Revolut is set to establish its own airport lounges, with the first one launching in Copenhagen in 2027.

      Revolut, the fintech company that made its fortune by convincing users they would never need to visit a bank again, is now preparing to construct physical locations. The company announced today that it will be launching its own premium airport lounges throughout Europe, with the inaugural one set to open in 2027 at Copenhagen Airport. This move represents one of its most intentional steps into the physical realm, moving beyond the digital interface.

      These lounges will be managed in collaboration with Plaza Premium Group, known for operating the largest network of airport lounges globally, allowing Revolut to leverage existing expertise instead of starting from scratch in the hospitality industry. Access to these lounges will be linked to its subscription plans, making them an exclusive benefit available mainly to higher-tier subscribers rather than all app users.

      Hadi Nasrallah, who heads Revolut’s aptly named New Bets division, referred to the Copenhagen hub as “the perfect fit” for what he considers a significant growth market, and the company plans to expand this concept to other key European markets thereafter, treating it as a model for further development rather than a singular endeavor.

      Previously, Revolut opened its first physical store in Barcelona, which was designed to be an immersive experience rather than just a typical branch. The company has also added services such as travel booking, mobile phone plans, a partnership with WeWork for co-working spaces, and a bundled ChatGPT subscription to an app that initially focused solely on money transfers. The introduction of lounges is a natural progression in this expanding business model.

      Supporting this ambition is a strong financial backing, as Revolut reported £4.2 billion in revenue last year, a 46% increase, and its subscriptions segment—targeted by the lounges—grew by 67% to £708 million. Additionally, a recent share sale has valued the company at approximately $115 billion, a significant increase from $75 billion last November, making an airport property venture seem almost modest in comparison.

      The rationale behind this initiative is customer loyalty. Airport lounges are highly sought-after rewards in consumer finance, motivating travelers to tolerate high fees associated with premium credit cards. By owning these spaces rather than leasing others, Revolut can reinforce its brand during moments when customers are most comfortable and affluent.

      This strategy aligns with its ambitions in private banking and aims at attracting high-spending users in anticipation of a potential public listing. The timing of this move is intentional, as Revolut has been busy over the past year adding a multitude of services to its app—from trading and cryptocurrency to messaging, mobile plans, and AI—aiming for the “super-app” status that many Western fintech companies strive for but rarely attain.

      Establishing lounges serves as a tangible representation of that goal, reminding millions of customers that the Revolut brand can accompany them from their mobile devices to the airport lounge, and helping to retain its wealthiest users against competitors.

      However, lounges require significant investment and are complex to manage, which is likely why Plaza Premium is handling the operations. The market is already competitive, with services like Priority Pass and LoungeKey, along with various airline lounges. Moreover, Revolut recently faced a disruptive transition with its lounge-access providers, causing dissatisfaction among travelers—a reminder that perks can easily be retracted.

      Despite these challenges, the significance of this move remains clear. A company that has spent a decade asserting that banking should exist solely on mobile devices is now betting that enhancing customer loyalty means providing an inviting space to relax. As it seeks licenses and expands its influence across Europe, Revolut is striving to be less of a mere app and more of an immersive environment for its users, starting strategically in airport departures.