Banking Passkeys: How Revolut Implemented Passkeys
Tags: cybersecurity, banking, passkeys, ux
Published: 2024-03-04 15:27:04

In digital banking today, security is one of the core elements and passkeys serve as tool to greatly improve the login security. Leading the charge in the banking sector, Revolut’s strategic implementation of passkeys for both Personal and Business accounts signifies a step towards redefining user authentication. This move not only aligns with the industry’s pivot towards enhanced digital experiences but also underscores Revolut’s pioneering role in the banking sector’s embrace of passkey technology.

**_[Read full blog post here
](https://www.corbado.com/blog/revolut-passkeys)_**

## The Dawn of Passkey Authentication

Passkeys are the most advanced form of [passwordless authentication](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/passwordless-authentication), offering a seamless yet secure way to access digital accounts. Leveraging asymmetric cryptography, passkeys eradicate the need for traditional passwords by generating unique keys for each user and device (passkeys can also be synced across devices, e.g. via iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, [1Password](https://www.corbado.com/blog/1password-passkeys-best-practices-analysis) or [Dashlane](https://www.corbado.com/blog/dashlane-passkeys)). This innovative approach not only elevates security by preventing phishing attacks and data breaches but also streamlines the login process. Users benefit from a simplified access method through biometrics or device-specific recognition features like Face ID, Touch ID, or [Windows Hello](https://www.corbado.com/blog/windows-hello-passkeys-replace-passwords), significantly improving the overall user experience.

## Revolut’s Mixed Success with Passkey Integration

Revolut’s phased implementation of passkeys reveals that even big, digital-first companies have their struggles with a smooth passkey rollout. Our analysis revealed disparities in feature availability and functionality across Business and Personal accounts, alongside device and platform inconsistencies. These initial hurdles highlight areas ripe for refinement, from enhancing user guidance through comprehensive passkey resources to achieving a unified authentication experience across web and [native applications](https://www.corbado.com/blog/native-app-passkeys).

## What’s Great about Revolut’s Passkeys?

Revolut’s passkey rollout is marked by commendable achievements. The bank’s leap towards securing digital leadership and improving user experience through passkey adoption is noteworth. It’s one of first major banks (besides the fintech [Finom](https://www.corbado.com/blog/finom-passkeys)) to roll out passkeys globally and on many devices / platforms.

## Technical Insights and Future Directions

A deep dive into the technical landscape reveals the groundwork laid for a seamless passkey ecosystem, albeit with room for improvement. Our analysis underscores the potential for Revolut to

- enhance [cross-platform](https://www.corbado.com/passkeys/cross-device-platform) consistency
- expand [native mobile application](https://www.corbado.com/blog/native-app-passkeys) support
- refine communication strategies.

Addressing these areas could not only polish Revolut’s implementation but also inspire broader industry adoption, setting a new standard for digital authentication in the banking industry.

## Conclusion: A Pioneering Yet Imperfect Journey

Revolut’s passkey rollout marks a pivotal moment in digital banking, promising a future where security and simplicity coexist harmoniously. Moreover, it’s interesting to see how authorities assess [passkeys in terms of PSD2 compliance](https://www.corbado.com/blog/psd2-passkeys). While the initial rollout presents a mixed bag of innovation and challenges, it underscores Revolut’s commitment to digital excellence and user-centric design. The path forward involves addressing the highlighted areas for improvement, ensuring that Revolut’s passkey initiative not only refines its authentication framework but also catalyzes the banking sector’s transition towards a passwordless future.

Interested in delving deeper into passkeys and read more details about Revolut’s implementation? Find out more on [Corbado’s blog](https://www.corbado.com/blog/revolut-passkeys).