In this guide
This article is brought to you by Curve
From switching transactions to fee free spending abroad, a Curve card includes a range of unique features.
Tired of carrying around your cards wherever you go? Then make sure to use Curve to make things simpler.
It’s not just a digital wallet and, to differentiate itself from other services, the fintech offers a range of unique features such as the ability to switch payments from one card to another after the transaction has taken place.
Below we explain:
- What is a Curve card?
- How does a Curve card work?
- Curve’s paid plans explained
- Is a Curve card worth it?
What is Curve?
Curve is a card and app which keeps all your debit and credit cards under one roof. So, instead of carrying around a few cards you just need Curve to facilitate your day-to-day purchases.
These purchases can be made on a physical Curve card, if you prefer to keep your spending to a piece of plastic, or it can be made virtually via its app. Both payment services are powered by Mastercard.
The origins of Curve
Curve was founded in 2015 by Shachar Bialick, who originally started his career in the military before turning into an entrepreneur.
Since launching, it’s expanded its services to Europe and has received over $250 million in funding. One of its investors includes tech-giant Samsung.
How does a Curve card work?
When you sign up to Curve, you’ll be asked to link your cards to your account via the app.
Then, when you spend with Curve, it’ll pass that transaction onto a default card or the card you manually select in the app.
Within the app, you can change this card before you make your purchase or use its “Smart Rules” feature.
This allows you to assign certain purchases to different cards. For example, if you wish to keep your grocery spending to your debit card then Curve will use this payment method whenever you go shopping at certain stores.
You are only restricted to a limited number of “Smart Rules” on the app’s free version – so choose your rules wisely. With Curve Black and Curve Metal, “Smart Rules” are unlimited.
The virtual Curve card can also be used with other digital wallets, like Apple and Google Pay, plus it is compatible with a wide range of wearables – from the well known Garmin and Fitbit to payment rings and keychains.
Use any card abroad with no fees
Most banks and credit cards charge around 3% to spend abroad. Curve can make those fees disappear. Link your debit and credit cards to a Curve wallet to stop paying fees abroad no matter which card you use when travelling.
Terms apply.
What features does Curve include?
Curve also includes several other handy perks. These are:
- “Go back in time” – Arguably its flagship feature, Curve allows you to switch spending from one card to another once payment is made. You have 30 days after the purchase to make the switch on a free plan, but this increases to up to 120 days with Curve Metal
- Maximise rewards – If you’ve subscribed to one of Curve’s paid plans, you can get access to added cashback on top of any rewards you’ll earn from any linked rewards cards. Its rewards system is a little complex to describe in a few sentences, so we’ve explained how it works below
- Fronted – When it comes to paying bills, some companies won’t accept your credit card. With Curve you can bypass these restrictions, and with this feature it says you can pay your taxes with a credit card. Although a 2.5% fee applies to its free and Curve X plans
- Can be used abroad – Spend up to £250 abroad fee-free every 30 days for Curve’s free plan. There’s no limit on free currency conversion on Curve Metal. Another great perk is that you can use this card to make fee-free withdrawals from ATMs abroad
- “Anti-embarrassment mode” – If your card declines, then Curve will automatically pass the transaction to a selected “back-up” card. It calls this “anti-embarrassment mode”.
How to make the most of Curve’s cashback
Curve’s cashback features will differ depending on your plan.
If you’re on the free version of the card, then you’ll just be able to access Curve Rewards – which offers additional cashback at selected retailers. But, if you’re a new member, then you’ll be able to access 1% cashback for the first 30 days of account opening.
You could boost this even further if you successfully refer a friend to join Curve. If you refer 12 friends, you’ll earn 1% cashback for the whole year.
Subscribers to the Curve Black or Curve Metal plans, which cost £9.99 a month and £17.99 a month respectively, earn 1% cashback at a select number of retailers of their choice.
Curve’s plans explained
If you wish to make use of all Curve’s perks you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. Below we explain what these plans include:
| Card | Go back in time | Cashback | Fronted fee | Fees abroad | Smart rules allowed |
| Curve Lite (free) | 30 days | No, but you’ll be eligible for Curve Rewards | 2.5% fee | £250 per calendar month before fees apply | Two |
| Curve X (£5.99 a month) | 60 days | No, but you’ll be eligible for Curve Rewards | 2.5% fee | £1,000 per calendar month before fees apply | Five |
| Curve Black (£9.99 a month) | 90 days | Up to 6 retailers and eligible to Curve Rewards | Up to £1,000 spend per month before incurring 2.5% fee | £2,000 per calendar month before fees apply | Unlimited |
| Curve Metal (£17.99 a month) | 120 days | Up to 12 retailers | Up to £3,000 spend per month before incurring 2.5% fee | Free | Unlimited |
Did you know Samsung Pay + uses Curve?
Got a Samsung device? If you sign up to Samsung Pay + you’ll effectively be using Curve’s engine.
With Samsung Pay + you’ll be able to make use of many of the same features such as the “Go Back in Time” benefit.
This article is brought to you by Curve
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