Tube Tunes: Conquering the London Underground with your Revolut Card (and minimal fuss)
Ah, the London Underground. A labyrinthine masterpiece of engineering that both frustrates and fascinates in equal measure. Navigating the network can feel like a rite of passage, but fear not, intrepid traveller! This guide will help you conquer the Tube like a seasoned pro, focusing on a question that plagues many a visitor: Can you use your Revolut card on the London Underground?
The Short Answer (for the impatient)
Yes! You absolutely can use your Revolut card on the London Underground. Just tap your physical card, phone with Apple Pay or Google Pay linked to Revolut, or your snazzy smartwatch (providing it has contactless payment) on the yellow reader at the station entrance, and hey presto! You're in like Flynn (or a local, whichever tickles your fancy).
The Long Answer (with added benefits)
While the short answer is music to your ears (and hopefully gets you moving in the right direction), there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The magic of contactless: Make sure your Revolut card (or your phone/watch) is enabled for contactless payments. Most cards are these days, but double-checking never hurts. Think of it as waving a magic wand (or a banana peel for some reason) at the reader.
- Mind the £10: Transport for London (affectionately known as TfL) has a quirky habit of authorising a temporary £10 hold on your card when you first tap in. Don't panic! This is just to ensure you have enough funds for your journey, and the hold is released within a few days.
- Daily caps are your friend: One of the beauties of using contactless payment is that TfL automatically charges you the best fare based on your journeys throughout the day. Exceed a certain amount and that's it - you won't be charged any more, no matter how many underground Kelly dances you perform between stations.
- Oyster card vs Revolut? This is a classic debate. An Oyster card can be handy if you plan on using public transport extensively during your stay. However, Revolut offers the convenience of not needing to top up or return a separate card, making it a great option for shorter visits.
Bonus Tip: Download the TfL Go app to plan your journeys and check live travel updates. Because, let's face it, getting lost on the Underground is practically a rite of passage in itself.
## Revolut on the Tube: Frequently Asked Questions
How to enable contactless payments on my Revolut card?
Log in to your Revolut app and navigate to the card settings. There you'll find the option to enable contactless payments.
How much will I be charged for using the Underground with Revolut?
The exact fare will depend on your journey, but TfL operates a daily cap system, so you won't be charged more than a set amount per day.
What if my Revolut card doesn't have enough balance?
The contactless payment won't go through, so make sure you top up your Revolut card before hitting the Tube.
Is using Revolut on the Underground safe?
Yes, Revolut uses secure technology for contactless payments.
How do I check my travel history on Revolut?
You can't see individual travel charges directly within the Revolut app, but your transaction history will show the total amount deducted by TfL.
