Revolut in UAE 🇦🇪: Is it available? What are alternatives in 2025?
UAE residents can not hold a Revolut account, although Revolut account holders in eligible countries like the US can hold an AED balance and spend with their Revolut card in UAE. If you have a Revolut account and move to the UAE, you will usually need to close your Revolut account.
This guide walks through what you can and can’t do with Revolut in the UAE, and also looks at alternatives like Wise or Wio which may suit you as a UAE resident, frequent visitor, or someone who needs to send and receive AED payments.
Quick summary: Alternatives to Revolut in UAE 🇦🇪
| Provider | 💡 Great for |
|---|---|
| Wise | UAE residents who want to send payments, and people outside the UAE looking to hold a balance in AED, send payments in AED and hold AED, USD and 40+ other currencies |
| PayPal | UAE residents who want to spend and send money online in AED using a linked card or bank account |
| Wio | UAE residents who want to get a full suite of banking services from a locally licensed digital bank |
| Emirates NBD | UAE residents who need a comprehensive banking package and prefer to have a physical branch to transact in |
About Revolut
Revolut started out in 2015 in London, and has since launched in many other countries and regions globally.
Customers can open Revolut multi-currency accounts to hold and manage 25+ currencies, make payments, save and spend with linked cards.
Revolut accounts come in different tiers to suit a range of customers, with the specific product offerings differing depending on the country you live in.
Is Revolut available in the UAE?
- UAE residents can not hold a Revolut account
- Account holders in other eligible countries can hold an AED balance
- Account holders in other eligible countries can spend with their Revolut card in UAE
- Account holders in other eligible countries can send payments to and from AED
| Revolut can be great for: | Revolut may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
| ✅ Customers in eligible countries who want to hold and send AED payments ✅ Visitors to the UAE looking for card payments and withdrawals ✅ People who prefer to choose an account from several different plan types ✅ Businesses sending money to the UAE | ❌ You live in the UAE ❌ You need a full suite of banking services including credit and loans |
Can I open a Revolut account in UAE? 🇦🇪
No. UAE residents can not hold a Revolut account, and if you move from a country where Revolut is supported to the UAE, you’ll likely have to close your account on arrival.
Revolut supported countries
You can open a Revolut account if you reside in one of these countries:
Australia, Brazil, European Economic Area (EEA), Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.
The European Economic Area (EEA) countries include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
Revolut alternatives for UAE residents: Quick comparison
Let’s work through a quick head to head comparison of some Revolut alternatives you may want to look at if you live in or travel to the UAE. We’ve got lots more information about each coming right up after the comparison.
| Alternatives | Features for UAE | Supported currencies | Account fees | Exchange rates | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut
| UAE residents can not hold an account Account holders in eligible countries can hold an AED balance and spend with Revolut card in UAE | 25+ currencies for holding and exchange, including USD and AED | Variable fees depending on your country of residence Accounts with no monthly fees usually available | Revolut rates to plan limits, with fair usage fees after that Out of hours conversion fees may apply | Variable transfer and card spend limits based on account and transaction type |
| Wise
| Customers in the UAE can send international transfers but can not pay in AED Account holders in other eligible countries can hold an AED balance, send AED payments, and spend with their Wise card in UAE | 40+ currencies for holding and exchange, including USD and AED | Accounts have no monthly fees Variable transfer and conversion fees depending on your country of residence | Mid-market rate | Variable transfer and card spend limits based on transaction type |
| PayPal
| UAE residents can open an account, send payments and spend online You can not hold an AED balance | 25+ currencies for holding and exchange, including USD | Accounts have no monthly fees Variable transfer fees based on funding method and destination | PayPal rate + 4% conversion fee in the UAE Other countries may have different fees | Check in the PayPal app for the limits that apply based on your account type |
| Wio
| UAE licensed digital bank with full range of personal and business services UAE residents can get a credit and debit card, invest, send global payments and get cash back on spending | AED, USD, GBP, EUR | 0 AED – 49 AED monthly fee Variable transfer fees based on destination | Wio rate or network rate depending on the transaction type | Limits can vary depending on the account type and transaction |
| Emirates NBD
| UAE licensed bank with full range of personal and business services including wealth management, loans and credit | Current accounts in AED, AUD, BHD, CAD, EUR, GBP, JOD, KWD, OMR, USD, SGD, SAR and QAR | No opening fee – minimum balance and salary of AED 3,000 is required Variable transfer fees based on destination | 1.99% foreign transaction fee for card spending In account exchange gets the bank’s rate | Limits can vary depending on the account type and transaction |
*Details correct at time of research – 4th June 2025
We’ve selected a few different alternatives to Revolut for UAE, depending on what matters most for you. If you’re a resident of the UAE you can’t open a Revolut account, although people with a Revolut account in another eligible country will still be able to use their Revolut account in UAE if they’re there for a visit.
💡 If you’re looking for an account you can open from the UAE, you may prefer one of these alternatives:
Wise: Great Revolut alternative in UAE if you want the mid-market rate for conversion when you send transfers internationally, and for customers outside of the UAE who want to hold, spend or send AED
PayPal: Great Revolut alternative in UAE for online shopping and sending payments to other PayPal account holders locally and internationally
Wio: Great Revolut alternative in UAE if you want an account from a UAE licensed bank, with a full suite of account, card and investment services
Wise
| ⭐ UAE residents can send payments abroad – but can not pay in AED ⭐ Wise account holders outside the UAE can receive AED with SWIFT details and send AED payments ⭐ Account holders in other eligible countries can hold an AED balance and spend with Wise card in UAE |
UAE residents can use Wise transfers to send payments internationally in select currencies.
Wise Account holders in other eligible countries can hold an AED balance, send AED payments and spend with Wise card in UAE. The Wise card is not available to residents of the UAE.
In total 40+ currencies are supported for holding and exchange, with mid-market exchange rate and low fees. Wise Accounts have no ongoing fees to pay, and customers outside the UAE can receive AED with SWIFT details for a small fee.
| Wise can be great for: | Wise may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
| ✅ UAE residents looking for a way to send overseas payment ✅ Non-UAE residents who need to receive and send AED payments cheaply ✅ Non-UAE residents who want to hold money in AED alongside other currencies including USD, EUR, and GBP. ✅ Customers in other countries who travel to UAE and want to spend and withdraw with a Wise card ✅ Anyone looking for mid-market rate currency exchange | ❌ You want full banking services like loans and credit ❌ You’re a UAE resident and need a multi currency account and linked debit card |
Wise supported countries
UAE residents can sign up to Wise to send money internationally, however Wise Account (multi currency account) services are not yet available for residents of AUE.
You can open a Wise Account if you reside in one of these countries:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bouvet Island, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Isle of Man, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Réunion, Romania, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States.
| More information – How to open a Wise Account ⭐ |
Wise pricing and limits
| Wise pricing & limits | |
|---|---|
| Wise Account | UAE residents can sign up to send payments with Wise internationally. In other countries you can open a Wise multi currency account with 40+ supported currencies including USD and AED However, multi currency account services are not yet available for UAE residents. |
| Wise Multi-Currency Card | Not available to UAE residents Available for residents in many other countries for spending and withdrawals internationally, including in the UAE. |
| Wise limits | Often no holding limit, transfer limits are set high – usually in the region of 1 million GBP or the equivalent. Wise offers fee discounts on larger transfers or conversions in the Wise Account (over 20k GBP or equivalent in value) sent in one transfer or in multiple transfers within a month. Learn more on Wise large amount transfers guide. |
| Wise fees | No ongoing fees, low, variable conversion fees based on currency |
| Wise exchange rate | Mid-market exchange rate. You can find live Wise exchange rates here. |
*Details correct at time of research, 4th June 2025
PayPal
| ⭐ UAE residents can open an account ⭐ UAE residents can send payments locally and overseas, to other PayPal accounts ⭐ UAE residents can spend online securely and conveniently |
UAE residents can open a PayPal account and although you can not hold an AED balance, you can link a card to send payments locally and overseas, to other PayPal accounts.
UAE residents can also spend online securely and conveniently and hold a balance in other currencies. In total PayPal has 25+ currencies for holding and exchange, including USD.
PayPal accounts have no monthly fees, with no fee to spend online if no currency conversion is needed. For payments, variable transfer fees apply based on funding method and destination.
| PayPal can be great for: | PayPal may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
| ✅ Secure online shopping ✅ Sending local payments to PayPal funded with a linked card or bank ✅ Receiving family and friends payments ✅ Card spend in the UAE if you have a PayPal card from an eligible country | ❌ You shop or spend overseas – 4% currency conversion fees apply ❌ You need to send money for deposit to bank accounts |
PayPal supported countries
You can open a PayPal account in many countries. You can find the full list of countries here.
PayPal pricing and limits
| PayPal pricing & limits | |
|---|---|
| PayPal account | Accounts for spending and sending payments from a linked card or bank – AED is not supported for holding. UAE residents can receive and hold a balance in other currencies |
| PayPal card | Not available to UAE residents PayPal cards are available in various countries and regions globally, and can be used in the UAE for spending |
| PayPal limits | Check in the PayPal app for the limits that apply based on your account type |
| PayPal fees | No monthly fees, No fee to spend online if no currency conversion is needed. For payments, variable transfer fees apply based on funding method and destination |
| PayPal exchange rate | PayPal rate + 4% conversion fee |
*Details correct at time of research, 4th June 2025
Wio
| ⭐ UAE residents can open accounts and send global payments ⭐ UAE residents can get a credit and debit card ⭐ UAE residents can get cash back on spending |
Wio is a UAE licensed digital bank with a full range of personal and business services, including accounts for personal and business customers, cards, credit, investments and other financial services. For personal customers there are accounts with a 0 AED – 49 AED monthly fee which can support 4 major currencies – AED, USD, GBP, and EUR. When you spend or send a payment, or convert money in your account you’ll get the Wio rate or network rate depending on the transaction type.
| Wio can be great for: | Wio may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
| ✅ UAE residents who want banking services ✅ People who prefer to manage their money digitally ✅ Customers who want a dual credit and debit card which offers cash back ✅ UAE residents sending and receiving payments | ❌You want to hold a broad range of currencies ❌ You live outside the UAE |
Wio supported countries
You can open a Wio account if you reside in the UAE.
Wio pricing and limits
| Wio pricing & limits | |
|---|---|
| Wio account | Personal account supports 4 major currencies – AED, USD, GBP, and EUR |
| Wio card | Combined credit and debit card available |
| Wio limits | Limits can vary depending on the account type and transaction |
| Wio fees | 0 AED – 49 AED monthly fee, variable transfer fees based on destination |
| Wio exchange rate | Wio rate or network rate depending on the transaction type |
*Details correct at time of research, 4th June 2025
Emirates NBD
| ⭐ UAE residents can open accounts and send global payments ⭐ UAE residents can get a credit and debit card ⭐ UAE residents can get loans, wealth management services and insurance |
Emirates NBD is a UAE licensed bank with a branch and ATM network, and personal and business services including wealth management, investments, insurance and credit. Current accounts can support a range of currencies, and there are also savings accounts and full banking packages if you’d prefer to get everything from one place. Card payments in foreign currencies attract a foreign transaction fee.
| Emirates NBD can be great for: | Emirates NBD may not be for you if: |
|---|---|
| ✅ UAE residents who want all their financial products from one provider ✅ People who bank in branched frequently ✅ Customers who want a dual credit and debit card which offers cash back ✅ High wealth customers looking for investment and wealth management advice | ❌You usually manage your money digitally ❌ You live outside the UAE |
Emirates NBD supported countries
You can open an Emirates NBD account if you reside in the UAE.
Emirates NBD pricing and limits
| Emirates NBD pricing & limits | |
|---|---|
| Emirates NBD account | Current account supports 13 major currencies – AED, AUD, BHD, CAD, EUR, GBP, JOD, KWD, OMR, USD, SGD, SAR and QAR |
| Emirates NBD card | Credit and debit cards available |
| Emirates NBD limits | Limits can vary depending on the account type and transaction |
| Emirates NBD fees | Monthly fees apply on accounts, but these may be waived if you maintain a minimum balance |
| Emirates NBD exchange rate | Emirates NBD rate or network rate plus 1.99% depending on the transaction type |
*Details correct at time of research, 4th June 2025
Can I transfer money from UAE with Revolut?
If you are in the UAE as a resident you can not open a Revolut account. Therefore you won’t be able to send payments. If you’re a Revolut customer in another supported country you can send and receive AED payments.
Here’s a summary of what’s available for customers of Revolut and the other alternatives we have explored:
| Provider | Money transfers from UAE |
|---|---|
| Revolut | UAE residents can not open an account or make a transfer – Revolut customers in other supported countries can send AED payments |
| Wise | UAE residents can send payments, but can not pay for them in AED. Wise customers in other supported countries can send AED payments |
| PayPal | UAE residents can send payments to PayPal accounts |
| Wio | UAE residents can send AED payments to bank accounts |
| Emirates NBD | UAE residents can send AED payments to bank accounts |
Can I transfer money to the UAE with Revolut?
If you’re a Revolut customer in a supported country you can send AED payments to a bank in the UAE. Here’s a summary of what’s available for customers of Revolut and the other alternatives we have explored:
| Provider | Money transfers to UAE |
|---|---|
| Revolut | Revolut customers in other supported countries can send AED payments to banks in the UAE |
| Wise | Wise customers in other supported countries can send AED payments to UAE bank accounts |
| PayPal | UAE residents can send AED payments to other PayPal customers in the UAE |
| Wio | UAE residents can send AED payments to other banks in the UAE |
| Emirates NBD | UAE residents can send AED payments to other banks in the UAE |
| ❓Need to send money to United Arab Emirates? 💸 |
|---|
| If you are looking to send money to family or friend in UAE, or simply need to transfer money to your own UAE bank account, this guide might help you: Best ways to send money to UAE 🇦🇪 |
Can I open a Revolut Business Account in UAE?
No. Revolut is not available for business customers in the UAE.
Here’s a summary of the options with other providers.
| Provider | Business accounts in UAE |
|---|---|
| Revolut | Revolut is not available for business customers in the UAE |
| Wise | Wise Business is not yet available in the UAE |
| PayPal | PayPal merchant accounts are available in the UAE |
| Wio | Wio offers a full suite of business banking services in the UAE |
| Emirates NBD | Emirates NBD offers a full suite of business banking services in the UAE |
Can I use my Revolut card in the UAE?
Yes, if you already have a Revolut card, you can use it for spending and withdrawals in the UAE if you’re there on a visit. However, UAE residents can’t open a Revolut account or get a Revolut card.
More information – Can I use my Revolut card in the Dubai UAE?
In this guide, we’ve covered some alternative multi currency accounts and cards that are available for UAE residents, like the Wise account and local UAE accounts from Wio.
More information – Can I use Wise Multi-Currency Card in Dubai UAE?
Tips for UAE visitors using Revolut
- Monitor exchange rates from your home currency to AED so you can convert when you see a good rate for spending in the UAE
- Check your spending, withdrawal and transaction limits so you’ll not be stuck without access to your account
- Always pay in the local currency where you are – so AED in the UAE. This avoids excessive fees which can be applied if you pay in your home currency instead
- Carry a back up card in case you ever run into problems when making a payment or withdrawal
| 💡 Related article: How much spending money do I need for Dubai? |
Revolut launch date in UAE 🇦🇪
There is currently no specified Revolut UAE launch date, and no Revolut UAE waiting list you can join.
Keep a look out for their website to see what happens in future.
Conclusion: Does Revolut work in UAE?
If you’re a UAE resident you can not hold a Revolut account, although if you’re already a Revolut account holder from somewhere like the US you can use your account when you travel to the UAE. You can also hold an AED balance and withdraw cash with your Revolut card in UAE. However, if you have a Revolut account and move to the UAE, you will usually need to close your Revolut account.
If Revolut isn’t right for you in the UAE, check out these alternatives:
- Wise – great for UAE residents who want to send payments, and people outside the UAE looking to hold a balance in AED, send payments in AED and hold AED, USD and 40+ other currencies
- PayPal – great for UAE residents who want to spend and send money online in AED using a linked card or bank account
- Wio – great for UAE residents who want to get a full suite of banking services from a locally licensed digital bank
- Emirates NBD – great for UAE residents looking for wealth management and investment products, as well as day to day banking
🇦🇪 Revolut in UAE FAQs
Can I use Revolut in UAE?
If you’re a UAE resident you can not hold a Revolut account.
If you’re already a Revolut account holder from somewhere like the US you can use your account when you travel to the UAE. You can also hold an AED balance and withdraw cash with your Revolut card in UAE. However, if you have a Revolut account and move to the UAE, you will usually need to close your Revolut account.
What are the alternatives to Revolut in UAE?
If Revolut isn’t right for you in the UAE, check out these alternatives like Wise, PayPal, Wio and Emirates NBD.
