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Revolut's ‘spare change’ feature: cost me £75 for £25 gift card

Revolut Sparks Outrage | Users Slam ‘Spare Change’ Feature for Hidden Losses

By

David Kim

May 21, 2025, 08:38 AM

Edited By

Olivia Murphy

Updated

May 21, 2025, 11:32 PM

2 minutes estimated to read

User looking upset while using the Revolut app, showing a balance loss and gift card

A wave of criticism has hit Revolut’s ‘Spare Change’ feature as numerous users claim significant financial losses due to unexpected deductions. Many allege that they unwittingly converted cash into loyalty points, leaving them at a disadvantage.

The Controversy Unfolds

Between January and April 2025, users reported that Revolut’s round-up feature deducted funds from their accounts without clear notices. One user claimed to have lost £75, only receiving a £25 gift card in return. Key concerns include ambiguous conversion terms and perceived deception regarding the feature's purpose.

"Most people see 'Spare Change' and reasonably assume it’s a savings feature," a user stated, emphasizing the misleading implications of the program.

Key Experiences Highlighted

  1. Ambiguous Deductions: Multiple users noted that the missing funds were not visible in transaction logs until later, raising awareness just now. Affected individuals often found these charges surfacing only in April, despite initial deductions dating back to January.

  2. Mixed User Experiences: Some reported successfully getting refunds through Revolut’s AI chat helper. Yet, others lamented their struggles, feeling the terms of service were deceptively hidden.

  3. Transparency Issues: Users pointed out that the conversion of their money to RevPoints wasn't clearly communicated at the beginning. As one user mentioned, "I didn’t check where the Spare Change was going," suggesting a lack of notice about the process.

Revolut's Response

Revolut has responded, emphasizing the importance of familiarizing oneself with all terms prior to using the feature. However, many users argue that these terms aren't made sufficiently clear through the app or website, leading to user mistrust.

"The conversion rate is fixed, but not explicitly stated, which users find frustrating," stated an insider familiar with user feedback.

User Sentiment

The general feeling among users is largely negative, with claims of misleading marketing and poor customer service resonating widely.

  • 💔 66% Loss: Many users faced substantial losses, noting that substantial amounts submitted to the feature weren’t accurately reflected in their balances.

  • Hidden Fees: End users demand clarity and better communication regarding potential fees or losses before opting into features.

Essential Insights

  • Expectations vs. Reality: Many believed they were saving money when, in fact, they were losing funds.

  • 🔄 Calls for Change: There appears to be a desire for Revolut to enhance transparency around loyalty programs to regain trust.

  • 💬 "I feel misled—if not outright scammed," another user shared, underscoring the growing frustration.

As scrutiny of Revolut's practices continues to escalate, it could drive users toward alternatives that emphasize honesty and clarity in their terms. After all, as financial literacy increases, consumers are becoming increasingly skeptical of misleading promotional materials.