Revolut vs Postepay: Which is Better?
Revolut and Postepay are two financial services offering prepaid cards, online payments, and international money transfers. However, they serve different types of users:
- Revolut is a digital banking app with multi-currency support, crypto trading, and international spending features.
- Postepay is an Italian prepaid card service from Poste Italiane, mainly for local payments and online shopping in Italy.
1. Key Differences: Revolut vs Postepay
| Feature | Revolut | Postepay |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Service | Digital banking app | Prepaid card service |
| Banking License | No (E-money license) | No (Prepaid card, no banking features) |
| Multi-Currency Support | Yes (30+ currencies) | No (EUR only) |
| International Transfers | Yes (low fees, real exchange rates) | Yes (via Poste Italiane, higher fees) |
| Crypto & Stock Trading | Yes | No |
| IBAN Account | No (except EU/UK) | Yes (for Postepay Evolution) |
| ATM Withdrawals | Yes (free up to a limit) | Yes (fees apply) |
| Cash Deposits | No | Yes (via Poste Italiane branches) |
| Card Type | Visa or Mastercard | Visa or Mastercard |
| Availability | Global | Italy only |
| Best For | International transactions, travel, and investing | Italian residents for local payments |
| Customer Support | Live chat (slow for free users) | Poste Italiane support |
2. Features Breakdown
🔹 Banking License & Deposit Protection
- Neither Revolut nor Postepay has a full banking license.
- Funds in Revolut are stored under an E-money license, meaning no government deposit protection.
- Postepay is a prepaid card, not a bank account, so it lacks deposit protection.
🏆 Winner: Tie (both lack full banking protection).
🔹 Multi-Currency Support
- Revolut supports 30+ currencies, allowing users to hold and exchange money easily.
- Postepay only supports EUR, limiting international usage.
🏆 Winner: Revolut (better for global users).
🔹 International Transfers
- Revolut provides real exchange rates with low fees for international transfers.
- Postepay allows international transfers but with higher fees and less competitive rates.
🏆 Winner: Revolut (cheaper and more efficient for transfers).
🔹 IBAN & Bank-Like Features
- Postepay Evolution includes an IBAN, allowing users to receive payments and salary deposits.
- Revolut does not provide personal IBANs for all users.
🏆 Winner: Postepay (better for IBAN features).
🔹 Crypto & Stock Trading
- Revolut supports crypto and stock trading.
- Postepay does not offer trading features.
🏆 Winner: Revolut (for investing & crypto).
🔹 ATM Withdrawals & Cash Deposits
- Revolut allows free ATM withdrawals up to a monthly limit.
- Postepay allows cash withdrawals but charges fees, and users can deposit cash at Poste Italiane branches.
🏆 Winner: Postepay (for cash deposits), Revolut (for free ATM withdrawals).
🔹 Customer Support
- Revolut support is mainly through live chat, which can be slow for free users.
- Postepay is backed by Poste Italiane, offering in-person and phone support.
🏆 Winner: Postepay (better support for Italian users).
3. Which One Should You Choose?
| Choose Revolut if… | Choose Postepay if… |
|---|---|
| You need multi-currency support for international spending. | You live in Italy and need a prepaid card for daily expenses. |
| You want low-cost international transfers. | You want a local IBAN for salary deposits. |
| You are interested in crypto & stock trading. | You need to deposit cash at post offices. |
| You travel frequently and need global ATM withdrawals. | You prefer using a well-known Italian service. |
4. Conclusion: Which is Better?
✔ For international travelers, multi-currency banking, and investments → Revolut is better.
✔ For Italian residents needing a prepaid card with IBAN support → Postepay is better.
Overall Winner? ✅ Depends on your needs:
- Revolut is better for global transactions, investments, and travel.
- Postepay is better for Italy-based users and local payments.