How Revolut exchange rates work in Spain: fees, limits and weekend markups

Moving money around as an expat in Spain can be tough. You've got lots of digital banks to choose from, but figuring out the best time to exchange your currency might save you a ton in fees.

This guide walks you through how Revolut exchange rates are handled, especially over the weekend. We'll break down how they set their rates, what extra fees you might pay, and how your subscription plan affects the cost. Knowing this helps you make smarter moves. We'll also look at how Revolut compares with alternatives such as Wise, so you decide which approach works best for your needs.

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How does the Revolut exchange rate work?

Revolut exchange rates is based on the mid-market rate, which they get from different sources. During the week (Monday to Friday, New York time), Revolut usually doesn't add any extra fees to this rate, as long as you're within your plan's limits. This means the rate you get is pretty much the same as the real rate without any markups¹.

Just keep in mind that Revolut's rate changes with the market, so it might not be the exact mid-market rate at the very moment you make a transaction.

What are Revolut weekend markup fees?

When global currency markets close for the weekend (between 5 PM Friday and 6 PM Sunday, New York time), Revolut exchange rates change with a weekend markup fee to conversions to manage the risk of rate fluctuations. The fee depends on your plan²:

• Standard plan: 1% markup on weekend exchanges.

• Plus plan: 0.5% markup on weekend exchanges.

• Premium, Metal, and Ultra plans: no weekend exchange fees.

Making a large transfer on a Saturday can result in an extra cost if you are on a lower-tier plan, so check the breakdown before you confirm the transaction.

How do Revolut plan tiers affect Revolut exchange rates?

The subscription plan you choose determines your monthly fee-free currency exchange allowance. These limits reset every rolling month².

If you go over your allowance, you'll only pay the fair usage fee on the amount above the limit, not on the entire Revolut exchange rates. And if you're on a paid plan, you'll still pay the monthly subscription fee whether you use the exchange allowance or not.

Real-world scenarios: how fees affect your money

Let’s look at a few examples, like converting EUR to GBP or EUR to USD, to see how these fees play out in real life. Imagine you've recently moved to Spain and need to transfer €2,000 from your UK savings account to cover a property purchase.

• Scenario A (Weekday): you convert €2,000 on a Tuesday. The first €1,000 is free from markup. You exceed your monthly allowance by €1,000, which triggers a 1% fair usage fee (€10).

• Scenario B (Weekend): you convert €2,000 on a Saturday. You still pay the €10 fair usage fee, but you also get hit with a 1% weekend markup on the entire €2,000 amount (€20). Your fees jump to €30 because of the day of the week³.

So the weekend fee triples the Revolut exchange rates. This pricing might make you wonder if there are better options out there with straightforward fees.

If you'd rather not plan your transfers around exchange limits, subscription tiers, or market opening hours, it may be worth looking at providers with a transparent model.

Wise: a transparent alternative to hidden weekend fees

If you're tired of tracking weekend Revolut exchange rates and markups, Wise offers a different option. Instead of a fee-free allowance that comes with hidden markups and weekend surcharges, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for every conversion.

A small, variable fee is then added, which you see upfront before committing. This fee can be as low as 0.33%, depending on the currencies involved.

With Wise, the fee is shown upfront before you confirm the transfer. There are no surprise weekend fees or monthly limits. Whether you convert €100 on a Tuesday or €5,000 on a Saturday, the fee structure remains consistent. It’s more predictable.

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Wise vs. Revolut: which is better for you?

Both platforms offer great ways to manage your money internationally. However, Wise provides a more cost-effective solution, as opposed to Revolut exchange rates.

At the end of the day, the best choice depends on your specific habits.

Understanding how different Wise vs. Revolut exchange rates fluctuate is the best way to take control of your international finances. Compare your current transfer costs against both platforms to see which option fits your lifestyle and spending habits.

People also ask

Do I need a premium account to get better rates?

Not really. The perk of premium plans is a higher fee-free allowance for transfers. The actual exchange rate you get is the same across all plans during the week³.

When is the best time to exchange currency?

Aim for weekdays, which is when you'll get competitive Revolut exchange rates. If you use Wise to manage your money, set up your transfer over the weekend. They'll just wait until the market reopens on Monday to complete it, so you still get the best rate.

Can I avoid the weekend markup?

Absolutely. If your provider charges extra on weekends, just plan ahead. Make your currency exchanges between Monday and Friday to dodge those fees².

Making sense of Revolut exchange rates

Understanding how Revolut exchange rates and fees work can help you avoid unnecessary costs, especially if you regularly move money between currencies.

While Revolut often offers competitive exchange rates, the final cost can vary depending on when you exchange money and which plan you're on.

For many people, Revolut works perfectly well for everyday spending and occasional currency exchanges. However, if you frequently transfer larger amounts or prefer a pricing structure that's easier to predict, it's worth looking at alternatives like Wise too.

At the end of the day, there's no single best option for everyone. The right choice depends on how often you exchange money, the amounts involved, and whether you value extra banking features or simply want a straightforward transfer service. For example, someone receiving a UK pension in Spain may have different priorities than someone making occasional holiday transfers between GBP and EUR accounts.

Taking a few minutes to compare Revolut exchange rates versus other options before making a transfer can help ensure you're getting the best deal for your situation.

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