
Curve is a payment card that allows you to link all your existing credit and debit cards to one card, making it easy to manage your finances in one place.
It supports over 30 different currencies, so you can use it abroad without worrying about exchange rates or fees.
Curve also offers a range of features to help you save money, including round-up savings and budgeting tools.
With Curve, you can also track your spending and set budgets to stay on top of your finances.
For more insights, see: Curve Circuit Breakers
What Is?
Curve is a Mastercard debit card that allows you to link your existing debit or credit cards.
You'll receive a physical Curve Card in the post, or you can set up Curve in your Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Wallet on your phone.
This means you only need to carry one card with you, making it easier to manage your finances on the go.
Here's an interesting read: Curve Text
Features and Benefits

Curve is a great option for travelers, as it allows you to sidestep foreign transaction fees and withdraw cash from ATMs abroad without fees. The Mastercard exchange rate is used with no mark-up, giving you confidence in getting the best rate.
You can also use the Curve Front feature to pay with a credit card where credit cards aren't usually accepted. This feature is a game-changer for those who want to earn rewards or cashback on their transactions.
With Curve Cash, you can earn cashback on purchases made on your Curve card. One Curve Cash point is equivalent to one penny, and you can earn up to 100 points for every £1 you spend.
Check this out: Cash Back Card vs Travel Card
How It Works
You can start using Curve by downloading the app and connecting your debit and credit cards.
The app works similarly to setting up your Apple wallet, where you link your cards and then use the Curve card for transactions. You can choose which account to use later, making it easier to manage your finances.
Here's an interesting read: How to Use Suica Card

You'll receive a physical Curve card, or you can use it digitally, whichever suits you best.
One of the benefits of Curve is its flexibility - you can change how you've paid for something up to 30 days later, or up to 120 days with the paid versions of Curve.
Other Benefits
Using Curve can save you money on foreign transaction fees, which is a huge benefit for travelers. You can withdraw cash from ATMs abroad without fees too.
The Curve Front feature is a game-changer for credit card users. It lets you use a credit card to pay where credit cards aren't usually accepted.
With Curve, you can earn cashback on transactions with certain retailers. There are over 100 stores to choose from, including popular ones like Amazon, Uber, and Deliveroo.
One Curve Cash point is equivalent to one penny, so for every 100 points you accrue, you'll have £1 to spend. This cashback money can only be used to spend on your Curve card.
Curve also offers discounted access to airport lounges, which is a great perk for premium account holders.
Free Overseas Use

You can use Curve abroad without being charged any extra fees, which is a big plus. Curve uses the Mastercard exchange rate, which is pretty great.
Each month you'll have £1,000 minimum of fee-free spending, which is a generous limit. This means you can shop, dine, and explore without worrying about unexpected charges.
You'll also have £200 cash withdrawals fee-free, which is super convenient. Just be sure not to go over these limits, as there is a 2% fee above this.
Be mindful of your spending and withdrawals to avoid those extra charges.
You might enjoy: How to Find Your Debit Card Number without the Card
Membership and Tiers
Curve offers a range of membership tiers to suit different needs and budgets.
The basic tier gives you up to £1,000 a month and fee-free foreign £200 cash withdrawal every month. You can add up to two cards to your Curve app.
For an extra £4.99 per month, you can upgrade to Curve X, which includes free delivery of your physical Curve card and the ability to add up to 5 cards onto your account.
Curve's premium tier costs £9.99 per month and offers a 90-day 'go back in time' period, unlimited payment cards, and unlimited fee-free FX spend and £400 per month fee-free ATM withdrawals.
As a premium member, you'll also receive priority customer support and worldwide travel insurance.
A different take: Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation
Card Options and Variations

Curve offers a range of card options, including a physical card and a virtual card.
The physical Curve card is a Mastercard that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. It's a great option for those who want a physical card to use in-store or online. Curve cards are also contactless-enabled, making it easy to make quick payments.
Curve also offers a virtual card, which can be used for online purchases and other digital transactions. The virtual card is a great option for those who want to keep their financial information secure online.
You might enjoy: How to Set up Online Payments
Lite
The Lite option is a great starting point for those new to Curve. It's free, which is perfect for those who want to dip their toes into the world of smart cards.
You can add up to three cards to your Curve Lite account, making it easy to manage your finances in one place. This is especially helpful if you have multiple credit or debit cards.

One of the standout features of Curve Lite is the ability to go back in time up to 30 days post-purchase. This means you can undo any mistakes or unauthorized transactions.
Curve Lite also offers fair FX rates of £250 a month. This is a great perk for those who frequently make purchases abroad.
You can set up to two smart rules with Curve Lite, allowing you to automate your finances and stay on top of your spending.
Metal
Metal cards are a premium option that can offer some unique benefits. The Curve Metal card, for instance, costs £17.99 per month.
This card allows you to add an unlimited number of cards, which can be useful for managing multiple accounts or cards for different purposes.
One of the standout features of Curve Metal is its travel benefits. You get fair FX rates of up to £100,000 per month, and fee-free foreign ATM withdrawals up to £1,000 per month.
Additional reading: Ae Platinum Card Benefits

In addition to these benefits, Curve Metal also offers unlimited smart rules, which can be used to automate certain transactions or create custom rules for your spending.
If you're a frequent traveler, you might also appreciate the discounted airport lounge access that comes with Curve Metal.
The Curve Metal card itself is a premium 18g metal card, available in four different colourways.
Worth a look: Why Are Some Credit Cards Metal
Select Backup Card
Selecting a backup card is a great way to avoid embarrassment, especially if you're traveling or making a big purchase. Curve's "anti-embarrassment mode" comes to the rescue by automatically using a backup card if your primary card is declined.
This feature is called the ‘anti-embarrassment mode’ by Curve and ensures that if you have a backup card on your account, it will automatically be used in the event of your selected card being declined for whatever reason.
Expand your knowledge: Your Bank Declined This Payment
Reviews and Tips
Curve is a game-changer for managing multiple credit cards. It allows you to combine all your cards into one, making it easier to keep track of your expenses.
The Curve card offers a range of benefits, including fee-free foreign transactions, no foreign transaction fees, and a generous rewards program.
Better Than Predecessors
Curve has obviously learned from COIN's mistakes. One of the most significant improvements is the lower customer acquisition cost (CAC) compared to COIN.
The standard plastic payment card issued by Curve comes with an EMV chip, which is a significant upgrade from the digital, battery-powered card shipped by COIN.
This means Curve's card is more reliable and secure, making it a better option for users who want a hassle-free payment experience.
Tips and Hints
If you're having trouble connecting your CURVE card with your LAKS Wearable, try making a transaction with your real Curve card by inserting it into the payment terminal. Then, go to your Curve App / Lauchpad / Account and look for a message saying "UNBLOCK your Account" – click on it.
This can happen if you've tried connecting your CURVE card with the LAKS PAY App several times without success. After unblocking your account, you can then connect your LAKS wearable with your CURVE Card.
You might enjoy: App for Credit Card Payments

Payments up to EUR 50 don't require a PIN, unless you've spent more than EUR 125 in successive contactless payments since your last PIN verification. Single payments over EUR 50 can be made without inserting the card, but you'll need to enter your PIN.
Some countries require a card transaction to cancel the limit, but in most countries, a PIN is also requested when using the card or wearable for contactless payments.
Potential Drawbacks
The Curve card isn't perfect, and there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
You won't be covered by Section 75 of The Consumer Credit Act, which means transactions over £100 won't be protected in case of issues with the product or service.
Using the Curve card also means you'll be charged for going above the 10 free ATM withdrawals every 30 days, with a 50p charge after that, and a 2% fee for withdrawals higher than £200 per month.

The Curve card may not be the best option for those who regularly withdraw cash, as it can add up quickly.
If you have an American Express card, you won't be able to use it with the Curve app, which can be a problem if you regularly use it and its rewards system.
Black
The Black plan might seem like a great option, but let's take a closer look. £9.99 / month is a relatively affordable price point.
One of the benefits of the Black plan is that it allows you to add unlimited number of cards. This can be a huge advantage for families or businesses with multiple card holders.
However, the £500 a month fee free foreign ATM withdrawals might not be enough for frequent travelers. This is especially true if you're planning a long trip or have a large family.
The Black plan also offers unlimited smart rules, which can help you manage your finances more efficiently. This feature can be a game-changer for those who want to automate their expenses and savings.
Broaden your view: Master Card Black

But, with the £50,000 a month fair FX rates, you might be limited in how much you can exchange at a time. This could be a drawback for those who need to make large transactions regularly.
Here's a quick rundown of the Black plan's features:
What Are the Disadvantages of
Using the Curve card means you won’t be covered by Section 75 of The Consumer Credit Act, which protects transactions over £100.
The card's limitations with credit card networks mean you can't use it at Costco and can only add debit cards from Mastercard, Discover, and Diners Club.
You'll be charged for going above the 10 free ATM withdrawals every 30 days, with a 50p charge after that, and a 2% fee for withdrawals higher than £200 per month.
The higher tiers of the Curve card cost £9.99 and £14.99 per month, but may not provide enough perks to justify the fee.

You won't be able to use your American Express card with the Curve app, which can be a problem if you regularly use it and its rewards system.
Using the Curve card for overseas spending may not be the best option, as there are other cards with more suitable rewards schemes.
The card itself has a rather ugly design, with a masculine, retro vibe.
Wearable Payment and Special Use
Endurance athletes will appreciate Curve's wearable payment method, which makes payments simpler and more feasible, especially during post-workout activities like grabbing a coffee after a run.
This is particularly useful for UK users who've struggled with limited card support on Garmin Pay, and Curve's Mastercard offers a solution.
With Curve's partnership with Tapster, users can choose from a range of wearable payment devices, including rings, key fobs, watch straps, and bracelets, providing a convenient payment option even when your phone is out of reach.
Credit Card Use in Non-Standard Locations
Using a credit card in non-standard locations can be a challenge, but there are ways to make it work. Credit cards aren't always accepted everywhere, but a debit card like Curve can open up new possibilities.
You can use your credit card where it's not normally accepted, which is useful if you have a credit card that offers rewards and points as you spend. It's a great way to build up points in places you usually wouldn't be able to.
Knowing how much you're spending, when you're spending it, and where is an important part of learning how to budget. This is especially true for students who need to keep track of their finances.
A wide range of travel debit and credit cards are available, some with great cashback and fee-free spending options.
Wearable Payment for Endurance Athletes
Wearable payment can be a game-changer for endurance athletes, especially on-the-go.
UK users who've struggled with limited card support on Garmin Pay can now use Curve Mastercard as a workaround.
If you're out trail running and your phone is at the bottom of your backpack, you'll appreciate the Curve partnership with Tapster, offering wearable payment devices like rings, key fobs, watch straps, and bracelets.
A hot drink after an open water swim just got a whole lot easier, thanks to these convenient payment options.
U.S Test Drive
I've had my eye on Curve since it launched in the U.K. in 2015. Curve consolidates users’ payment cards into a single physical card and digital wallet, meaning that users only need to carry one card.
The company's card consolidation technology seems to be winning where other players have failed.
I signed up for the waitlist and onboarded last week, and I've only had the card for about a week so far. Overall, I'm fairly impressed.
Curve announced its U.S. launch earlier this year, and I was excited to try it out.
Controversy and Comparison
Curve has faced controversy over its customer usage rates. In November 2019, Business Insider reported that only 72,000 of Curve's stated 500,000 customers were using its product even once a month.
The company had raised over $7 million through crowdfunding in September 2019 without disclosing this information to investors. Curve did not respond to Business Insider's requests for comment.
This issue was initially reported in Wikipedia's Curve (payment card) article on November 28, 2019, but was later blanked on December 2 and 3, 2019. It was fully reinstated with additions on February 9, 2020.
The Telegraph reported on February 9, 2020, that Curve was accused of removing details of the Business Insider story from the Wikipedia article.
Suggestion: Capital One Business Venture Card
App and Digital Wallet
The Curve app is a game-changer for managing your finances on the go. You can link your debit and credit cards to the Curve card and set a default card for payments or withdrawals.
Switching between cards is a breeze, allowing you to make payments or withdrawals with the card you want. Transactions are processed through the MasterCard network and can be made using EMV, magnetic stripe, or contactless payment.
In 2018, Curve introduced a "zero fees" feature for international spending. This means you can shop and dine abroad without worrying about extra charges.
Tri247 Digital Wallet Review
The Curve digital wallet is a game-changer for contactless payments, allowing you to link multiple cards to a single card.
To test its capabilities, the team at TRI247 took the Curve wallet on a coffee run, using it to pay for their morning coffee.
They were able to easily link their cards, including a Visa and a Mastercard, to the Curve wallet.
This seamless integration made it effortless to make payments with just one card.
The team at TRI247 also had the opportunity to try out the Tapster smart payment ring, which paired effortlessly with the Curve wallet.
They found that the ring's tap-to-pay functionality worked smoothly, allowing them to make payments without even taking out their card.
The Curve digital wallet and Tapster smart payment ring combo is a convenient and efficient way to manage your finances on the go.
Additional reading: Debit Card Tap to Pay
App
The Curve app is a powerful tool that allows users to link their debit and credit cards to the Curve card. This makes it easy to switch between cards on the app prior to making payments or withdrawals.
You can set a default card from which to make payments or withdrawals, and transactions on the card are processed through the MasterCard network. This means you can use EMV (chip), magnetic stripe, or contactless payment.
In July 2017, Curve rolled out a feature on the app allowing users to retroactively change their selected payment card for a transaction as old as 14 days. This feature is super useful if you need to make a change to a past transaction.
Curve also offers a "zero fees" feature for spending internationally, which was added in 2018. This means you can travel abroad without worrying about extra fees on your transactions.
The Curve app has come a long way, and it's great to see the company continually adding new features. One notable addition is the Buy Now Pay Later feature, Curve Flex, which was launched in September 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you withdraw money from Curve card?
Yes, you can withdraw cash with your Curve card at any Mastercard-supported ATM, subject to spending limits
Can you use a Curve card anywhere?
Yes, you can use a Curve card anywhere Mastercard is accepted, both in-store and online, at home or abroad. It's accepted globally, just like your regular bank card.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curve_(payment_card)
- https://finovate.com/my-test-drive-of-the-curve-card-in-the-u-s/
- https://www.tri247.com/triathlon-gear/technology/curve-digital-wallet-wearable-payment-device-endurance-athletes
- https://laks.com/en/curve-wallet/
- https://www.urbanstudentlife.com/blog/is-it-worth-getting-a-curve-card-the-student-guide
Featured Images: pexels.com