providing a simple, fee-free currency conversion service for travelers. For users who are looking to manage investments alongside their daily banking, YouTrip’s limitations become apparent, as it doesn’t offer the same all-in-one financial management capabilities as Revolut.

Verdict: Revolut takes the win here with its comprehensive stock investment feature, catering to users looking for more than just a digital wallet.

4. Fee-free International Payments

Revolut is well-known for its low fees on international payments. Users can send money abroad in multiple currencies without incurring high fees, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently make international transfers. The platform’s exchange rates are competitive, and its fee-free allowances are generous under its free and premium plans. Revolut also provides a wide range of payment options, including bank transfers, card payments, and peer-to-peer payments, giving users flexibility in how they send and receive money internationally.

YouTrip also offers fee-free international payments, but it is primarily designed for travelers needing fee-free currency conversions while making purchases abroad. While YouTrip excels in eliminating hidden fees on transactions abroad, it does not offer as many options for sending money internationally as Revolut does. This makes YouTrip more suited to spending while traveling rather than handling diverse international financial transactions.

Verdict: Revolut wins for its broader and more versatile fee-free international payment options.

5. Travel Insurance

Revolut includes travel insurance as part of its Premium and Metal plans. This insurance covers a wide range of travel-related incidents, such as medical emergencies, flight delays, and lost luggage. The inclusion of travel insurance is a significant benefit for frequent travelers, providing peace of mind and added value beyond just financial services. The travel insurance offered by Revolut is comprehensive and can be customized to suit different travel needs, making it a strong selling point for users who travel often.

YouTrip, despite being travel-focused, does not offer travel insurance as part of its services. This can be a drawback for users who prefer an all-in-one solution that includes both financial management and travel protection. Users of YouTrip would need to purchase separate travel insurance, which adds another layer of planning and cost to their travel experiences.

Verdict: Revolut wins for providing integrated travel insurance, making it a more comprehensive solution for travelers.

6. Cashback on Spending

Revolut offers cashback on certain spending categories, particularly for users on the Metal plan. This feature allows users to earn a small percentage back on their purchases, either in fiat currency or cryptocurrencies. The cashback can be particularly beneficial for those who spend frequently in specific categories, such as dining or travel. However, the cashback rates are relatively low and mostly tied to higher-tier plans, making it less appealing for users on the standard or lower-tier plans.

YouTrip does not offer any cashback on spending. The platform’s primary focus is on providing fee-free currency conversions, and it does not have any reward systems like cashback or loyalty points. This lack of rewards can be a downside for users who prefer to earn rewards on their everyday spending, especially when compared to Revolut’s offering.

Verdict: Revolut takes the lead with its cashback feature, offering an added incentive for users who prioritize rewards.

7. User Interface and Experience

Revolut has a sleek, modern user interface designed to make navigating its extensive features easy. The app’s design is intuitive, with a clear layout that allows users to quickly access different financial tools. However, the sheer number of features can sometimes make the app feel cluttered, which might overwhelm new users or those who prefer simplicity. Revolut does offer customization options, which can help tailor the user experience to individual preferences.

YouTrip offers a simpler, more streamlined user interface focused on ease of use, particularly for travelers. The app’s design is minimalist, with a straightforward layout that makes currency conversion and transaction management easy. While it lacks the extensive features of Revolut, this simplicity is one of its strengths, particularly for users who want a hassle-free experience without navigating through numerous options.

Verdict: YouTrip wins for its simplicity and ease of use, making it more accessible for users who prioritize a straightforward, travel-focused app.

Use Cases for Revolut

1. International Business Transactions: A freelance consultant based in Europe uses Revolut to manage payments from clients worldwide. The multi-currency accounts and low fees on international transactions make it easy to receive payments in different currencies without losing money on conversions.

2. Digital Nomads: A digital nomad traveling across Asia uses Revolut to manage daily expenses in multiple currencies, invest in stocks, and trade cryptocurrencies, all from one app.

Use Cases for YouTrip

1. Frequent Travelers: A Singaporean business traveler uses YouTrip to avoid foreign exchange fees while traveling across different countries in Asia. The app allows them to hold and spend in multiple currencies, making travel more convenient and cost-effective.

2. Vacationing Families: A family from Malaysia uses YouTrip during their vacations abroad to manage expenses in various currencies without worrying about hidden fees, making their travel budget go further.

Revolut Pricing

Revolut offers multiple pricing tiers:

  • Standard Plan: Free with basic features
  • Plus Plan: $2.99/month with additional features like purchase protection
  • Premium Plan: $9.99/month with added benefits like travel insurance and higher limits
  • Metal Plan: $16.99/month with exclusive features, including cashback and concierge services

YouTrip Pricing

YouTrip is a straightforward platform with no annual fees. It offers fee-free currency conversion, which is its primary feature. The lack of additional features means there are no tiered pricing plans, making it a simple choice for travelers.

What to Consider When Choosing Between Revolut and YouTrip

When choosing between Revolut and YouTrip, consider your primary needs. If you’re looking for an all-in-one financial app with access to investments, cryptocurrencies, and international banking, Revolut is the clear choice. However, if you primarily need a tool for fee-free currency conversions while traveling, YouTrip’s simplicity and focus on this feature make it ideal. Additionally, consider the availability of customer support, regional limitations, and whether you prefer a platform with or without premium pricing tiers.

FAQs

1. Is Revolut available worldwide? Revolut is available in many countries, but not globally. You should check availability in your region.

2. Does YouTrip offer cryptocurrency trading? No, YouTrip does not support cryptocurrency trading.

3. Can I use Revolut for stock trading? Yes, Revolut offers stock trading as part of its financial services.

4. Are there any hidden fees with YouTrip? No, YouTrip is transparent with its fee structure, focusing on fee-free currency conversions.

Is Revolut Better Than YouTrip? Takeaway

Revolut is better suited for those looking for a comprehensive financial tool with investment options, while YouTrip is ideal for travelers needing fee-free currency conversions. Choose Revolut if you want versatility; choose YouTrip if you prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness for travel.