My review of the Revolut Trading platform (May 2025)

Why trust Hellosafe?

HelloSafe is a financial product expert, advising over a million users every month. Our specialists have tested the services of over 100 brokers worldwide by opening accounts and conducting real transactions. Discover our comprehensive analysis of this platform.

Revolut Trading is the investment arm of the well-known neo-bank Revolut, which allows access to stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies from a mobile account. The platform, rated 4.5/5 on Trustpilot based on over 195,000 reviews, attracts a large audience with its sleek interface and very competitive fees, especially on US stocks.

I've spent the last six months thoroughly testing Revolut Trading, comparing its fees, features, asset range, and the ease of use of its mobile app, against other popular platforms available in South Africa.

In summary, I was trying to answer questions like: can Revolut be trusted for investing? Is the experience suitable for beginners? Does Revolut offer a real alternative to traditional brokers? What hidden fees should I watch out for? Is it a solution for building a diversified portfolio at a lower cost?

So I've scrutinized everything: account opening process, management and trading fees, available financial instruments, functionalities, simplicity of the platform (desktop and mobile) and trading tools, etc. Below is my in-depth analysis of the Revolut Trading broker (compared to other platforms tested).

What to think of Revolut Trading?

My general opinion on Revolut Trading

After several weeks of testing, Revolut Trading left me with an overall positive impression, especially as a practical extension of an already very popular banking application. What struck me was the ease of access to the stock market, with the possibility of buying fractional shares from R1 and executing up to three orders per month without any commission, which is perfect for starting to invest without breaking the bank on fees.

The asset offering is focused on US stocks (more than 2,000 shares), about thirty ETFs and more than 100 cryptocurrencies. It is not the most complete broker in terms of diversity, but it largely covers the needs of a beginner or occasional investor. No CFDs, no leverage, no commodities or Forex, but this is consistent with Revolut Trading's "general public" positioning.

Regarding the platform, everything happens via the Revolut mobile application. The ergonomics are impeccable, everything is fluid, and the integration with the Revolut bank account makes fund transfers almost instantaneous. However, the absence of a desktop platform or advanced analysis tools is a limitation if you want to do active or technical trading.

Regarding fees, Revolut Trading is well-positioned: Standard users are entitled to three free orders per month, then pay R1 per order. Premium or Metal subscribers benefit from more free orders and better exchange rates. On the other hand, currency conversion fees for non-subscribers can quickly eat into profits if one invests in dollar-denominated stocks.

Finally, security is well assured. Revolut Trading is regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom, client funds are segregated, and all data is encrypted. Revolut's history in the banking sector also reinforces the platform's credibility in terms of trust and reliability.

Which trader profiles is Revolut Trading aimed at?

=> For beginner investors, who want to take their first steps in the stock market without encountering a complicated interface. The purchase of fractional shares, direct integration with the Revolut account and the absence of commission on the first orders are clear advantages for starting smoothly, with a small capital.

=> For regular users of the Revolut application, who want to centralize their money and investments in a single interface. The experience is optimised for those who already use Revolut as their primary bank: everything is fluid, fast and synchronised between the current account and the trading space.

=> For savers who want to gain exposure to US stocks or cryptos in a simple way. The range of assets is targeted, but wide enough to build a diversified portfolio with controlled costs, especially if you stay within the monthly limits of commission-free trading.

On the other hand, Revolut Trading will be much less suitable for experienced traders or those who enjoy technical analysis. The lack of a web platform, advanced charts, technical indicators, demo account or leverage severely limits the possibilities for active trading. This is not a solution for scalpers, nor for those looking to automate or backtest complex strategies.

Revolut Trading in a few seconds, it's:

My opinion on the security and reliability of the Revolut Trading broker

Revolut Trading relies on a solid regulatory framework, and even though the platform does not yet offer the full range of tools of specialized brokers, it inspires confidence for South African investors, thanks to the reputation of the neo-bank Revolut and its British regulation. The fact that the assets are held by a third-party custodian also strengthens the overall security of the system.

Revolut Trading is a great fit for South African users who want to invest simply and securely, without getting into risky or leveraged products. It's a minimalist but reliable approach, well-regulated, and integrated into a banking application that's already widely used.

My opinion on the fees, spreads and commissions applied to Revolut Trading

What I immediately appreciated about Revolut Trading was the simplicity and transparency of its fee structure. There is no leverage, no CFDs, and no complex products, so the fee structure is very easy to understand. I used the Standard account and then tested the Premium version, and in both cases, the fees are clear: up to three free orders per month on Standard, and up to ten for Premium.

Beyond these limits, Revolut charges R19.68 per order, which remains very reasonable. Crypto spreads are integrated, and there are no management fees. The only point to watch out for is the conversion fees for users who do not have a paid subscription: between 0.5% and 1% depending on the case. For an investor aiming for a long-term approach to stocks or cryptos, this remains very competitive.

Let's now look in detail at the broker's fee schedule.

What are the account fees?

Revolut Trading stands out due to the near absence of account fees, making it a very attractive platform for small portfolios or novice investors. The fees are fixed, easy to anticipate, and no inactivity fees apply, which is a real relief when you don't want to trade every week.

The minimum deposit is only R1, which allows anyone to start investing in fractional shares without financial pressure. This is one of the lowest entry points on the market, far more accessible than traditional brokers.

Trader Tip

If you use a Standard account, convert your Rands to Dollars inside Revolut, just before investing: this allows you to better control your exchange fees, especially during the week. For regular use, upgrading to the Premium or Metal subscription can quickly become profitable just on conversions.

What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?

Revolut Trading allows you to invest directly in US stocks (over 2,000 shares) as well as about thirty ETFs. These are not CFDs: the shares are actually held, making it a good solution for long-term investment. The pricing structure is simple, with ultra-low fees, especially for small portfolios. However, the ETFs available are still few compared to a player like Trade Republic or Boursorama.

What are the fees on crypto-currencies?

Based on my tests, the fees on cryptos at Revolut are slightly above average, especially with a Standard account. This remains acceptable for a general banking platform, but less competitive than specialized exchanges like Binance or Kraken.

Revolut does not offer staking or crypto transfers to an external wallet, which limits the possibilities for more advanced users. That said, for occasional purchases and simple medium-term storage, the interface remains very effective.

My opinion on the assets & markets available on Revolut Trading

Revolut Trading's offering remains focused on the most accessible assets: US stocks, popular ETFs and cryptocurrencies. This is well suited to beginner or passive investment use, but will not suit traders looking for broad exposure to different markets.

I appreciated the quality of crypto integration in the app, as well as the ability to buy fractional shares from R1, which opens up investment to all budgets. However, the absence of Forex, indices, commodities or bonds severely limits diversification for more experienced profiles. It is clearly a mass-market, simple and mobile-first solution.

My opinion on the platform

As a trader, I found the experience on the Revolut platform to be both very smooth and perfectly suited for mobile use. The interface is simple, uncluttered, and accessible even for a user who has never invested before. However, the functionalities remain deliberately limited: no advanced technical charts, no analysis modules, and no compatibility with software like MetaTrader or TradingView.

For someone looking to place a few orders per month or build a passive portfolio in US stocks and cryptos, it's more than enough. But as soon as you want to do technical monitoring or test strategies, the platform quickly shows its limitations.

Trader Tip

Use the Revolut banking app to convert your Rands into other currencies in a dedicated currency account before investing. This avoids exchange fees when buying shares, especially if you are on a Standard account without a Premium subscription.

Client Reviews: What Users Think of Revolut Trading

Revolut enjoys an excellent reputation on Trustpilot with an average rating of 4.5/5 based on 195,118 reviews. This score, based on very diverse feedback, reflects the massive popularity of the Revolut application as a whole, including the Trading section, which is attractive due to its simplicity and ease of access.

Among the positive points that come up most often, are the speed of transactions, the clarity of the mobile interface, the ease of registration, and the accessibility of investments from R1. Many praise the responsiveness of the Premium customer service and the transparency of fees. Integration into the Revolut environment is also highly appreciated.

The frequently mentioned negative points concern the limitation of functionalities for more experienced investors, the absence of withdrawal of cryptos to an external wallet, exchange fees considered high for Standard accounts, and occasional delays on transfers or document validation. Some users also report difficulties in understanding how the Trading section works.

Examples of customer reviews:

• C.D. (10 January 2024): « I love being able to invest a few Rands in shares like Apple or Tesla without paying fees. Clear interface, perfect for getting started. »
• M.P. (27 February 2024): « Very good app, but it's a shame that you can't transfer your cryptos to an external wallet. It limits the use a bit. »
• D.G. (15 March 2024): « I contacted support for a question about the Trading account. Quick and efficient response via Premium chat. Nothing to complain about. »

Opening an Account, Deposits and Withdrawals on Revolut Trading

Opening an Account

Opening a trading account with Revolut is ultra-fast and smooth, provided you already have an active Revolut bank account. As a Revolut user, I was able to activate the Trading section in less than two minutes, directly from the mobile application. There is no friction, no documents to return manually, everything is done automatically thanks to the profile already verified on the banking side.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Open a Revolut bank account (if you haven’t already)
• Access the "Trading" tab in the mobile application
• Accept the terms of use of the investment service
• Answer a short questionnaire about your investment experience
• Start buying stocks, ETFs or cryptocurrencies from R 1.

Good to know

No external deposit is required to get started: the Trading account is directly linked to your main Revolut balance. You can transfer funds with a simple swipe of the screen, free of charge.

Revolut Trading deposits and withdrawals

The deposit and withdrawal system at Revolut Trading is unique: there are no external transfers as with a traditional broker. All money movements go through your main Revolut balance, which greatly simplifies management. The transfer is instant, free of charge, and you retain perfect visibility of your money. This is a real plus, especially for those who want to react quickly to market movements.

Trader Tip

Remember to manually convert your currency (e.g., EUR to ZAR) in the "Accounts" tab before buying US shares. This helps to avoid automatic exchange fees (up to 1% in a Standard account) and better control your costs.

Account Types Available on Revolut Trading

Revolut Trading does not offer multiple account types like traditional brokers. Here, everything is integrated into the Revolut banking application, with simple activation and no technical configuration. The service is mainly aimed at retail investors in "buy & hold" mode or beginners who want to buy shares, ETFs or cryptocurrencies without delving into the complexities of the derivative markets.

Note

The "securities account" offered by Revolut Trading only allows investment in real shares and ETFs via the partner platform DriveWealth, without leverage. It is not a tax-advantaged account specific to South Africa, but it still allows you to buy fractions of shares and easily track your performance from the app.

Conclusion: Should You Invest with Revolut Trading?

After several months of testing, I can say that Revolut Trading is a solution perfectly suited to beginner investors, or those who want to invest occasionally without delving into complex interfaces or opaque pricing schedules. The seamless integration with the Revolut bank account is a real asset on a daily basis, and the possibility of buying fractional shares from R1 makes investing accessible to all budgets.

What I particularly appreciated was the transparency of fees, the simplicity of the mobile experience, and the speed of internal transfers, which allow you to take action in seconds. The absence of advanced tools for more technical profiles, as well as the impossibility of CFD or leveraged trading, is regrettable.

But for passive, clear and secure investment use, Revolut Trading is an excellent gateway into the world of the Stock Exchange.

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.