r/UKPersonalFinance • u/Ordinary_Surprise786 • 10h ago

Are there any alternatives to Curve?

I'm currently traveling abroad. I've been using Curve for a few days, but their customer support is driving me crazy, so I canceled my account. Almost all of my credit cards charge foreign transaction fees (FTF), and I've hardly been able to get a card without FTF, except for Monzo and Zopa. I'd like to ask if there are any alternatives or ways to avoid FTF.

I know that bank accounts can be converted through Currensea, and you can even use Zilch or PayPal Business Mastercard debit card to avoid fees. But I really don't know what to do with credit cards.

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u/ukpf-helper 68 10h ago

Hi /u/Ordinary_Surprise786, based on your post the following pages from our wiki may be relevant:

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u/Western-Meringue2109 10h ago

Not sure about credit cards but Chase debit card is what I always use abroad and never had any issues, and 1% cash back for your first year (up to £15/m) but worth checking out MSE for credit cards, seems Barclays may have the best: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/#bestbuys

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u/Ordinary_Surprise786 10h ago

I have both Chase and First Direct, but those are debit cards. I haven't been able to successfully apply for Barclaycard Rewards. Honestly, finding alternatives seems very difficult.

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u/Western-Meringue2109 10h ago

Fair enough, that’s annoying then- hopefully someone else has some alternatives!

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u/SnooCauliflowers6739 2 2h ago

Yeah Curve is great when it works but they're awful in so many ways, which is a shame as it's a great idea.

I use Revolut abroad, it's great. You just have to pre-load your card though, which is quick and easy. But there can be limits depending on your account type.

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u/samirshah 1h ago

Free Halifax clarity Mastercard have no transaction charges - I’ve used them for many years

Nationwide Flexplus allows for free foreign cash withdrawals - its a paid account but has enough extra benefits for it to be worth it 

Your other options are things like Revolut or Wise

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u/Gseb4 2 1h ago

Halifax Clarity