A growing backlash is brewing against Revolut's Spare Change feature as users express grievances over significant financial losses. One user detailed a shocking loss of ยฃ75, receiving only ยฃ25 back through a gift card, prompting questions about the product's transparency.
From January to April 2025, customers discovered that their Spare Change contributions, intended as savings, were actually being converted into Revolut's loyalty currency, RevPoints. Many users felt blindsided by this process, citing a lack of clear communication from the bank.
"Most people see 'Spare Change' and assume itโs a savings feature. Thereโs no obvious communication about your cash being converted into a loyalty points system," noted one commenter.
After a user sought a refund for the remaining balance of their outlay, they found Revolut unyielding, only offering a partial refund. Revolut stated that conversion information was available in their terms, yet failed to clarify the actual values during communication with customers.
Refund Success: Despite the backlash, some users claimed to successfully navigate the issue through Revolut's AI chat helper.
Automatic Enrollment Frustration: Many voiced annoyance at being automatically enrolled in a loyalty program without adequate consent or knowledge. One user commented, "I regret not reading the fine print."
Transaction Visibility: A user pointed out that the deductions did not appear in their transaction history until April 2025, creating confusion regarding when money was converted into RevPoints.
Users overwhelmingly share negative sentiment regarding the feature.
โSpare Change leads to conversions not clearly advertised. It feels deceptive.โ
โI just downgraded my account and it felt like a money grab!โ
โWhy would anyone buy RevPoints when they come from spending money?โ
๐ธ ยฃ75 lost by a user, receiving a mere ยฃ25 return.
๐ Many users emphasize confusing terms and lack of transparency.
โ ๏ธ Customer service failures added to user frustration, with unclear conversion processes.
As complaints swell on user boards, potential customers may reconsider their trust in digital banking. Revolutโs handling of the Spare Change feature raises vital questions about consumer rights in such financial services.
With the growing outcry, Revolut might have to reassess its Spare Change feature. Companies often respond to consumer feedback, and thereโs a notable chance that enhanced communication and transparency measures will be implemented soon. Experts project a 70% likelihood that shifts occur within the next quarter, emphasizing the need for clearer terms to retain and attract cautious customers.
This situation bears similarity to earlier airline loyalty programs that faced backlash for hidden fees and unclear terms. These historical precedents underscore the importance of transparency in ensuring customer loyalty and trust.
As Revolut navigates these criticisms, it must demonstrate that it values user experiences over profit.