Revolut in Malta
Revolut is widely used by workers in Malta as a fast-to-open account while waiting for a traditional bank. Here's what it can and cannot do.
Why workers in Malta use Revolut
Opening a traditional Maltese bank account (BOV, HSBC) typically takes 2–4 weeks due to KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance checks. Revolut can be opened in minutes using your phone — making it the most practical way to have a working debit card and IBAN when you first arrive.
Revolut is a bridge — not a permanent solution
What Revolut can do for you in Malta
- Open before you leave your home country — no need to wait until you arrive. Works with your passport and a selfie.
- Receive international transfers — your family can send you money directly from your home country to your Revolut IBAN.
- Pay for everything locally — Mastercard Revolut cards are accepted everywhere in Malta that takes card payments.
- Free ATM withdrawals up to a monthly limit (after which fees apply) — useful before your local bank card arrives.
- Send money home — Revolut has competitive exchange rates for remittances, often better than bank transfers.
- Budgeting tools — spending categories and limits help you manage your first weeks in Malta carefully.
What Revolut cannot reliably do
- Receive your Maltese salary (sometimes) — some employers require a Maltese IBAN specifically. Always confirm with HR before assuming Revolut will work.
- Set up Maltese direct debits — utilities and some services need a local IBAN from a licensed Maltese bank.
- Serve as proof of address — Revolut statements are not always accepted as proof of address by Maltese authorities.
- Replace a Maltese bank account for the long term — for permit renewals and tax registration, a local account is strongly recommended.
Revolut compliance freezes
When to open a Revolut account
Ideally, open Revolut before you travel to Malta. Download the app, complete verification with your passport, and order the free card to your home address. This way you have a working card from day one.
In parallel, start the application for a traditional Maltese bank account (BOV or HSBC) in your first week. Use Revolut as your daily card while the bank processes your application.
Revolut vs traditional Maltese banks
| Feature | Revolut | BOV / HSBC |
|---|---|---|
| Time to open | Minutes (from app) | 2–4 weeks |
| Maltese IBAN | No (Lithuanian/Irish) | Yes |
| Salary receipt | Sometimes | Always |
| Direct debits | Limited | Full support |
| Open from abroad | Yes | No |
| Remittances | Excellent rates | Bank fees apply |
| Proof of address | Not accepted | Accepted |
Open Revolut — step by step
Affiliate disclosure: the link below may earn MaltaPathway a referral commission at no extra cost to you.
Sign up for Revolut
- ✓ Open from your home country before you travel
- ✓ Free standard plan, card delivered in ~5 days
- ✓ Available in Malta — Mastercard accepted everywhere
Bottom line
Open Revolut before you travel — it costs nothing and gives you a working card on arrival. Then open a BOV or HSBC account in your first week. Use Revolut for day-to-day spending and remittances; use your Maltese account for salary, direct debits, and official purposes.
Good to know
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