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Revolut's unusual rules on contactless payment limits

Revolut Faces Backlash | Controversial Contactless Payment Limit Sparking User Discontent

By

Liam Hargrove

May 19, 2025, 09:33 PM

Edited By

Rahul Patel

3 minutes reading time

A person looking confused while using a contactless payment card at a store, with a limit sign of 150โ‚ฌ in the background

A growing number of people are questioning Revolut's recent decision to implement a โ‚ฌ150 limit on contactless payments. Users argue that the restriction, purportedly linked to EU regulations, seems arbitrary and unnecessary given that many banks allow much higher transactions without issue.

What's the Issue?

Many customers took to forums to express their frustration. The primary contention is that users have had no problems making larger purchases with other banks, raising doubts about Revolut's compliance with actual legislative requirements.

"Why is Revolut making up rules that donโ€™t exist?" one user angrily posted.

Context and Significance

The outrage appears to stem from a perceived disconnect between Revolut's policies and the real-world experience of its customers. Several commenters noted that this limit activates only before a PIN code is needed, suggesting itโ€™s a safety feature rather than a hard limit. Some confirmed it doesnโ€™t apply to digital payments through platforms like Google Pay.

The core themes emerging from the discussion are:

  • Security Concerns: Many believe the limit acts as a protective measure against card theft.

  • User Confusion: Several commentators noted that users might not fully grasp how payment limits work and the circumstances under which they apply.

  • Perception of Arbitrary Rules: There's a growing sentiment that Revolutโ€™s payment rules don't align with industry norms, potentially pushing away active users.

"Itโ€™s a security feature. If someone robs your card, it limits them to only being able to use it without PIN up to โ‚ฌ150. Pretty decent feature if you ask me," noted a supportive commenter.

Key Points from the Discussion

  • ๐Ÿ”’ "Itโ€™s โ‚ฌ150 before it asks for the code, yes itโ€™s EU legislation."

  • โ“ Users argue that Revolutโ€™s policies may not reflect actual regulations.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ "OP doesnโ€™t understand whatโ€™s going on," reflects general sentiment that users need clearer communication.

Mixed Reactions

While some see the limit as a rational safeguard against fraud, others feel it restricts the freedom of use that attracted them to Revolut in the first place. The mix of positive and negative remarks signals that the issue is far from settled and highlights a communication gap between the company and its clients.

Revolut needs to clarify its rules and reassure users of its compliance with legitimate regulations or risk alienating its customer base.

The End

As the controversy brews, the financial technology sector continues to evolve, and companies like Revolut must adapt to meet obligations without compromising user experience. With users demanding transparency, will Revolut listen, or will frustrations continue to grow?

Shifting Financial Currents Ahead

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Revolut will reassess its contactless payment limit in response to growing user discontent. As more people voice their concerns and share experiences on forums, the company may feel the pressure to either enhance transparency about its security measures or increase the limit to align with competitors. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that Revolut will issue a statement clarifying its compliance with regulations or consider an adjustment to maintain user confidence. If the trend of negative feedback continues, the likelihood increases for a policy revision to appease those feeling restricted by the limit.

Echoes of the Past: Lessons from the Learning Curve

This situation draws an interesting parallel to the rapid changes in the smartphone industry during the early 2010s. Brands like BlackBerry struggled to maintain their position as touchscreen devices entered the market, leaving customers feeling frustrated and unheard. It wasnโ€™t until companies focused more on user feedback and adapted their products that consumer trust began to restore. Just as those brands eventually learned to listen to their customers' needs amidst the technological evolution, Revolut must now heed the voices of its users to avoid being left behind in the competitive fintech landscape.