Discover the Unique Curve Card: A Game-Changer for EU/UK Residents
This is my first post in this group, and today I'm excited to share a review of the most unique card I own – the Curve card! If you're in the EU or UK, you should definitely give this a try.
What is the Curve Card?
Essentially, the Curve card is more than just a bank card; it functions like a sophisticated digital wallet. It allows you to link all your existing cards and choose which one to use for spending. This is a brilliant way to consolidate your financial tools.
Flexible Subscription Plans
Curve offers various subscription tiers, with monthly or annual fees, each providing different features. I personally opted for the 10 EUR per month plan, as it perfectly meets all my current needs.
Why Curve Stands Out
What makes the Curve card so special compared to other digital wallets, especially those available in Vietnam? Let's dive into its unique advantages:
- Universal Compatibility for Contactless Payments: It transforms all your cards into compatible options for Apple Pay and Google Pay. For example, I use this feature to make my Shinhan SOL Travel card work seamlessly with Apple Pay.
- Global Card Integration: You can add most card types from virtually any country without any extra fees. However, for cards issued outside the EU, Visa cards are currently not supported. I've successfully added Mastercard and Amex, though I haven't tested Diners Club yet.
- Zero Foreign Exchange Fees: Enjoy 0% foreign exchange fees regardless of which linked card you use. The exchange rate is based on Mastercard's rates. My 10 EUR plan includes a generous 50,000 EUR monthly limit for fee-free foreign transactions, which is more than enough for my spending.
- 1% Cashback on Global Transactions: You get 1% cashback on all transactions made outside the EU. This cashback is separate from your underlying card's rewards and accumulates in a dedicated Curve account. You can then transfer this cashback to any of your linked cards to spend. I often combine this with a debit card that offers an additional 1% cashback, resulting in a fantastic 2% cashback on all my international purchases with no limits.
- "Go Back in Time" Feature: This is arguably my favorite feature and the primary reason I always use my Curve card. Made a mistake and selected the wrong funding card? Need to shift funds between accounts? Or perhaps you've maxed out your reward category on one card but still want to use it? The ability to change the funding card for past transactions is incredibly powerful and convenient.
- Automated Transaction Categorization: Curve allows you to set up automatic rules to select the correct funding card based on the Merchant Category Code (MCC). For instance, if you have a card offering 20% cashback on dining, you can configure Curve to automatically charge all dining expenses to that card, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
- Premium Metal Card: For those who opt for Curve's top-tier plan, you'll receive a sleek, premium metal card. It feels as good as it looks and adds a touch of sophistication to your wallet.
Do you have any other unique cards or fintech experiences to share? I'd love to hear about them!
Credit: Dũng Hoàng
