How to set up PayID: create an identifier with Revolut

In the fast-moving world of digital payments, PayID's become a go-to if you're in Australia and looking to send and receive money in seconds.

Whether you're splitting a dinner bill or paying a tradie, knowing how to set up PayID can save you the hassle of remembering long BSB and account numbers. We've made this process even simpler by integrating PayID directly into our app, allowing you to move money with speed and clarity.

With Revolut, you can manage your cash and send money with PayID, all in one place.

Remittance fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

The information provided is accurate as of 22 January 2026.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.

How to set up PayID with Revolut

PayID offers a simplified way to make payments in Australia. To set up PayID with Revolut and start sending, here are the main steps:

1. If you’re not a Revolut customer yet, download our app and open your account without fees in a matter of minutes
2. Open your app and tap on the PayID symbol on the Home screen
3. Tap the Settings icon in the top-right corner
4. Tap the PayID you'd like to register
5. You'll then be sent a one-time PIN via email or SMS to enable your PayID
6. Enter the 6-digit code in-app to finish registering your PayID

What's PayID and why should you use it?

PayID's a feature of the New Payments Platform (NPP) in Australia. It allows you to create a unique alias for your account. Instead of telling someone a 6-digit BSB and an 8-digit account number, you can just give them your mobile number, email address, or even an Australian business number (ABN).

Our primary goal with PayID is to make payments faster and more accurate. When someone enters your PayID to send you money, they'll see your registered name before they confirm the transfer. This helps ensure the money's going to the right person, reducing the risk of accidental transfers to the wrong account.

For more information on the fundamentals, you can read our guide on what PayID is.

How to set up PayID for your account

The process to set up PayID is generally consistent across most financial institutions in Australia, though the specifics might vary slightly.

Because PayID's designed to be easy to use, the setup usually takes less than 2 minutes. To get started, you'll need to make sure your contact details are up to date.

Choosing your PayID identifier

Before you start the digital setup, decide which identifier you'll use. This choice often depends on how you're going to use it:

• Mobile phone number: the most popular choice for personal finances. It's easy to share verbally and most friends already have yours in their contacts.
• Email address: a great alternative if you prefer to keep your phone number private.
• ABN/ACN: specifically for your business. This allows clients to pay you using your business registration number, which looks more professional on invoices.

You can have multiple PayIDs linked to different accounts, but a single identifier (like a specific mobile number) can only be linked to one account at a time. If you want to move your PayID to a new provider, you'll need to close the existing one first.

Sending money via PayID with Revolut

Sending money's just as easy as receiving it. Because we support PayID, you can send money to any PayID-enabled account in Australia. This is a great way to handle fast payments without the stress of BSB errors.

To send a payment using a PayID:

1. Go to Payments on the bottom menu
2. Tap the + symbol in the top-right corner
3. Tap New PayIDcontact
4. Enter the recipient's phone number, email, ABN, or Organisation Identifier
5. Choose the transfer amount
6. Review the transfer, then tap Send

The money'll typically arrive in the recipient's account in a matter of seconds.

The benefits of using PayID for fast transfers

The move towards PayID isn't just about convenience — it's about improving the overall experience of managing your money. There are several reasons why this system is superior to the old way of doing things.

• Speed: payments are processed via the NPP, which operates 24/7, including weekends and public holidays.
• Accuracy: seeing the recipient's name before you pay means you're far less likely to send money to the wrong person.
• Simplicity: you don't need to keep a list of BSB and account numbers. Most people already have their friends' mobile numbers in their contacts.
• Cost-effective: we don't charge additional fees for receiving money via PayID, making it a clear and efficient way to manage your finances.
• Professionalism for your business: using an ABN as a PayID allows your small business to get paid faster and look more established.

PayID itself makes the transfer process more efficient for you.

Things to know about updating or modifying PayIDs

As your financial life changes, you might need to adjust your PayID settings. It's important to know that you're in full control of your identifier.

How to transfer your PayID to another provider

If you decide to switch your main everyday account, you can move your PayID with you.

You can't simply register the same number at a new provider while it's still active at the old one. You must first log in to your former provider’s app and select Transfer PayID or De-register. Once it's 'released', you can then set up PayID at your new institution.

Closing a PayID

If you no longer wish to use a specific identifier, you can close it entirely. This is recommended if you're changing your phone number or closing a business. Once closed, that identifier becomes available for someone else to register or remains inactive.

Is PayID secure?

PayID includes several layers of protection for your money.

Firstly, you must prove you own the identifier (the phone number or email address) before you can link it to an account. This prevents people from registering identifiers that don't belong to them.

Secondly, the 'Confirmation of Payee' feature is a massive hurdle for scammers. If a scammer gives you a PayID but the name that pops up on your screen doesn't match who they claim to be, you can stop the payment immediately.

However, you should still be vigilant. We'll never send you a text message asking for your password or login details. Always use your official Revolut app to manage your PayID settings and be wary of PayID scams where buyers on marketplaces claim they need you to pay a fee to 'upgrade' your account. Real PayID accounts don't require fees to receive money.

Revolut account protections

Beyond the standard protections of PayID, we've built extra layers into our app.

Our award-winning fraud detection systems monitor your account 24/7, flagging suspicious transactions before they happen.

You've also got enhanced control in your hands. You can freeze your card right away in-app, set spending limits, and get real-time notifications for every cent that moves. We're committed to keeping your finances secure while making them easier to manage.

Learn more about how we protect your money.

Common questions about setting up a PayID

Can I have more than one PayID?

Yes, you can. You can have a mobile number linked to one account and an email address linked to another. However, you can't link the same mobile number to 2 different accounts simultaneously.

What happens if I change my phone number?

If you change your mobile number, you should log in to your app and update or close the former PayID. You can then set up PayID with your new number.

Is PayID only for my personal finances?

No, businesses use it extensively. Many sole traders and small businesses use their ABN as a PayID to make it easier for their customers to pay them on the spot.

Does PayID work for international transfers?

Currently, PayID's a domestic Australian service. While you can use us to send money overseas using other methods, the PayID identifier system's specifically for transfers between Australian institutions.

How to get started with Revolut

If you're ready to experience faster payments and better money management, joining our community is the first step. We provide the tools you need to spend, send, and save with ease.

1. Download our app, sign up, and verify your identity in a few minutes.
2. Add money to your account: move money from an existing Australian account. And yes, you can even use PayID for that.
3. Start sending: head over to the Payments section to make your first money transfer.