Lyca Integrates Revolut Pay in UK Telecom Payments First

Lyca Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator that resells network capacity from major telecoms providers, has integrated Revolut Pay into its payment systems, marking the fintech's first partnership with a UK telecommunications reseller.

The integration enables automated subscription management, a process where recurring payments are handled without manual intervention, and real-time transaction notifications that inform customers immediately when payments are processed.

Payment performance

In the first month of operation, the system processed all attempted transactions successfully, achieving a 100% authorisation rate. 

The partnership revealed that 80% of Lyca Mobile customers who have access to Revolut Pay have opted to use the automatic top-up feature, a service that automatically adds credit when balances fall below a specified threshold.

The system implements Direct Debit advance notice, a regulatory requirement that mandates advance notification of upcoming payments to account holders while maintaining the immediate processing capabilities of card payments.

Market expansion

For Revolut, the partnership represents an expansion into the telecommunications sector. 

The company, which processes more than half a billion transactions monthly across its 50 million customer base, aims to extend its payment infrastructure beyond traditional banking services.

Frank Wiemann, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Lyca Mobile, says: “This partnership is simplifying the way our customers manage their payments, offering convenience and peace of mind. We're excited to continue enhancing their experience with cutting-edge technology.”

Industry context

The partnership occurs as mobile virtual network operators seek to reduce payment friction, the technical term for obstacles in the payment process that can cause customers to abandon transactions. 

These operators face increasing pressure to streamline their payment systems as traditional banks expand their digital offerings.

Lyca Mobile operates in 22 countries across five continents, positioning it to potentially expand the Revolut Pay integration beyond the UK market. 

The company maintains a significant presence in the prepaid mobile calls sector, where payment reliability directly impacts service continuity.

Alex Codina, General Manager of Acquiring at Revolut, says: “We're delighted to partner with Lyca Mobile and bring all the efficiency benefits of Revolut Pay to the world of subscription payments as we expand into the telecommunications sector.”

Revolut: Strategic roadmap

The Lyca Mobile partnership aligns with Revolut's broader expansion plans for 2025, which include significant development of its payments infrastructure and growth in multiple sectors.

The fintech company, which recorded earnings of £438m (US$532m) in 2024, has outlined plans to expand Revolut Pay's payment methods to include Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services.

Revolut also plans to introduce digital mortgages in several European markets and deploy branded ATMs in Spain, indicating a push towards both digital and physical banking infrastructure.

Antoine Le Nel, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at Revolut, has highlighted the company's rapid customer acquisition, saying: “We've grown to over 50 million customers in less than a decade, a tremendous achievement, and proof that consumers want more from their money.”

The Lyca Mobile integration represents a practical application of Revolut's strategy to expand beyond traditional banking services.

Other business services Revolut aims to expand in 2025 include the development of Revolut Kiosk for retail operations, which will explore biometric payments – a technology that could potentially integrate with its telecommunications partnerships.

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