Revolut will open its first permanent physical store worldwide in Barcelona, near Plaça Catalunya. This move highlights the neobank's growing commitment to the city and Catalonia, with plans to create at least 300 new jobs in the region by 2028.
New Retail Concept for Barcelona
The new store will employ around 20 staff members. Revolut's Head of Marketing, Antoine Le Nel, confirmed the news to Euronews, as reported by El Periódico. He stated, "We chose Barcelona as the city to test our physical stores because it combines local density, global relevance, tourism, and innovation."
Le Nel added that this initiative aims to be permanent. Revolut plans to replicate the concept in other cities if it receives a positive reception. The neobank has clarified that the space will not be a traditional bank branch. Instead, it will be a "high-visibility and immersive space," similar to the experience of an Apple Store.
Significant Job Creation and Strategic Growth
Revolut's expansion in Catalonia includes substantial job creation. The company expects to hire at least 300 people in the region by 2028. This will bring Revolut's total workforce in Barcelona to 1,000 employees by that time.
Spain represents a fundamental territory for Revolut's operations. The neobank currently serves 6 million clients across Spain, with 1.2 million located in Catalonia. This strong customer base underpins the company's strategic investment in the country.
Expanding Presence Across Spain
Beyond Barcelona, Revolut plans further expansion in Spain. The company will open a new office in Madrid before the end of 2026. This Madrid office expects to create at least 500 jobs by 2028, further boosting the neobank's presence.
Revolut's expansion mirrors moves by competitors in the Spanish market. German neobank N26 recently expanded its Madrid operations. In March, N26 moved to a new 2,000-square-metre office in the Salamanca district. This space now serves as N26's second European operations hub.
Barcelona's Innovation Hub at Diagonal 444
This physical store announcement marks Revolut's second major urban development in Barcelona. In late July, the Ajuntament de Barcelona authorised Revolut to install its logo on the iconic Cuatrecasas building. This building, located at Avenida Diagonal 444, now houses Revolut's global innovation hub.
The monumental classicist-style building was designed between 1908 and 1910. Emesa, the holding company of lawyer and businessman Emilio Cuatrecasas, owns the property. Revolut's decision to place its global innovation hub here shows its long-term commitment to Barcelona as a key European centre.
Commitment to Catalan Language and Local Clients
Revolut also demonstrates a strong commitment to its Catalan clients. Following a request from the Generalitat de Catalunya's Department of Linguistic Policy, Revolut included Catalan as the default language on its ATMs in Catalonia. This ensures local users can interact with the service in their preferred language.
The company will also launch its website and application in Catalan during the first half of 2027. This further integration of the Catalan language reflects Revolut's focus on local user experience. The neobank has over 50 ATMs in Barcelona, more than any other city in Spain.
Madrid follows with 22 ATMs. These machines allow users to get a card in seconds or withdraw cash instantly. Revolut aims to reach 200 ATMs across Spain by the end of the year, more than doubling the current 96 terminals installed. This widespread network supports their growing customer base.
Revolut's continued investment in Barcelona, from its global innovation hub to its first physical store and linguistic adaptations, solidifies the city's position as a critical European base for the fintech company. The success of the Barcelona store will determine future physical retail expansions globally.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
