What happens when you link a bank account to Revolut
Linking a bank account to Revolut means connecting your existing checking or savings account so money can move between that account and your Revolut wallet. Once linked, you can transfer money in either direction: from your bank to Revolut (to load your card or wallet), or from Revolut back to your bank (to withdraw cash). Revolut does not replace your bank account — it sits alongside it as a separate service where you hold and spend money.
The link itself is a secure connection that Revolut verifies through your bank's system. You will need your online banking login details to complete the connection, but Revolut never stores those credentials — the verification happens through your bank's own security layer.
Key Takeaways
- You link a bank account through the Revolut app by selecting "Add Payment Method" and choosing your bank from the list, then signing in to your bank's app or website to authorize the connection.
- Transfers from your bank to Revolut usually arrive within minutes if both accounts are at UK banks; transfers from Revolut back to your bank typically take one to two business days.
- Revolut supports most major UK banks and many international banks, but some smaller or regional banks may not appear in the list — you can still transfer using your account number and sort code instead.
- Once linked, your bank account appears in the Revolut app as a saved payment method, so you can transfer money without re-entering your details each time.
Steps to link your bank account in the Revolut app
Open the Revolut app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Select "Payments" or "Payment Methods" depending on your app version. Tap "Add Payment Method" or the plus icon, then choose "Bank Account" from the options shown.
Revolut will ask you to select your bank from a list. If your bank appears, tap it — you will be taken to your bank's login screen (still within the Revolut app, but powered by your bank's security system). Enter your online banking username and password, then authorize Revolut to access your account details. Your bank will confirm the connection, and you will return to the Revolut app. The account is now linked and ready to use.
If your bank does not appear in the list, select "Other Bank" or "Manual Entry." Revolut will ask for your account number and sort code (the six-digit number on your debit card or bank statements). Enter these details and confirm. This method is slower — transfers may take longer — but it works with any UK bank account.
How long transfers take between your bank and Revolut
Money moving from your bank to Revolut usually arrives within minutes if both accounts are at UK banks that support Faster Payments. Some banks process these transfers instantly; others may take up to two hours during business hours. Transfers sent after 5 p.m. or on weekends may not arrive until the next business day, depending on your bank's schedule.
Money moving from Revolut back to your bank takes one to two business days. Revolut processes the transfer immediately, but your bank controls when the money actually lands in your account. Weekend and holiday transfers are queued and processed on the next business day.
International transfers (from a Revolut account to a bank account outside the UK, or vice versa) follow different timelines. These typically take three to five business days and may involve currency conversion fees depending on your Revolut plan.
What to do if your bank is not in the Revolut list
Not every bank integrates directly with Revolut's system. Smaller regional banks, building societies, and some older banking platforms may not appear in the app's bank selection list. This does not mean you cannot link the account — it means you will use manual entry instead of instant verification.
Choose "Other Bank" or "Manual Entry" and enter your account number and sort code. Revolut will store these details securely. Transfers will work, but they may take longer than transfers from banks with direct integration — typically one to two business days instead of minutes. You will not be able to use the instant verification method, so Revolut may ask you to confirm the account with a small test deposit before allowing large transfers.
Removing or changing a linked bank account
To remove a linked bank account, open the Revolut app, go to "Payments" or "Payment Methods," find the account you want to remove, and tap the three dots or settings icon next to it. Select "Remove" or "Delete." Revolut will ask you to confirm. The account is then unlinked and no longer appears in your payment methods.
To change which bank account you use, simply add a new one using the steps above. You can have multiple bank accounts linked at the same time, and you choose which one to transfer from each time you send money. There is no limit to how many you can add, though Revolut may ask you to verify new accounts before allowing transfers.
Security and what Revolut can access
When you link a bank account, Revolut uses open banking — a system that lets you authorize third-party apps to see your account information without giving them your password. Your bank handles the authorization, not Revolut. You log in to your bank's own security system, and your bank tells Revolut what information it can see.
Revolut can see your account number, sort code, and account holder name. It cannot see your password, and it cannot access your bank account directly — all transfers go through Revolut's own payment network. If you unlink the account, Revolut loses access to that information immediately.
If you are concerned about security, you can create a separate online banking login just for Revolut, with limited permissions. Some banks allow this through their settings. You can also remove the link at any time, and Revolut will no longer have access to your account details.
Troubleshooting common linking problems
If your bank does not appear in the Revolut list and you have tried searching by name, your bank may use a different legal name in its systems. Try searching for the parent company or holding company name. If that does not work, use manual entry with your account number and sort code instead.
If you see an error message when trying to authorize through your bank's login screen, check that you are using the correct username and password for your online banking. Some banks require you to use a specific login method (app, website, or security key) — try the method you normally use. If the error persists, contact your bank's support team; they can confirm whether your account is set up to allow third-party access.
If a transfer is taking longer than expected, check the Revolut app for the transfer status. Transfers show as "pending" while processing and "completed" once the money arrives. If a transfer is stuck on pending for more than 24 hours, contact Revolut support with the transaction reference number — they can investigate whether the transfer is delayed at your bank's end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account or only a checking account?
You can link either. Revolut treats all account types the same way — the link works with checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. Transfers work in both directions regardless of account type.
Do I need to verify my identity again after linking a bank account?
No. Revolut verifies your identity when you first sign up. Linking a bank account does not trigger a new verification. Your bank may ask you to confirm the authorization, but that is part of the linking process, not a separate identity check.
What happens if I link the wrong bank account by mistake?
Remove it immediately using the steps above. Tap the account in your payment methods, select the menu, and choose "Remove." Once removed, Revolut no longer has access to that account. If you already sent money to the wrong account, contact Revolut support with the transaction details — they may be able to recall the transfer if it has not yet been processed.
Can I link a bank account from another country?
Yes, but only if Revolut supports that country's banking system. Revolut works with banks in the UK, EU, US, Australia, and several other countries. If your bank is outside these regions, use manual entry with your account number and international bank code (IBAN or SWIFT code). Transfers will take longer and may incur currency conversion fees.
Is there a fee to link a bank account?
No. Linking itself is free. Revolut charges fees only for transfers and currency conversion, not for adding or removing payment methods. Check your Revolut plan details to see what transfer fees apply to your account type.