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Revolut To Take On Amex With Launch Of Points-based Credit Cards

Revolut is setting its sights on a new battleground — the lucrative world of rewards credit cards — in a direct challenge to giants like American Express and Barclaycard. The UK-based fintech, now with over 50 million users worldwide, is quietly working on a suite of credit cards powered by its proprietary RevPoints system.

According to insiders familiar with the project, the upcoming cards will be tailored to Revolut’s various subscription tiers, offering users a fresh way to rack up and spend rewards. It marks another ambitious step in Revolut’s rapid expansion beyond digital banking — a strategy that already includes trading, crypto, insurance, and soon, mortgages and private banking.

Cracking The Loyalty Game

Revolut introduced RevPoints last July, letting users earn points on debit card purchases. So far, points can be redeemed for gift cards from big names like Apple and Amazon, or converted 1:1 into airline miles. But with a new credit card in play, Revolut appears ready to scale that system into a full-fledged loyalty ecosystem.

The move brings Revolut into an arena long dominated by legacy players. American Express and Barclaycard rule the rewards space in the UK with established ecosystems like Amex points and Avios. Fintech disruption here has been slower than in other areas — Yonder, one of the few challengers, has just 30,000 users and focuses on perks with local businesses rather than flight deals.

Revolut’s global reach and brand recognition give it an edge in taking this challenge mainstream. The key question now: is how it will differentiate in a crowded, loyalty-heavy market.

What’s Next For The Superapp

The credit card is just one piece of a bigger puzzle. In January, Sifted revealed that Revolut is developing a premium private banking service aimed at high-net-worth individuals, complete with investment tools and personalized wealth advice. Also in the pipeline: an AI-powered money assistant and a mortgage offering, both expected to launch later this year.

With its reward card ambitions, Revolut isn’t just adding another product — it’s signaling a broader intention to rival traditional banks on every front, including where they’ve historically held the advantage: customer loyalty.

MENA Venture Capital Stable As International Investor Activity Shifts

A Data-Led Analysis Of Investor Behavior In A War-Affected Region

Venture capital activity in the Middle East and North Africa remained relatively stable one month after the escalation of regional conflict. Early data, however, indicate changes in investor behavior rather than immediate shifts in funding totals. Initial signals are visible in investor participation, capital allocation, and deal pipeline activity.

Venture Markets And The Lag In Response

Funding announcements reflect decisions made months earlier, meaning that today’s figures do not capture the full impact of current events. Investors typically adjust strategies gradually, signaling future shifts long before they are immediately visible in total funding numbers.

International Capital As The Key Pressure Indicator

Participation of international investors remains a key indicator across the MENA venture market. Global capital has historically accounted for a significant share of funding in the region. Following global interest rate increases, international participation declined through 2023. This shift was reflected in lower cross-border deal activity, more cautious capital deployment, and longer fundraising timelines.

Implications For The Broader Startup Ecosystem

Changes in international investor activity affect multiple parts of the startup ecosystem. A recovery in participation was recorded in 2024 and continued into 2025, supporting funding activity and cross-border investment. If uncertainty persists, potential effects include slower investment decisions, reduced cross-border engagement, and extended fundraising cycles. International capital also plays a role in supporting larger funding rounds and access to global networks.

Next Steps For Stakeholders

International capital represents one of several factors shaping venture activity in the region. Its movement often precedes changes in late-stage funding, startup formation, and exit activity. Investors, policymakers, and ecosystem participants rely on data and scenario analysis to assess these trends and adjust strategies.

For A Deeper Insight

Further analysis on venture activity, capital flows, and geopolitical impact across the region is available in the full MAGNiTT report.

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