Revolut launches Pay with Smile facial‑recognition checkout

Revolut has introduced a new in‑store payment option that uses facial recognition to authorise purchases. The Pay with Smile feature is being tested at Kiss the Hippo cafés in London, allowing customers to tap a screen, scan their face and complete a transaction without a card or phone. The trial w…

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:40:45 GMT

Revolut, the digital‑banking pioneer, has rolled out a novel in‑store payment method that lets customers pay with a single glance. The system, dubbed Pay with Smile, uses facial recognition technology to verify a user’s identity against the checks they completed when signing up for the Revolut app. If the match is successful, an account‑to‑account payment is authorised and the transaction is completed.

How the new checkout works

Customers who wish to use Pay with Smile must first opt in through the Revolut app. The feature is not enabled by default, and users can revoke consent at any time. Once opted in, a customer can simply tap the Pay with Smile button on a Revolut Register terminal, which is a point‑of‑sale device that accepts Revolut payments. The terminal prompts the user to look at the camera, and the system performs a facial identity check that mirrors the experience of unlocking a smartphone or accessing a banking app.

The facial data is encrypted end‑to‑end, and Revolut makes it clear that merchants do not store any personal data. If the facial match passes, the payment is processed directly from the customer’s Revolut account to the merchant’s account, with no intermediary fees.

Trial at London cafés

The pilot is running in three Kiss the Hippo cafés located in Bloomsbury, Chelsea and Soho. The trial will take place from Thursday, 24 September, through Saturday, 26 September. Kiss the Hippo, which operates a total of 12 cafés across London, said it is excited to offer the new technology to its guests and plans to roll the feature out to all its locations later in the year.

Revolut has announced that it will offer 0 % processing fees on Pay with Smile transactions during the pilot. The company says the fee waiver is intended to reduce the cost burden on independent venues, which often struggle with high merchant‑service charges.

Revolut’s vision for the future of retail payments

Alex Codina, general manager of merchant payments at Revolut Business, described the initiative as a step toward replacing “outdated, fragmented tills” with a “hyper‑efficient checkout experience” that benefits both consumers and merchants. He highlighted the combination of high‑performance processing and facial recognition as the core of the new system.

Revolut’s CEO, Nikolay Storonsky, has previously spoken about the company’s ambition to make banking and payments more seamless. The Pay with Smile pilot aligns with that vision by removing friction from the point of sale and providing a contactless, card‑free alternative that can be used in any physical store equipped with a Revolut Register.

Security and privacy considerations

Security is a key selling point for the pilot. Revolut states that facial recognition data is encrypted and that merchants cannot access or store the data. The system relies on the identity checks performed during the initial Revolut account sign‑up, which include verification of government‑issued ID documents and biometric data. Users can also withdraw their consent to use the feature at any time.

Despite the robust security measures, some privacy advocates remain cautious about the use of facial recognition in everyday transactions. The pilot’s limited duration and controlled environment may help address concerns by allowing Revolut to gather user feedback and refine the technology before a wider rollout.

What happens next?

Revolut said it will evaluate the pilot’s performance and customer feedback before deciding on a broader launch. The company also plans to expand the availability of Revolut Register terminals to more merchants, potentially making the Pay with Smile feature a common option in cafés, retail stores, and other venues. Kiss the Hippo has indicated that it will roll the feature out to its remaining cafés later this year if the pilot proves successful.

Customers interested in trying Pay with Smile should visit one of the three participating cafés during the trial period and ensure that the feature is enabled in their Revolut app. The experience promises to be quick, secure, and entirely contactless.

Why this matters

Revolut’s Pay with Smile pilot represents a significant shift toward biometric payments in physical retail. By reducing the need for cards or phones, the system could streamline checkout lines and lower transaction costs for small businesses. The pilot also signals a broader trend of fintech firms exploring new ways to integrate digital banking services into everyday consumer experiences.

Key facts

Revolut’s Pay with Smile uses facial recognition to authorise in‑store payments.
The pilot runs at Kiss the Hippo cafés in Bloomsbury, Chelsea and Soho from 24‑26 September.
Customers must opt in via the Revolut app; the feature is not default.
Revolut offers 0 % processing fees during the trial to support independent venues.
Facial data is encrypted end‑to‑end and not stored by merchants.
Revolut will assess the pilot before expanding the service to more merchants.

Why it matters

The pilot showcases how biometric technology can streamline retail payments, potentially reducing checkout times and lowering costs for small businesses while offering a new, contactless payment method for consumers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pay with Smile?

A facial‑recognition payment option that lets Revolut customers pay at a store by scanning their face.

Where can I try it?

At Kiss the Hippo cafés in Bloomsbury, Chelsea and Soho during the 24‑26 September pilot.

Do I need a Revolut account?

Yes, you must be a Revolut customer and have the app installed.

Is there a fee?

No processing fee during the pilot; Revolut will cover the cost.

Can I opt out?

Yes, you can revoke consent anytime in the app settings.