How to save money fast: your guide to start saving today

Building a financial cushion shouldn't take years. With a few simple changes to your daily habits and the right tools, you may see your account balance grow much sooner than you think. Whether you're preparing for an emergency or simply want more clarity over your spending, knowing how to save money fast is a vital skill.

Our app provides real-time looks into your spending habits, making it simpler than ever to match your spending with your goals. We also offer ways for you to save money and earn interest on a daily basis.

Discover our budgeting tools and Instant Access Savings account, and learn how easy it is to manage and save your money in one place.

T&Cs apply. Instant Access Savings accounts are powered by ClearBank, T&Cs apply.

The information provided is accurate as of 12 February 2026.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice. If you've any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. We aren't a financial adviser.

How to save money quickly: your simple guide

Here's the basics

• Check your spending: look through your last 3 months of account statements to find and cancel services you no longer use
• Adopt the 30-day rule: wait a month before any non-essential purchase to get out of the habit of buying on a whim
• Use the 50/30/20 rule: put 50% of your income toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings
• Enable round ups: with Revolut, you can save your spare change automatically every time you spend with your card
• Automate your savings: set up a recurring transfer to your savings account whenever you get paid

How to start saving money by mastering your budget

Budgeting isn't about holding yourself back. It's about clarity. Without a plan, money has a habit of disappearing through small, daily spends that don't seem like much on their own but do add up each month. To save money fast, you need a plan that works for your life.

Start saving money quickly with the 50/30/20 rule

The 50/30/20 rule is a simple way to handle your money after tax.

It suggests that 50% of your income should go to 'needs' (like rent, groceries, and bills), 30% to 'wants' (like eating out or hobbies), and 20% directly to savings or paying off debt. This plan makes sure that your future goals are prioritised alongside what you need right now. If you find it hard to hit that 20% mark, look at your 'wants' first to see where you can make quick cuts.

What's zero-based budgeting?

Zero-based budgeting is a more detailed method where every single pound you earn is given a job. By the end of the month, your income minus your spending should equal zero. This doesn't mean you've got no money left. It means every penny's been put to work, whether that’s for your monthly rent or to fund a holiday or an emergency Pocket.

What's the 30-day saving rule?

The 30-day saving rule is a simple trick designed to help you stop buying things on a whim and save money quickly. It's an easy way to get back control over your spending without feeling like you're always missing out on the things you enjoy.

When you feel the urge to buy something that isn't a must, whether it's a new pair of shoes, a piece of tech, or home decor, you wait 30 days before making the purchase. During this period, you keep that money in your account. Once the month's passed, you can consider whether you still truly want or need the item.

You may find that the first burst of excitement has faded, and you're happy to keep the money instead. By making this pause, you'll make sure that every pound you spend is on purpose rather than a snap choice. This habit is a reliable way to get started for those who wonder how to save money.

How Revolut helps you stay on track

We've designed our app to make tracking your spending as easy as possible. Our smart tools automatically group your costs into categories like groceries, eating out, or travel, so you'll always have a clear picture of where your cash is going.

You can also set monthly limits for each group. If you're getting close to your limit, we'll send you a nudge to remind you to stay within your budget. This helps you stick to your plan without you needing to do the maths yourself.

Saving fast and for the long term

Saving money is a marathon, not a sprint. It's easy to be excited in the first few weeks, but staying on track over months and years takes effort.

To stay focused, keep your goals where you can see them. In our app, you can set-up Pockets or Goals in your savings account.

Don't forget to celebrate your small wins along the way. When you hit your first £1,000, pat yourself on the back for all the hard work you've put in. Using our spending tools in-app can also give you a boost as you'll see your total balance grow over time.

Smart ways to start saving quickly

Beyond the usual advice, there are several ways to spark your savings. These are smart, small steps that can lead to big results when you put them together.

Take the 1p savings challenge

The 1p savings challenge is a popular way to build a habit of saving every day without feeling like it's too much. You'll start by saving 1p on the first day, 2p on day 2, and so on. By the end of the year, you'll be saving £3.65 on the final day, and your total pot will be worth over £650. It’s a great way to show how small, steady steps can lead to a big balance over time.

Have a no-spend weekend

Set yourself the goal of having one no-spend weekend every month. This means you don't spend a single penny on things you don't need from Friday evening until Monday morning. Instead of eating out or going to the cinema, you can go for walks in local parks, have a movie night at home, or visit free museums. It’s a great way to reset how you feel about money and realise how much you can enjoy yourself for free.

Match your splurges with savings

If you're planning to buy a treat like a new outfit or a luxury meal, make yourself save the same amount first. For example, if you want a £50 pair of trainers, you must find £50 in savings by cutting back elsewhere before buying them. This double-checks if you really want the item and makes sure that for every pound you spend on a 'want', you're also putting a pound away for your future.

Overpay your mortgage if possible

If you've got a mortgage, overpaying even a small amount each month can save you thousands of pounds in interest over the life of the loan. For example, overpaying by just £50 a month on a £100,000 mortgage at a 3% rate could help you pay it off 3 years early and save more than £6,000 in interest. Always check with your lender for any extra charges for early repayments first.

Use cashback and discount codes

Before you buy anything online, always check for cashback offers or discount codes.

With Revolut, if you activate RevPoints and start spending with your card, you can earn up to 1 point / £1 spent on eligible spending, and redeem 1:1 for Airline Miles, Stays discounts, and more.

It’s like getting paid to shop for things you were going to buy anyway.

Points earned and redemption rates vary by plan. Usage of RevPoints is subject to T&Cs. Financial and subscription charges may apply.

Audit your recurring payments

Direct Debits and standing orders can be easily forgotten. Go through your account and look for any subscriptions you no longer use. Gym memberships, streaming services, or old app trials you forgot to cancel are all top targets.

Optimise your travel costs

If you commute regularly, buying tickets on the day can be a more expensive way to travel. Look into weekly or monthly season tickets. Even switching to a coach service or sharing a car with someone from work a few days a week can cut your monthly travel spend.

How to start saving money with Revolut

Managing your money should be easy. That's why we've built tools that help you save money fast while you go about your daily life.

One way we can help you with saving is with round ups. When you turn this feature on, we'll round up your spare change from every spend you make with your card to the nearest pound and put that money into a separate Pocket. If you spend £2.50 on a coffee, we'll save 50p for you. You can then start saving without noticing it.

In the UK, we also recommend opening an Instant Access Savings account with interest paid daily based on a variable rate (AER).¹ You can then have a space to put away money from your main account. The money is still accessible 24/7, and withdrawing it from your savings account is free.

You can also use Pockets to set aside money for your bills the moment you get paid. This means your rent and bills are covered first, leaving you with a clear view of what you've got left to spend or save.

Start saving: increasing your income to hit goals faster

While cutting costs is key, how much you can save is limited by how much you earn. To truly save money fast, you might need to look for ways to increase the amount of money coming in.

Selling items you no longer need is one of the quickest ways to get extra cash. Platforms like Vinted or eBay can help for clearing out clothes or gadgets. In the UK, you can earn up to £1,000 tax-free within the trading allowance, but always check with HMRC for the latest rules.

Remember: we don't offer tax advice, so you should always seek independent professional advice regarding your specific tax situation.

Understanding savings vs investments

Once you've started to build a cushion, you might wonder whether you should be saving or investing. Both are important, but they do different things for your money.

• Savings are for the short term. This is money you might need at a moment's notice, such as for an emergency or a holiday. This money's usually held in an account where the value doesn't go up and down based on the market, though inflation can affect its buying power over time. We recommend having 3–6 months of costs in an easy-access account before looking at other options.
• Investments are for the long term. That's usually 5 years or more. This could involve buying stocks, for example. Investing gives your money the chance to grow faster than it might in a standard savings account, but it also comes with risks. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. It's important to understand your own comfort with risk and your goals before you start. Capital at risk. Other fees and T&Cs apply.

How to join us and start saving today

Ready to take control and start saving money quickly? Joining us is a simple process that only takes a few minutes:

1. Download the app, register, and enter your information to verify your identity
2. Add money: you can put money into your account via a bank transfer or by linking another card
3. Go to Analytics: analyse your monthly spending by category
4. Set your goals: go to Accounts, tap + Add new, and select Personal savings or Pockets to start sorting your money
5. Enable round ups: go to your Savings and turn on Spare change to start saving while you shop

Once you're done, you'll have a set of powerful tools helping you make the most of every pound you earn.

¹The Annual Equivalent Rate (AER) shows the interest you can earn over 1 year. AER is compounded, so you’ll earn interest on interest already earned. Rates depend on your plan type and savings' currency, from up to 3% AER on our Standard plan to up to 4% AER on our Ultra plan. A lower rate might apply depending on balance. Paid plan subscription fees and T&Cs apply. Interest offered is subject to change and any interest earned is liable to the applicable taxes. Instant Access Savings T&Cs apply.