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Is Revolut the New European Amex?

Is Revolut the New European Amex? Is Revolut the New European Amex?
IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY

Revolut is stepping into new territory—and it’s making bold moves that could shake up Europe’s stagnant credit card rewards space. Often dubbed a “financial super app,” the UK-based fintech is now developing a points-based credit card built around its RevPoints loyalty system. The move signals a clear intent: to challenge American Express’s long-held dominance in Europe’s premium card sector.

With more than 50 million global users and a $48 billion valuation as of March 2025, Revolut has momentum on its side. That valuation climbed 85% thanks to increased investment from Schroders Capital Global Innovation Trust. Now, insiders are anticipating a new secondary share sale that could push Revolut’s value to $60 billion—fueled by strong demand from investors eyeing a stake in the fast-scaling fintech.

So, is Revolut becoming the “European Amex”? Not quite—but it’s definitely redefining what rewards-based credit looks like for European consumers.

Revolut Takes Aim at the Rewards Card Gap

In North America, credit card rewards programs are competitive, diverse, and often lucrative. But in Europe, options have been far more limited. American Express has long been the go-to for consumers seeking points-based perks—offering everything from travel upgrades to luxury hotel stays across its suite of cards, which range in price from €0 to €65 per month.

That’s where Revolut sees opportunity.

With its digital-first model, Revolut has built a fiercely loyal customer base by offering multi-currency accounts, low-fee international exchanges, and a seamless mobile banking experience. In July 2024, it launched RevPoints, a flexible rewards system allowing users to earn points on debit card purchases. Those points can be redeemed for major brand gift cards—including Apple and Amazon—or converted 1:1 into airline miles.

Now, Revolut plans to bring that system into the credit card space, creating a full-scale rewards ecosystem tied to its existing tiered subscription model. Each tier is expected to offer different benefits, just like Amex’s various card levels, but with a digital twist: all seamlessly managed within Revolut’s app.

Credit Cards, AI ATMs, and a Broader Financial Vision

Revolut’s upcoming rewards-based credit card isn’t the only signal of its larger ambitions. The fintech is also rolling out a host of new features designed to deepen user engagement and lock in long-term value:

  • AI-powered ATMs are being tested in Spain, featuring facial recognition for secure cash withdrawals.
  • A suite of business credit products is in the works to serve Revolut’s growing SMB customer base.
  • An AI financial assistant is under development to help users make smarter, data-driven money decisions.
  • Plans for digital mortgages are starting in Lithuania, with launches in Ireland and France to follow.

These expansions illustrate Revolut’s goal to become more than just a challenger bank. It’s building a comprehensive financial ecosystem for modern consumers and businesses—one that goes beyond traditional credit or savings products.

Not Just a Copy of Amex—A Smarter Reinvention

While comparisons to American Express are inevitable, Revolut isn’t merely trying to replicate the model. Instead, it’s taking the best parts—like robust rewards and prestige card tiers—and fusing them with a digital-first platform, broader accessibility, and native integration with multi-currency features.

Rather than becoming “Europe’s Amex,” Revolut is carving out something entirely its own.

Its rewards strategy reflects a deeper understanding of Europe’s financial habits. Where Amex often struggles with merchant acceptance and high fees, Revolut’s cards (especially on Visa and Mastercard rails) offer broader usability. And unlike legacy players, Revolut doesn’t rely on legacy infrastructure—allowing it to move faster and adapt more easily to changing market expectations.

Revolut is bridging the gap between traditional rewards and modern financial technology. If successful, it won’t just compete with Amex—it could redefine the entire rewards credit card market in Europe.

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