curve travel fees

• Oct 26, 2022

Review: Curve Card for Travel

Updated: Feb 7, 2023

Thinking about the best credit cards to use when travelling abroad? Read our review of Curve.

Lots of people ask me what I think are the best credit or debit cards to use for travel. There are certainly a lot of options out there, and it can be confusing. That’s why I wanted to write this article about the Curve card, which might be unfamiliar to many people. Please note that this is not financial advice, but merely my personal perspective on what I view as a very handy, and at this point almost indispensable travel tool.

Personally, I always tend to travel with quite a few different credit cards. This is partly because some cards are better to use in some circumstances than others, but also because I like the security of having multiple cards (aged 21 I ended up stranded with no money in Mexico when both of my cards were erroneously cancelled) for emergency purposes if nothing else.

At home in London, I always seek to use my American Express credit card, and in those places (and there are quite a few in the UK), that don’t accept AmEx, a Virgin Atlantic Premium Credit Card. This is due to the points/miles earning strategy that I use them for, which I will deal with in more detail in a separate article.

Whilst I still do take those cards with me, in recent years though, I have never travelled abroad without my Curve card.

Firstly though, what is Curve? In short, it is not an account in and of itself, but rather a payment system that you can link other cards to. In other words, think of something similar to PayPal, but with a physical Mastercard and some additional benefits attached to it.

But, why do you need this? From my perspective, there are two key benefits. Firstly, by linking multiple cards to a single Curve card, you can carry fewer cards with you (and memorise fewer pin numbers) and then allocate particular bills to different credit cards subsequently via the Curve app or website.

Whilst this is a handy little benefit, the main plus from my point of view is that I can use my Curve card to avoid the typical transaction fees incurred from using my normal credit cards abroad, whilst still accumulating points in the same way as I normally do.

For example, when I use my UK-issued American Express card abroad, I am charged a 2.99% transaction fee every time I use it. I also have a Virgin Atlantic Premium Credit Card that I use to accumulate Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points. I feel that this is generally a very good card as when I use it abroad to pay in either US Dollars or Euros, there are no foreign exchange fees. If, however I use it in other countries (I have recently visited Brazil and Croatia for example), I will incur a 2.99% charge for each payment.

So, what are the options of getting around these annoying transaction fees? Well, you can get travel charge cards and also travel-orientated credit cards. Prior to discovering Curve for example, I took out a Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card, which in general is a great travel credit card on account of it charging nothing in the way of overseas transaction fees. The drawbacks of this are that a) you have more accounts to track; and b) it means the benefits I accrue from my spending abroad are then tied up in the Barclaycard Rewards scheme, rather than adding to the balances that I already have with American Express or Virgin Atlantic. This would be the case with most products, and some may not even provide you with any points / cashback benefits at all.

By linking my Virgin Atlantic card to my Curve account however, I can avoid the transaction fees whilst still accumulating points to add to my Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles balance.

The only major downside is that you cannot currently link American Express cards to your Curve account.

It should be noted also that Curve has different tiers of card membership subscription. In addition to the free basic Curve card (which I have), there is also currently the Curve X (£4.99 per month), Curve Black (£9.99) and Curve Metal (£14.99 per month). The free card option has some limits in terms of the number of cards that can be linked and the amount of money that can be spent with no transaction fees. The full details of these plans can be found on the Curve website, and the option that makes most sense for you will likely depend on the general length and frequency of your trips and therefore how much you are likely to spend.

Whilst there are therefore instances where I still might use another card instead, I use my Curve card every day when I am abroad outside the EU or USA.

The Considered Journey is a travel blog focused on travel reviews, travel tips and travel guides , all focused on t ravel inspiration with a view to helping you make the most of your trip and maximise your travel time.

Having travelled across Europe, Asia, South America, North America, and parts of Africa, we have a host of experiences to share with you. As our focus is on helping you make the most of your trip and maximise your travel time , we highlight the best things to eat, best things to drink, best places to go, and best things to do. In addition, we have written a range of airline reviews, hotel reviews, airport lounge reviews and credit card reviews , and also cover topics such as travelling as a couple, career break travel and sabbatical travel.

We understand that circumstances vary from trip to trip, so we cover everything from luxury travel to some more budget travel options, and the traditional to the modern.

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Curve Card Review: Smart Credit Solution that Works in the USA

Jessie Moore has been writing professionally for nearly two decades; for the past seven years, she's focused on writing, ghostwriting, and editing in the finance space. She is a Today Show and Publisher's Weekly-featured author who has written or ghostwritten 10+ books on a wide variety of topics, ranging from day trading to unicorns to plant care.

Ask not what you can do for your credit card, but what your credit card can do for you.

The Curve Credit Card boasts a ton of cool features, including:

• Anti-Embarrassment mode
• A Go Back in Time feature
• The ability to link all your cards together

But is it really worth it? One card to rule them all seems like an enticing concept, so I decided to do a deep dive Curve Card review and lay out what I found.

Want to know how this all-in-one smart card works — and whether or not it’s legit? In this article, I’ll explore these topics, plus highlight some important fine print notes, and rank its competitors.

Is Curve the Best All-in-One Solution?

Keep reading and you be the judge! Here’s a sneak peek of the top-rated alternatives we’ll share:

• Chime : Best if you have low/no credit
• M1 Finance : Best if you’re a long-term investor who craves efficiency
• Varo Bank : Best for Low Minimums and convenience

Curve Credit Card: The Final Word

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

The Curve Card is an all-in-one smart card that links all of your credit cards into one account. It’s a convenient way to manage your finances under one single login.

The card is easy to use and has attractive features like cashback rewards and real-time notifications. However, the company’s customer service has a startling number of poor reviews. (More in a little bit…)

What is the Curve Credit Card?

The Curve Card  has a handy app that consolidates all your debit and credit cards into a single, smart card.

Depending on your subscription, you can get rewards, insurance, fee-free foreign transactions, effortless currency conversion, and more.

Let’s take a look at the different tiers of Curve credit cards on the market. As you can see, some (but not all) are available in the U.S.

Types of Curve Credit Cards

How Does Curve Work?

That’s easy:

• Download the app and sign up for an account.
• Once signed up, you can link your existing Visa and Mastercard debit or credit cards to the Curve platform.
• When you make a purchase using the Curve card, the transaction is processed through the selected underlying card, allowing you to manage all your card spending from one place.

Curve Features

Curve offers a range of features designed to make managing your finances easier:

• Instant Spending Notifications
• Spending Categorization
• ‘Go Back In Time’ Feature: Switch Purchases to Another Card for Up To 120 Days For Purchases Up To £5,000
• Curve Cash: Earn 1% Cashback With Selected Retailers (For Subscription Curve Cardholders Only)
• Apple/Samsung/Google Pay Compatibility (Limited Based on Country)
• Anti-Embarrassment Mode: Automatic Backup Card Usage If A Payment Declines
• Free Credit Card Atm Withdrawals (Limits Apply)
• Fee-Free Atm Withdrawals Abroad (Limits Apply)
• Curve Customer Protection: Up To £100,000 Coverage
• Curve Flex: Pay Over 3-12 Monthly Installments

Curve Costs: Fees and Minimums

The Curve Standard is Curve’s most popular (and free) plan. However, it comes with many limitations —  limited customer support, no lounge benefits, and no rental car or travel insurance.

Premium plans (Curve X, Curve Black, and Curve Metal) have a few more bells and whistles. Subscription prices vary from £4.99 – £14.99 per month (see table above) based on your selection.

There are also some miscellaneous fees including delivery charges, replacement card costs, and cancellations charges.

Curve Spending Limits

Curve imposes a transaction limit of £200 and a daily limit of £7,500. This will suit most people but might occasionally be a pain, especially during higher spending periods.

Curve Card USA: Is it Available in the U.S.?

Curve Card USA is now available! As of now, Curve is available for residents of 31 countries of the European Economic Area and the United States.

Unfortunately, many of the premium options are in beta right now. However, at writing, there’s a promotion: Anyone who signs up for Curve will automatically receive a Curve Card USA Metal and have access to the Mastercard World Elite Benefits .

The Curve team assured me they are working on making all premium subscriptions available worldwide and would update their subscription prices and FAQ  when the full update became official.

Curve Customer Reviews: What Are People Saying?

Trustpilot: 3.8 Stars From 9,592 Total Reviews

BBB: Not Accredited (Not a USA-Based Company)

Google Reviews: 2.6 Stars From 49,652 Total Reviews

To sum it up: The Curve Card reviews have been mixed. Some praise its convenience and features; others criticize its customer service and response times.

Curve Controversy

In 2019, Curve received negative feedback regarding how they managed commercial cards for self-employed individuals.

People alleged that the corporation “tricked” self-employed cardholders into using commercial cards instead of personal cards, claiming it was the same card. In reality, the commercial card had higher fees. Multiple complaints and concerns arose about their practices.

It seems like this particular scandal is behind them, but the general complaints about their customer service are not. Customers continue to write poor reviews as recently as within a few days of writing this article.

Is the Curve Credit Card Safe?

Curve is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which requires all user data to be protected under FCA security regulations.

On top of that, the company encrypts your information, refusing to share card details with retailers during transactions.

Important note: Curve is not covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, meaning users may lose some protection on credit card purchases. Curve does offer its own Customer Protection, covering users up to £100,000 for specific claims.

Curve Credit Card: Pros and Cons

Curve credit card alternatives.

No Curve Card review would be complete without exploring some alternatives. Let’s start with its most direct competitors, Monzo and Revolut:

Apple Pay & Google Pay – Free Curve Credit Card Alternative s

Apple Pay  and Google Pay  are worth a mention because they do a lot of what Curve does, but without the fees. Both are widely accepted in places worldwide. With a $2,000 Google Pay transaction limit and the $10,000 Apple transfer limits, it’s a great solution for most users.

Unfortunately, they limit their perks and you need an Android or Apple product to use them, whereas Curve has a physical card.

Good All-in-One Finance Solutions

Though the following companies do not link your cards together into an all-in-one smart card, they do “solve” a lot of financial problems in one fell swoop. Their convenient features and attractive credit card offers made it all too enticing not to mention as a suitable alternative.

Chime – Best for Those With No/Low Credit

Chime  is a partner of The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank, both FDIC members, which presents a comprehensive package of top-quality financial solutions.

They have direct deposit options, innovative features like SpotMe no-fee overdraft service , auto-save features, and even offer a service where you can send unlimited checks on the go through Chime Checkbook.

The Chime Card

The company offers a Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card  and a Chime Card Debit Card .

The Credit Builder Credit Card helps you create and build your credit score through regular purchases and on-time payments. Instead of a credit check, you would simply need to direct deposit at least $200 into your Chime Checking account.

The debit card works just as a traditional debit card would except that there are no monthly fees, no minimum balances, and more fee-free ATMs than most traditional banks.  

Worldwide Use

You must be a US citizen or permanent resident to open a Chime account. However, if you travel, your Chime Card will still work so long as you enable international transactions on your app settings.

M1 Finance – Best for Investors Who Crave Efficiency

M1 Finance  caters primarily to long-term investors seeking hands-off investment through its highly sophisticated financial technology platform. It has exceptional options like automatic rebalancing and low-cost fractional shares.

With its easy-to-use interface, the creation of customized “pies” helps you to allocate investments optimally to achieve individualized financial goals and manage associated risks effectively.

Most impressive, however, is how much they offer on one platform. Save, spend, invest, or borrow- either way, you can do it with M1’s all-in-one financial platform through their savings account, credit card, debit card, investment portfolio, and margin lending.

Owner’s Reward Credit Card

This credit card is unique. Not only does it allow you to earn up to 10% back in rewards, but you can automate investing your rewards back into your portfolio. Throw in the lack of an annual fee, its tap-to-pay feature, and its zero liability theft protection, and this is a card worth considering.

Your M1 Checking Visa debit card  may work where international credit cards are accepted, but it will likely incur a fee with each transaction. The Owners Credit Card will not and you do not need to inform M1 you are traveling, something that is very convenient.

However, to open an M1 investment account, you must be a US resident and have a non-VOIP US number. Additionally, not all features are available for US Territory Residents.

While traveling, you may be able to “trick” your M1 investment account into working with a VPN, however. It is important to note that VPNs can slow the internet down and cause errors, all of which could be costly if a mistake was made in the purchasing or selling of shares. Also note, trading crypto is illegal in some countries, so do your research before attempting any trades.

Varo Bank – Best for Low Minimums and Convenience

Varo Bank’s  mobile-first approach prioritizes your convenience while simultaneously removing any potential barriers between you and your money, such as minimum balance requirements and hidden fees.

They offer high-yield savings accounts, 2-day early pay, a Varo Debit Card, and have customizable tools like ‘Save Your Pay’ or ‘Save Your Change.’

Varo Bank Card

The Varo Believe Card is a credit card designed to help you build your credit score.

Most customers who followed their recommendations (regular purchases and on-time payments) saw a 40+ point score increase after three months.

This card has 0% APR, no fees, and no credit checks to get started. Open a Varo Account  with money and no overdue Varo Advance and link $500 in direct deposits to get started.

The downside is that you must be a US resident or citizen to open an account and Varo will not work in some countries (see the updated list here ). As their website and app will not work with a VPN, it is not an ideal option if you live or travel internationally.

Final Word:

Curve Credit Card’s consolidation of multiple credit cards onto an all-in-one smart card is a standout feature.

There are concerns about their customer service delivery and transparency levels. Despite this dark cloud, countless individuals feel that this card option makes sense for them.

My Curve Card Review?  If you frequently make expensive purchases, you may not find the Curve Credit Card ideal. But, if that’s not an issue and you’re in search of a card with shopping rewards, convenience, safety, and ATM reimbursements, you should certainly consider this option.

Is it worth getting Curve card?

It may be worth getting a Curve Card if you want a convenient way to consolidate multiple cards, earn rewards, and get ATM reimbursements. You may also consider free alternatives like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

What is the Curve card controversy?

The Curve Card controversy resulted after they received negative feedback in 2019 about their lack of transparency with their commercial card service offered to those who were self-employed. Reports showed that their personal cards were wrongly identified as business-related, tacking on higher fees, which resulted in a number of customer complaints.

How does Curve card work?

The Curve Card and the Curve Card USA work by bringing together all your Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards on one platform. The innovative system processes purchases using the selected underlying card, streamlining spending.

Is Curve card a hard pull?

No, signing up for a Curve card does not involve a hard credit pull, as the service does not provide a line of credit. Even the Curve Flex, which allows payment over time, is a soft credit check pull.

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About the author

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Angelina graduated in 2005 from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Business & Finance. She worked as a financial analyst for Northern Trust for three years and is now a full-time finance writer and digital nomad, traveling around the world with her husband. When she is not writing for WallStreetZen, she enjoys reading, writing fiction, and sipping on a refreshing beverage in a hammock.

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Curve Card Review 2024: Fees, Safety, Usability, and More

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Founded in 2015, Curve is a London-based fintech offering e-money services to customers in the UK and Europe. While its flagship product is an app and accompanying card that aggregates multiple bank cards into one for easy spending, Curve also offers other unique perks and products that set it apart from the crowd.

These perks range from attractive cashback features to solid travel money options, making Curve an excellent choice if you have many frequently-used bank cards , primarily when used overseas. However, for those who already have a good grip on their finances, the usefulness of Curve diminishes, and a Curve Card could end up being "just another card" to be stashed away in the wallet.

What Monito Likes About Curve

• Available in 31 countries in Europe, as of January 2021;
• Positive all-round customer feedback;
• Slick, intuitive web and mobile apps;
• Very handy for those with many bank cards;
• Compatible with Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay

What Monito Dislikes About Curve

• Not yet widely available outside of the UK and EEA;
• Steep fees for crossing limits on cash withdrawals;
• Most customers do not end up using Curve after signing up, according to reports;
• Amex , Maestro, Diners Club, JCB, and UnionPay cards are not supported.

We recommend Curve for people who have multiple bank cards and are interested in savvy card management and cashback features. However, for those looking for a more fully-fledged digital banking service, we recommend the  Wise Account , which offers bank details in multiple currencies and a capable Visa debit card.

Last updated: 21/12/2021 ¹ Whichever is higher ² 0.5% in GBP, USD, EUR and 1.5% for other currencies

Last updated: 21/12/2021

Key Questions About Curve Answered

• 01. What is a Curve Card? scroll down
• 02. How does Curve work? scroll down
• 03. Using Curve in a different currency scroll down
• 04. Reviewing Curve's mobile app scroll down
• 05. What do other customers say? scroll down
• 06. Can I trust Curve? scroll down
• 07. What are the best alternatives? scroll down
• 08. Is Curve right for you? scroll down
• 09. FAQ about Curve scroll down

Who Is Curve For?

Curve is available in 31 countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), including the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Italy, and the Netherlands. See a full list of eligible countries here .

Reviews are written independently by Monito's editors and recommendations given are our own. Services you sign up with using our links may earn us a commission. Learn more .

What Is a Curve Card?

Curve Cards are the main product offered by Curve, and they've become well-known for their uniqueness in the market. These cards stand out because, along with the Curve App, they allow you to spend money from any of your existing bank cards using only your Curve Card. This applies to any Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card you may own. However, if you use an American Express, Maestro, Diners Club, JCB, or UnionPay card, Curve will unfortunately not support it.

The Curve Card, which must be ordered upon signup and activated upon arrival, works alongside a dedicated mobile app, which is available on iOS and Android. The app allows users to add cards using the Curve Card, which can be added manually or automatically using your mobile phone camera.

Using the app's virtual Curve Cash Card feature, you can also use a balance made up of cashback payments and money sent to you from other Curve members. Physical Curve Cards are available as debit cards (with a credit card expected to be released soon) and come in the following three types:

The standard offering, opening a Curve Blue account, will cost you  nothing in monthly fees  and give you access to all the most crucial Curve features, including a blue debit Mastercard and an app combining all cards into one.

Curve Black

Curve's mid-tier offering is a black debit Mastercard that  costs €/£9.99 per month  and gives you access to all of the primary services of Curve, as well as more cashback perks, higher cashpoint withdrawal limits, and travel insurance.

Curve Metal

The most expensive tier, Curve Metal,  costs €/£14.99 per month  and gives you access to the same features as other Curve Card tiers but includes access to airport lounges and car rental insurance perks.

Curve is not a bank but an e-money service. This means that Curve can be used as a personal finance and spending tool but cannot be used to meet everyday banking needs such as savings and loans.

It's well worth noting that the benefits of Curve's Metal and Black tiers are primarily centred around cashback perks, higher cashpoint withdrawal limits, and various insurance offerings. All three cards include access to the following core Curve features:

• The accompanying Curve mobile app and Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay compatibility;
• Reimbursement of up to €/£100,000 for unrecognised or unauthorised transactions (see more  here );
• Ability to send money to other Curve members using only a mobile phone number;
• Ability to switch payments from one card to another up to 90 days after payment was made.

How Do Curve Cards Work?

Fortunately for you as a customer, Curve works very straightforwardly and intuitively. Its app is designed to quickly discover how to add cards, track payments, and navigate external wallets.

Simply put, Curve Cards work by aggregating payments made on all valid cards that users add to the app infrastructure. This means that once you set your primary card in the Curve app, you can use your Curve Card to pay with that card at any point of sale or cashpoint, just as you would any other credit or debit card. Curve also shares your spending data in Merchant Category Codes (MCC) with your card issuer so that both Curve and your card company can categorize your expenses (e.g. utilities, clothing, groceries, etc.)

Interestingly, you can take Curve's unique value proposition of cutting down the number of cards in use to the extreme, and you'll be able to pay with only your smartphone over the Curve app using Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Apple Pay without the need to use your Curve Card at all!

With Curve, you'll also earn 1% cashback every time you spend money at any one of Curve's  list of retailers , with cashback offerings becoming more and more attractive depending on which tier you choose.

Using Curve in a Foreign Currency

As we saw above, monthly fees for using Curve will vary depending on your chosen tier. However, monthly fees aside, general daily use of Curve doesn't come with any fees as long as you're using your primary currency. If you do happen to transact in a foreign currency, you can expect to run into the following two types of transactions (and possible associated fees) when using your Curve Card:

• Cashpoint withdrawals  (which charge a fee that differs by tier and amount — usually around 2%);
• Point of sale purchases  (which use the  mid-market exchange rate  and sometimes accrue an additional fee).

Bear in mind that the above fees apply whenever you're transacting in a currency other than your primary currency, regardless of whether or not you're spending that money while physically abroad. In terms of the currencies that Curve supports for in-app transfers to other users and for setting as default, Curve lists the following:

• Europe:  GBP, EUR, SEK, NOK, CHF, RUB, BGN, CZK, DKK, HRK, HUF, ISK, PLN, RON
• Asia:  CNY, JPY, HKD, ILS, SGD, INR, KRW
• North America:  USD, CAD
• South America:  BRL
• Oceania:  NZD, AUD
• Africa:  ZAR

If you pay in a currency not listed above, your transaction will still be processed. However, in these cases, you will be charged in British pounds.

Your card provider may charge additional fees still when you transact, even if you're using Curve. Check with your card provider to know what you can expect to pay in additional fees.

Curve's Foreign Currency Fees

Without a doubt, foreign currency exchange forms the bulk of the fees you'll be paying for using Curve's otherwise low-cost service. Curve charges the following two types of fees for foreign cashpoint withdrawals and foreign currency point of sales payments, respectively:

Last updated: 07/03/2021 ¹ Whichever is higher

Last updated: 07/03/2021

Curve's Exchange Rates

Despite claiming to offer "market-leading exchange rates," Curve 's weekend currency exchange services are not always the best, although they're still much cheaper than those offered by high-street banks.

Curve converts currency at the  mid-market exchange rate , the exchange rate at which banks trade currencies. This means that Curve makes no markup on its currency exchange, except on weekends when a relatively small surcharge applies. Take note that because Curve is not a bank, you won't be able to use it to make  international money transfers . If you wish to do so at a low cost, run a search on Monito's comparison engine below to find the best rates in real-time:

Find the cheapest way to send money abroad:

Curve mobile app.

Curve 's mobile app, available on both iOS and Android operating systems, offers a simple and easy-to-use interface that has received overwhelmingly positive customer feedback. Some of the top perks of the app include the following:

✔️ Fast and intuitive to understand;

✔️ Adding new cards is very easy;

✔️ Can be used on smartwatch devices.

On the other hand, the Curve app has the following drawbacks:

❌ 3D Secure is absent;

❌ Money transfers not supported.

What Do Curve Customers Say?

Users have by and large responded very positively to the unique services that Curve offers. As of March 2021, the app and card had earned 4.4, 4.2, and 4.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery respectively out of a combined total of around 18 thousand reviews. What's more, Curve garnered a respectable 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot from nearly 4 thousand reviews. Feedback generally reflected the following points:

👍🏻 Attractive exchange rates;

👍🏻 Most features are available for free;

👍🏻 Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are supported even when not by the underlying card;

👎🏻 Declined payments not always marked as such;

👎🏻 Daily limits are not always readjusted after purchases;

👎🏻 Delays reaching customer support;

👎🏻 American Express is not supported.

Curve as a Company

Regarding handling money, security, reputability, and support are understandable points of interest for many prospective customers. In Curve 's case, while the company checks all of these boxes, it has run into bad press over the last several years for allegedly overpromising more than it has delivered — both in terms of its business and customer services.

Credibility and Security

Curve — operating as Curve OS Ltd in the UK and Curve Europe UAB in the EEA — is fully licensed, authorised, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of Lithuania. Founded in 2015, the company has offices in London and Vilnius and is also on track to launch in the US very shortly.

Curve is also partnered with Mastercard and Visa to facilitate payments using their card services. However, American Express blocked Curve from using its card services amid a  controversial 2019 decision .

Today, the company has around two million customers after the number of new users skyrocketed by 346% in 2020. However, the company has run into some doubt about the number of those customers who are, in fact, actively using the service. Figures  leaked to the press  in 2019 suggest that only 14% of customers used their Curve Card after signing up. Still, Curve has not released these figures after their 2020 growth surge, citing industry precedent, CNBC reported in January 2021.

However, all things considered, Curve is a reliable and secure company that can most certainly be trusted as an app to handle essential financial services, such as aggregating one's bank cards.

Customer Support

Curve's customer support feature is available in-app, and as a customer, you'll be able to contact a customer support agent within minutes during standard operating hours. Curve also offers a  FAQ section  on its website addressing many questions. However, several users have complained that the FAQ is challenging to understand and that customer service can be very slow to respond.

However, it is well worth pointing out that Curve is genuinely concerned with addressing all customer feedback, complaints, and online questions, indicating that they are approachable and solution-oriented.

Transparency

Curve scores excellent marks when it comes to finding information that's relevant to customers. Its website is straightforward and covers all the details necessary to open an account, including how long you can expect to wait and what you can expect to pay.

While we'd have liked the information about Curve's fees in general. Its currency exchange fees and exchange rates, in particular, have been more prominently displayed on its website (as opposed to appearing only in the FAQ  here  and  here ); overall, the company does an excellent job of communicating all the crucial information to new customers.

Curve Alternatives

Curve is a unique player in the global fintech scene, and as a result, it has no major direct competitors and, thus, no alternatives that replicate its all-in-one bank card product.

However, for those looking for similar low-cost digital banking options, there are many alternatives to consider. If you're a UK resident, take a look at our list of the  top challenger banks  of 2022 and if you live in the EU, take a look at our rankings here . Otherwise, be sure also to have a look at the top Curve alternatives below:

Wise — Best Multi-Currency Account

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.6

A world leader in cross-border payments, Wise's  Multi-Currency Account  (formerly TransferWise Borderless) and accompanying debit Mastercard is one of the best ways to spend money in many world currencies.

🌍 Availability:  EEA, Croatia, UK, US, Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand

✔️ Best for:  Expats and others looking for multiple bank details in multiple currencies.

Read our full Wise Multi-Currency Account review to find out more.

Revolut — Best All-Rounder

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4

A popular low-cost spending option,  Revolut  offers a digital account and attractive exchange rates for purchases in many countries and currencies worldwide.

🌍 Availability:  EEA, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Japan, UK, USA

✔️ Best for:  Frequent travellers as a spending tool next to a primary bank account

Read our full Revolut review to find out more.

Monzo — Best UK Online Bank

• Trust & Credibility 8.3
• Service & Quality 8.4
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.8
• Customer Satisfaction 9.3

Monzo  is a well-known UK-based challenger bank that has a large and supportive base of customers. It is a fully-fledged bank offering most everyday banking services.

🌍 Availability:  UK

✔️ Best for:  UK residents looking for a flexible, low-cost primary or secondary bank account

Read our full Monzo review to find out more.

Monese — Best for New UK/EU Arrivals

• Trust & Credibility 7.6
• Service & Quality 9.0
• Fees & Exchange Rates 6.6
• Customer Satisfaction 8.7

Monese  is a popular, low-cost, and widely-used digital banking service available to residents of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries and the United Kingdom that doesn't require proof of address to register.

🌍 Availability:  UK, EEA

✔️ Best for:  New arrivals in the UK or the EEA

Read our full Monese review to find out more.

N26 — Best EU Online Account

• Trust & Credibility 7.9
• Service & Quality 8.0
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.3
• Customer Satisfaction 8.1

One of the European neobanking industry's darlings, Berlin-based  N26  has made a name for itself as a low-cost, branchless, user-friendly bank with a strong digital footprint.

🌍 Availability:  EEA

✔️ Best for:  EEA residents looking for a flexible, low-cost primary or secondary bank account

Read our full N26 review to find out more.

Bunq — Best Paid Current Account

• Trust & Credibility 9.1
• Service & Quality 6.7
• Fees & Exchange Rates 6.5
• Customer Satisfaction 6.3

An Amsterdam-based neobank with a growing reputation in the EU,  bunq  offers digital banks accounts aimed at people on the move and comes equipped with several innovative features.

🌍 Availability:  EU

✔️ Best for:  EU residents with an international lifestyle looking for a flexible, low-cost primary or secondary bank account

Read our full bunq review to find out more.

Is Curve Right For You?

All things considered, Curve is an excellent spending option — one that we solidly recommend you consider if you have multiple bank cards that you struggle to get a handle on.

However, we don't recommend Curve for any other reason besides its nifty card management feature. Because the Curve Blue tier comes at such a low cost (you'll only be paying meagre rates when transacting in a different currency), signing up with Curve certainly won't do you any harm. However, this is precisely why we recommend you  only  opt for the service if you want to manage your bank cards better, as any other reason might leave Curve less useful for you and at risk of being just another card.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a more fully-fledged digital banking service, we recommend you compare your options more closely. We particularly like the  Wise Accoun t and  Revolut  — as these two services are industry leaders in cross-border payments and digital banking — but we recommend you explore our reviews first to ensure they're right for you.

To get a better sense of how these services compare, take a look at the table below to see how they weigh up in terms of international transactions and banking:

Last updated: 21/12/2021 ¹ EUR, GBP, USD, AUD, NZD, HUF, SGD, TRY, CAD, RON

Finally, if you're looking to transfer your money from one currency to another, then Curve also isn't the service you're looking for. Instead, run a search on Monito's real-time  comparison engine  to take advantage of live exchange rates and competitive pricing:

Find the cheapest transfer abroad:

Faq about curve.

Yes. All in all, Curve Cards are very safe to use. Curve offers authorised debit or credit cards through its partnership with Mastercard. What's more, Curve is a fully licensed and regulated e-money company and Curve Cards are secured up to a value of €/£100,000 if your card is stolen and used without authorisation.

Curve Cards of the lowest tier (Curve Blue) are free of charge for all intents and purposes. They come with no delivery cost or any other regular monthly expense. Fees come into the picture when you upgrade to a paid plan or transact in a foreign currency, which incurs a small fee.

As we explored, Curve Cards are only worth it for people with several different bank cards who will find real benefit from managing their use better. Opening an account and getting a Curve Card for any other reason is less worth it, in our opinion, as your Curve Card could very easily become just another card in your wallet.

As of March 2021, Curve Cards are not yet available in the US. However, Curve has plans to launch in the US and is in the process of setting up an office in New York! Find out more or join the waiting list  here .

Other UK and EU Digital Banking Solutions

Curve card review

Curve was released in 2016 and quickly became a popular workaround to collect Amex benefits in places that didn’t accept Amex themselves. That loophole has since closed, and with mobile payments now the norm, is the Curve card still relevant?

In this Curve Card review, I take a closer look at the features and benefits of this innovative payment card, as well as any drawbacks you should be aware of. If you’re considering signing up for the Curve Card, read on to find out everything you need to know.

Before we get started a little housekeeping. Some articles on this site contain affiliate links, which provide a small commission to help fund the blog. They don’t affect the price you pay or the editorial independence of the website.  Read more here.

What is Curve – All cards in one

Anyone remember the TravelEx Supercard ? Well, the Curve card and app combo is pretty much the same as that.

It takes an ‘all cards in one’ approach and allows you to combine your credit, debit and pre-pay cards in a single app and card for spending. The basic aim is to simplify your spending, and help you to manage your money more effectively.

At Money Saving Answers we regularly test bank accounts, credit cards and prepay cards in and relay our experiences back to you. I personally have over 12 on the go at the moment. Curve helps to eliminate the checkout wallet shuffle that can often occur when carrying/using so many cards.

How much does the Curve card cost?

There are four different Curve plans:

• Curve Standard – Free
• Curve X – £4.99 a month
• Curve Black – £9.99 a month
• Curve Metal – £14.99 a month

Curve (formerly Curve Blue)

This is the free plan (previously called Curve Blue). It allows two cards to be added to your account, and can be used abroad for point of sale spending, or ATM withdrawals. ATM withdrawals are free up to £200 a month, and foreign spending £1,000 limited to £1,000 equivalent.

Curve X increases the number of cards you can add to your Curve account to 5. It waives the £4.99 card delivery fee, and increases the foreign spending limit to £2,000.

Curve Black

Curve Black builds on this further by allowing an unlimited number of cards to be added to your account. It also removes any limitations on foreign spending, and increases the foreign ATM withdrawal allowance to £400 a month.

In addition, Curve Black customers can select up to three retailers from which they will receive 1% cashback on spending, and most importantly for frequent travellers, offers free travel insurance.

This is the plan I recommend for anyone who travels regularly, and later in the article I’ll explain how you can get this plan for free.

Curve Metal

The Metal plan offers a fancier card, as seems to be the way these days, plus additional insurances such as rental car insurance, and discounted access to airport lounges. Unless you really want a metal card, it doesn’t really add much value over Curve Black.

At this point I should point out that transaction costs for UK spending are free across all plans, but the free package now has a £4.99 delivery fee for the initial card. Often this is waived though. Additionally, there is a fair use policy on free domestic ATM withdrawals. These are limited to 10 a month, subsequent withdrawals incur a £0.50 fee.

Those who sign up to Curve via our link  get a free £10 bonus.

How does it work?

Curve is a not a bank. The concept is more like the Apple/Google wallet where you store your card details, and at checkout choose which one you want to spend on. You present your Curve card at the point of sale (be it online or instore), and the payment will go through Curve and come off your selected debit or credit card.

Payments will show up on your bank or credit card statement as CRV*shopname . For example, if you used the card for shopping at Amazon (which is set to block VISA payments) it would show on your statement as CRV*AMAZON .

Can the Curve card be added to Apple, Google, or Samsung Pay?

Yes. One of the criticisms of the Curve card when it launched in 2018 was that it didn’t support the common mobile payment platforms. That has long since been resolved and Curve now works with all major mobile payment providers such as Apple, Google and Samsung Pay.

This allows you to get around some limits, such as restrictions on the number of cards you can have in your Apple wallet etc. Though it does become like the film Inception, but instead of a dream within a dream, we have a wallet within a wallet, and a card within a card.

What are the features and benefits of Curve?

You may be wondering why not just use your Apple and Google pay wallets? But Curve offers a number of market leading features not found elsewhere.

A Curve in the space time continuum – go back in time

This an amazing feature. The Curve app effectively allows you to travel back in time and select a different credit or debit card up to 120 days (30 for the free version) after your purchase.

Let’s say your default card has an overdraft and spending on it via your Curve card takes you into that overdraft. When you get home, or anytime within 120 days you can just go into the Curve app and select a different card for that purchase, and the money will be credited back to your account with the overdraft and come off your new card.

Another scenario might be where you have set a personal account as your default debit card in the app, but when out and about end up buying some items for your business. No problem, just add your business card to the app and retrospectively transfer the payments to your business account.

Purchase timeline and review

Most decent accounts now offer instant notifications on purchases but the problem with multiple accounts is that your purchase history is split between them. Curve consolidates your spending by providing a single clear purchase timeline of all your transactions. This helps you to keep track of exactly how much you are spending.

Overseas, travel and foreign spending

This is the big one. Curve dropped all foreign spending charges up to £500 per month. This effectively allows you to use any debit or credit card no matter the fees, as a specialist travel card. You can even withdraw cash from credit cards without it being considered a cash advance by your credit card provider, the free Curve standard card might be worth it for that alone.

It’s not a golden ticket though, as ATM withdrawals abroad are capped at £200 a month, and general spending at £500 a month. There is a £2 or 2% (whichever is higher) fee once you go above these limits.

Upgrading to Curve Black brings greater benefits for those holidaying abroad and turns Curve into a handy travel debit card. This includes free travel insurance, increased ATM withdrawal limits, and cashback on spending. See our tip below on how to get a free Curve Black subscription .

Curve vs. Currensea

Whilst on the topic of foreign spending we should mention the Currensea account . Due to the way they work as middle-man between foreign spending and your bank people often compare Curve to Currensea. On the surface they seem similar, but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover that they are quite different.

Whereas Curve links to your debit or credit cards, Currensea is linked to your bank account. Any spending is debit directly from your account rather than from your debit card. As such you can only link one bank account, whereas with Curve you can link multiple different cards.

For general foreign spending at the point of sale e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets etc.. or purchasing online, Curve is actually cheaper than Currensea up to £1000, but only if these transactions happen a weekday. On weekends or if you go over the £1000 fair use limit a 2% charge is added. In such instances Currensea would work out cheaper with its flat rate 0.5% fee on all transactions regardless.

See our guide to the best debit and credit cards for foreign spending .

Anti-embarrassment mode

Ever been at the checkout with a long queue behind you only to find out that your card is declined or the banks systems are down (pretty common occurrence with NatWest). Curve’s anti-embarrassment mode addresses this, by automatically switching to another card in your Curve wallet if your initial underlying card is declined.

You can set the backup card yourself, but it doesn’t matter as if you need to you can use the ‘go back in time’ feature move the transaction to the original card once everything is working again.

Funnily enough, when the anti-embarrassment feature kicked in on a recent transaction it probably caused me more embarrassment or at least confusion.

After paying and heading back to the car park, I saw a notification from my card provider that my transaction didn’t go through. I marched back to the checkout to tell them that the transaction didn’t go through, but of course they were bemused because all was good their end.

It was only then that I saw the notification from Curve (hiding amongst a slew of other notifications), that the anti-embarrassment mode had kicked in and all was good.

The feature worked perfectly as intended, I’d just forgotten all about it. When I got back home, I used to ‘go back in time’ feature to then move the transaction to my preferred card.

Cash rewards program (Curve cash)

Curve cash is a rewards program that allows you to earn cashback when spending with your curve card at certain retailers. You get to choose 3-6 of your favourite retailers from a list of over 100, including Amazon, Boots, Argos, Gap, Halfords, various restaurants and travel companies.

The cashback on offer is between 1-1.5% for Curve Blue customers depending on which scheme you are on, and up to 3% for Curve Black customers.

Crucially if your underlying card (the one linked to Curve) also has a rewards program, you may be able earn through that too.

1% Cashback

New customers to Curve enjoy 1% cashback on nearly all spending during their first 30 days. If you know you have a busy period of spending coming up such as birthdays, or Christmas, then could be a nice additional bonus. Unfortunately, it is limited to just £20. There are better offers available, such as Chase bank’s 1% cashback for 12 months .

What are the fees and limits?

Zero for the first 10 withdrawals a month (does anyone really withdraw that often?) After that there is a 50p fee. If you withdraw from a credit card linked to Curve you can only withdraw up to £500 a month free. There is a 2% fee once you go over this amount. Remember though, that Curve effectively obfuscates the transaction from your credit card supplier, so you won’t pay any cash advance or additional cash interest fees.

Abroad you are limited to £200 fee free, and £2 or 2% whichever higher after that. So don’t exceed that limit if you can help it. Instead use a specialist card and take advantage of the limits of that also.

At the weekend there is a 0.5% conversion fee for popular currencies. Most fintech’s and digital banks charge this to avoid being caught on by shifts in the exchange rate once the FX markets again on Monday. For more exotic currencies this increases to 1.5%

How to get Curve Black for free (via Plutus)

In 2021 Curve partnered with Plutus, an exciting new UK fintech offering a Visa debit card with 3% cashback and a free perk worth up to £10. There are 20 free perks to choose from including subscriptions to Netflix, Spotify, Disney Plus etc.. what is interesting here is that Curve is also included in that list.

Plutus customers signing up for Curve X, Curve Black, or Metal, and paying for it via their Plutus Visa debit card, will receive £10 cashback each month on that subscription, effectively offsetting the cost of the Curve Black plan, or reducing the Metal plan to just £4.99 a month.

The Plutus card is great for spending at home and benefiting from the 3% cashback, but it’s not a good travel card itself. That is where pairing it with Curve comes in. Not only do you get the cost of your Curve subscription effectively refunded (if you select Curve as your chosen perk in the Plutus app), but you also get to enjoy that 3% cashback on spending aboard, while benefiting from the free travel insurance provided by Curve Black. It’s a pretty unbeatable combination.

See our Plutus review for more information on the available perks, cashback, and get a free $10 bonus if you sign up via our link. Don’t forget, if you sign up to Curve using our links in this article you also get £10 cashback there too.

Is Curve safe?

Curve is not a bank, so your money is safe in your regular bank accounts which most likely has FSCS protection. It also doesn’t store your card numbers in the app, and all information is encrypted. On top of that you can individually turn cards on and off for use within the app.

One of the main drawbacks though is the lack of Section 75 protection. Normally if you would buy something costing between £100-£30,000 with any part of that charged to a credit card, the credit card company becomes jointly liable for that purchase.

Acting a middleman, Curve breaks that direct connection between you the retailer and the credit card company. As such Section 75 protection does not apply. To offset this Curve offers its own customer protection on all purchases up to £100,000 and of course you can still carry out Mastercard chargebacks.

As a personal tester I have not been in a position to test Curve’s purchase protection so cannot say how robust it is. I have used Mastercard Chargebacks in the past though, and although it takes a little while (30 days or so), the process was straightforward.

In any event, if you are eyeing a large purchase, the overriding advice is to always use a credit card directly at least for some of the purchase, then if you want pay for the rest via Curve. I did something very similar to this when purchasing a new vehicle some years ago.

Curve Card Review – The verdict

Curve is a neat app and card combination with nice assortment of features, with very few drawbacks. If you are one of those people constantly shuffling between a host of debt and credit cards then the Curve proposition certainly helps to solve that problem. It can be especially useful for splitting business and personal transaction, or retrospectively reclassifying them.

For most people though, is the convince of carrying a single card (or app) actually that important? Curve’s all cards in one approach solves that issue, but mobile wallets already contain our most useful cards, and don’t act a middle-man and thus losing section 75 protection.

Features such as the anti-embarrassment mode, travel back in time, are unique, and useful, but are they enough to temp new users on their own? The rest of Curve’s features have been done before, and cashback and foreign spending are equalled or beaten by a number of other fin techs and digital banks. That is unless you combine Curve Black with Plutus effectively making it free, and turning it into a formidable travel card complete with free travel insurance.

For my personally Curve offers just enough to make it a welcome entrant into the fintech and digital banking space. Of course you’ll have to decide for yourself if it makes sense for you.

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• Miles + Points

How “Curve” Really Works – From a European who Already Has One…

March 14, 2022 by Craig Sowerby

Curve is in the process of launching in the United States – with some people already invited to apply – and my social media is starting to see more mentions of it. However, there are a few misconceptions that are worth clearing up – as somebody who has used one in the United Kingdom and Europe for a couple of years – even though there is still no harm in signing up for the waiting list.

Curve is a DEBIT card

Curve is not a credit card.  There should be no hard pull on your credit report from one of the major agencies.  Curve is a debit card.

Curve does not provide you with any form of credit. When you pay with your Curve card, Curve checks instanteously with your linked card provider – credit, charge or debit – to see if the transaction is accepted. If that behind-the-scenes transaction is declined, your payment will be too. (unless you are using the Avoid Embarrassment function that checks a back-up card) Curve does not take any risk whatsoever that you can’t pay for your transaction within seconds.

I understand that Curve will initially only work with Mastercard, Diners Club and Discover cards in the United States. Visa and American Express will not work, and British experience suggests that you definitely should not expect Amex to ever become an option…

The “Killer App”

The main reason for having a Curve card – at least in the UK and Europe – might be that it is a debit card, but that you recharge to a credit card.  Therefore, you can use your Curve card at any merchant or service provider that only accepts debit cards – without losing out on the miles, points, cashback, etc. that you could earn on your credit card.

In a similar vein, if your preferred card is a Diners Club or Discover card – but the merchant doesn’t accept those cards – the fact that your Curve card is a Mastercard will allow you to complete the purchase nonetheless (and earn those Diner Club or Discover rewards you want).

HOWEVER, many UK travel hackers took great advantage of the “debit-card-ness” to pay their taxes, add money to brokerage /crypto / savings accounts, etc. and effectively manufacture spend through their Curve card. Curve has long since shut down this loophole and I don’t expect that it will ever be open for US residents – at least for worthwhile levels of MS…

Go Back in Time

From a US perspective, the “Killer App” might just be the Go Back in Time feature.

With so many cards in your wallet (or your sock drawer), you might not always use the correct card to take advantage of the highest bonus categories on offer. This is especially true if you have family members who pay less attention to the details than you do…

As “Go Back in Time” suggests, you have 30 days to move the (re)charge from one linked card to another. You can only do this once and it is very simple to do in the App.

So indeed, you can take your physical Curve card with you while shopping – or use it in Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc. – and worry later about which miles / points / cashback card to “Go Back in Time” to.

On your credit card statement, you will see a refund / reversal of the initial payment. So you almost certainly will lose any miles / points / cashback that you earned on the original transaction. In general, the spending category should pass through Curve to the ultimate credit card provider, but errors do sometimes occur.

ATM Fees and No FX Fee

One of the touted benefits of Curve is that you aren’t charged anything to withdraw money from ATMs. This isn’t quite true. Even though Curve will not charge you for using an ATM, the ATM provider WILL. Your underlying credit card provider can also see that you are making a cash advance, meaning that you will probably start paying interest immediately and won’t earn miles/points/cashback. Add the low monthly limit on cash withdrawals – if you find that your credit card provider does NOT consider what you are doing to be a cash advance – and you probably won’t be too keen to use your Curve card at an ATM.

With foreign exchange, Curve does not charge a commission. However, the exchange rate applied is NOT the actual mid-market rate available in the financial markets – it is the exchange rate that Mastercard applies to foreign exchange transactions.  From personal experience, I can tell you that this can be 1+% worse than the market rate I would receive through one of my other fintech Apps such as Wise . You will also receive a worse exchange rate over the weekend.

However, it is probably similar to what you would be getting from another “no FX commission” credit or debit card. It might still be worth using Curve to receive certain credit card benefits on overseas transactions – perhaps a lucrative cashback card that would otherwise charge an FX fee – but it’s not a no-brainer…

It is also worth noting that you cannot “Go Back in Time” and change the currency of your transaction. If you buy something in Canadian dollars and re-charge it in US dollars to a US credit card, you cannot then “Go Back in Time” and move the transaction to a card that is denominated in some other currency (Euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, etc.). You also cannot re-charge the transaction in Canadian dollars onto any other card – you are stuck with the USD conversion rate originally applied.

Bottom line

In the nearly 3 years I’ve held a Curve card, I’ve have passed through a few phases…

• Not really knowing what the point of it is
• Doing some basic MS with it, but little day-to-day purchasing
• Using it for most purchases due to convenience (even after many MS strategies were shut down)
• Realizing that I can often get a better deal from a different card

So even though I still carry a Curve card around, there’s no longer really any compelling reason for me to use it.

Have any questions? Let us know in the comments section…

About The Author

Craig Sowerby

Once a full-time travelling nomad, Craig has settled down a bit, but still loves travel hacking his way to First Class flights and luxury hotel suites. Inside Flyer is where he shares the tips and tricks he uses to maintain a luxury travel lifestyle...

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June 13, 2022 at 3:22 pm

In the US, Curve is performing a hard credit pull which their site states. Might be worth updating this post to reflect that.

August 4, 2022 at 7:01 am

Curve is a credit card in the US, unlike in Europe. There is a hard pull due to this.

You are provided with $500 in credit, and the Anti-Embarrassment feature works by charging your Curve Credit rather than your selected/smart rule card.

The main reason to have a Curve card in the US is to not have to worry about using the correct credit card to maximize your rewards.

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God Save The Points

Elevating your travel

How Curve Card Saves Money And Earns Extra Points On Travel

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More points, less fees = winning.

If you haven’t heard of Curve card, you’re not alone. It’s not advertised on your television, or invading your commute – yet. It is however, one of the very best ways to maximize your airline miles, hotel points and credit card points, while also saving money abroad in the process. Here’s how the Curve UK travel card can add points and subtract pesky fees from your next trip abroad. Oh, and it’s free…

Curve Is…

Curve is an electronic payment card, which simply mirrors any of your other Visa or Mastercard’s. Via their app, you can load all your cards in, and whichever one you select in the app, is the one that will work when you swipe your cool, black Curve Mastercard Debit Card. It’s free, by the way. So yeah, if you have a TESCO card, a Virgin Atlantic Mastercard and an IHG card, you can load them all onto your one Curve card, allowing you to bring just one card out, and use all three, with the flick of a finger in the app. Cool trick, sure, but that’s not what makes it valuable.

1% Vs. 3%…

Now to be very clear here, if you’re not interested in points, there are options for UK travelers to spend abroad without paying any fees, Revolut is leading that charge – but you won’t earn any points on those transaction. If you’re into your points and miles, and would love to turn those hotel purchases, dinners, and everything else you buy abroad into a heap of points, Curve is your go to. Curve converts every charge in real time into your local currency, only charging a flat 1% fee for all foreign transactions. Even if your credit card would usually carry a 3% fee for foreign purchases, like most do, since you’re swiping Curve first, you pay just 1%. That’s a 2% savings, instantly! If you spent £1000, it would save you £20, each time, and being able to pay just a 1% foreign fee on purchases makes it far more lucrative to use a rewards earning card that gives you points while abroad.

£5 Free

Curve is offering £5 after you sign up and make your first transaction. It’s incredibly easy to get started, and entering code C5CFD will trigger £5 in Curve Rewards, which can be used like cash when you do. Whether you’re into airline miles, hotel points or not, saving up to £20 per every £1000 you spend abroad is lucrative reason enough, but when you add in the points factor, where you can spend on cards such as the Virgin Atlantic Premium Mastercard, which earns 1.5 points per £ spent, you can rake in 1,500 points per £1000 too. Because it’s digital, Curve is one of the safest payment methods in the world, and can be locked or frozen in a heartbeat. There are quite a few other good reasons to get Curve, which are a bit nerdier, so if you’re looking for the juicy stuff, head here . Either way, we recommend Curve, we use Curve and you probably should too…

Do you use Curve?

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly... More by Gilbert Ott

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or you can have a Halifax Clarity or the PostOffice credit card and pay no FX transaction fee when buying abroad or taking out money from an ATM. Why complicate your life?

A) the post office charges consumer rate of exchange, which is almost worse than paying forex fees on credit cards. B) this allows you to earn points. Your two options don’t.

Halifax is interbank rate. But of course, no cashback. Always a conundrum for me as I have both. So, in case of your£1000 eg, the decision is whether to save the £10 that curve will take or pay £10 for 1000 or 1500 points of whichever bank/airline card you wish to use. Either or could make sense.

1% fee to earn 1% cashback makes Revolut the same price and much less complicated.

But points are often valued at over 1p per point, which makes it not equal. And I specifically offer Revolut in the post as an alternative for people who don’t care about points.

I use Curve, but it’s worth noting that due to the way it works there’s no Section 75 credit card protection. Normally when you buy something costing between £100 and £30,000 and pay for any of it on a credit card, you get Section 75 protection which means your card firm’s jointly liable with the retailer if things go wrong (see Section 75 for full info). Using Curve invalidates this protection, though you will still be able to use Mastercard’s chargeback scheme.

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Curve Black review

Considering one of curve's premium options but not sure they're worth it here's what you get in return for your fee with the curve black card..

In this guide

What is Curve Black?

Curve black fees, limits and benefits, curve black vs curve metal, how to get curve black, customer service information for curve black, the verdict: is curve black worth it, frequently asked questions.

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Curve’s standard card offers most of its features for free and usually they’re more than enough to suit the needs of a user with an average lifestyle.

Curve Black is 1 of 3 paid-for plans from Curve. Halfway between Curve X (£4.99 a month) and the more luxurious Curve Metal (£14.99 a month), it offers a decent series of perks to frequent travellers in return for a not-too-expensive monthly fee of £9.99.

In case you’re in need of a revision, Curve is the service that allows you to merge all your cards into one. You connect all your Visa or Mastercard cards to the Curve app, then you can leave them home and only take the Curve card with you.

When you need to make a payment, you select which of your cards you want the money to be taken from through the app, hand the Curve card to the cashier, et voil à , no more going around with an overly swollen wallet in your pocket.

Curve Black costs £9.99 a month. In return, you get a higher limit for foreign ATM withdrawals and currency exchange, plus some extra perks. More specifically, Curve Black comes with:

• Unlimited fee-free transactions abroad (on weekdays). While the standard Curve and Curve X plans limit this to £1,000 and £2,000 per month respectively, and charge a 2% fee after that, you can spend as much as you want out of the country with Curve Black. This is subject to a fair use policy of £15,000 per year, beyond which a fee of 2% may apply. However, all Curve options charge an extra fee (normally 0.5%) on currency exchange for transactions made during the weekend, when the markets are closed.
• Up to £400 fee-free ATM withdrawals abroad. This is compared to a limit of £200 for Curve Standard and Curve X. If you go above, you’ll be charged a 2% fee.
• 1% cashback at six premium retailers as an introductory offer. Retailers include universally popular services such as Amazon and Netflix. Be aware that reward points expire 6 months after the date they were added to your card.
• Travel insurance. Covers medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and more.
• Crypto Rewards. Choose to earn rewards in cryptocurrency rather than Curve Cash points.
• Customer protection. Covers purchases made on your card up to £100,000.

Curve Metal has all the benefits of Curve Black, plus a fancy metal card (in black, rose and blue, you can choose), fee-free foreign ATM withdrawals up to £600 a month and car hire excess insurance. You’ll also be able to enjoy airport lounge-key access and mobile phone insurance. Plus cashback can be earned at 6 selected retailers, compared to the 3 with Curve Black..

Curve Metal costs £14.99 a month, but if you pay the whole year in advance, it comes for £150, or a more competitive £12.50 a month.

Also, while you can cancel your Black membership anytime, if you subscribe to Curve Metal you can’t opt out for the first 6 months, unless you pay a £50 fee.

If you’re new to Curve, you need to download the app, then you’ll be able to select which Curve option you want to get.

If you already use Curve, once you open up the app, go to the “card” app, then to “manage subscription” and select the “Black” tab. Once you’ve subscribed, you’ll receive your new Black card in a few days.

You need to travel quite often to make the most out of Curve Black. If you enjoy your yearly vacation abroad but have solid roots in Britain during the remaining 11 months and a half, it’s probably not worth the fee.

However, things are different if you’re out of the country quite a bit, especially if you travel somewhere where you need a lot of cash, for example, if you’re headed towards more rural areas in Asia, Africa or South America. The travel insurance is also decent value for money and allows you to travel worry-free.

Is Curve Black safe?

How do i cancel curve black, what is curve's go back in time feature, can i connect my amex card to curve.

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Valentina Cipriani

Valentina Cipriani was a writer at Finder UK. She wrote news, features and guides about banking and credit cards, helping people to improve their financial lives. She holds an MA in International Journalism. See full profile

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The Best No-Fee Travel Credit Cards

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

One of the easiest ways to save money traveling is by using credit cards (responsibly) to collect points and miles . This essentially transforms your everyday spending into free flights, free hotel stays, and other awesome travel perks.

Not only does this stretch your travel budget but it levels up your travel experience, providing free upgrades, lounge access, and much, much more.

Whether you want to be on the road for longer, take more trips, or simply save money on your next vacation, points and miles can get you there.

However, most of the best travel credit cards have annual fees (sometimes huge ones).

While annual fees are usually worth it for frequent travelers (you can get much more value out of a card than its annual fee), if you’re new to all of this or don’t travel that much, you may want to get a no-fee card first.

And there are a lot of no-fee cards out there. Which one do you pick?

Here is my list of the best no-fee travel credit cards so you can start earning points toward free travel today:

Table of Contents

1. The Bilt Rewards Mastercard

2. capital one ventureone rewards credit card, 3. chase freedom unlimited®, cards with low fees.

You can transfer points 1:1 to travel partners, including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United, Emirates, Hawaiian, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Air France/KLM, Hyatt, and IHG. The fact that you can transfer Bilt points to American Airlines and Alaska Airlines really sets this card apart as no other card’s points transfer to these airlines. Amassing Bilt points is the only way to get these points without having an American or Alaska card.

Bilt also integrates with point.me , a handy search and booking engine for award flights.

This card offers:

• 1x points on rental payments
• 2x points on travel
• 3x points on dining
• American Airlines and Alaska Airlines as transfer partners (it’s the only card that does)
• Rent Day benefits: monthly giveaways and challenges as well as 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel, and 2x on spending on the 1st of the month
• Access to the Bilt Milestone Rewards program (where you get more perks and earning power the more points you accumulate)
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Trip Delay Reimbursement
• No foreign transaction fees

The Bilt card is absolutely a no-brainer for renters who love to travel. To learn more, read my full Bilt Review . It is the card I use the most right now (especially on rent days).

—> LEARN MORE

• Earn 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• 1.25x points on all purchases
• 5x points on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Travel accident and car rental insurance

LEARN MORE —> LEARN MORE

• bonus_miles_full
• 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3% cash back on restaurants and drugstores

If the cards above are a little too basic for your needs and you want something more intermediate, here’s a quick list of travel credit cards with affordable fees:

card_name ($95 annual fee) – 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services, 2x points on travel (5x when booked through Chase Travel (SM) , travel protections, and a $50 annual hotel credit when you book and prepay through Chase Travel (SM) .

card_name ($95 annual fee) – 2x points on all purchases, 5x points on hotels/rental cars booked on Capital One travel, $100 Global Entry/TSA pre-check credit, 2 airport lounge visits per year.

card_name ($95 annual fee) – If you’re a business owner, this card offers 3x points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent each year on shipping, internet, phone, travel, and online advertising. It also offers free cards for employees.  

While fee-based cards have better earning structures and travel benefits , if you’re new to the points and miles game, the idea of forking out for an annual fee might put you off from travel cards entirely. But if you love to travel (or want to travel more), not collecting points and miles is the biggest mistake you could make .

No-fee cards are a great place to start so that you can begin to work towards free flights and hotel stays today, without having to think about whether you’re getting enough value out of the card to justify the annual fee.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Advertiser Disclosure: “Nomadic Matt has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Some or all of the card offers on this page are from advertisers and compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Nomadic Matt and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.”

Editorial Disclosure: “Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.”

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Title Transfers and Changes

To prove vehicle ownership, it’s important to have a valid, up-to-date, and accurate California Certificate of Title. Here’s how you can transfer and change a title. 

Transfer your Title online!

You can now transfer a title online. Learn more about the steps and get started.

How to Transfer a Title

Anytime there’s a change to a vehicle or vessel’s registered owner or lienholder, that change must be updated in DMV’s records within 10 days and the California Certificate of Title must be transferred to the new owner.

A change in ownership is usually due to:

• Sale, gift, or donation
• Adding or deleting the name of an owner
• Inheritance
• Satisfaction of lien (full payment of car loan)

To transfer a title, you will need:

• Either the California Certificate of Title or an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (if the title is missing). 
• The signature(s) of seller(s) and lienholder (if any).
• The signature(s) of buyer(s).
• A transfer fee .

Depending on the type of transfer, you might need to complete and submit additional forms. See below for other title transfers and title transfer forms.

Submit your title transfer paperwork and fee (if any) to a DMV office or by mail to: 

DMV PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269

Rush Title Processing

If you need us to expedite your title processing, you can request rush title processing for an additional fee.

Transfer Fees

Depending on the type of transfer, you may need to pay the following fees:

• Replacement title
• Use tax, based on the buyer’s county of residence
• Registration

See the full list of fees .

Renewal fees and parking/toll violation fees don’t need to be paid to issue a replacement California Certificate of Title.

Title Transfer Forms

These forms may be required when transferring ownership of a vehicle or vessel:  Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form (call the DMV’s automated voice system at 1-800-777-0133 to have a form mailed to you) Statement of Facts (REG 256) Lien Satisfied/Title Holder Release (REG 166) Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability Smog certification Vehicle Emission System Statement (Smog) (REG 139) Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG 4008) Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5) Bill of Sale (REG 135) Verification of Vehicle (REG 31)

Other Title Transfers

When you’re buying a new car or a used car from a dealership, the dealer will handle the paperwork and you’ll receive your title from DMV in the mail.

When vehicle ownership is transferred between two private parties, it’s up to them to transfer the title. If you have the California Certificate of Title for the vehicle , the seller signs the title to release ownership of the vehicle. The buyer should then bring the signed title to a DMV office to apply for transfer of ownership. 

If you don’t have the California Certificate of Title , you need to use an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) to transfer ownership. The lienholder’s release, if any, must be notarized. The buyer should then bring the completed form to a DMV office and we will issue a new registration and title.

Make sure you have all signatures on the proper lines to avoid delays.

Other Steps for the Seller When Vehicle Ownership is Transferred

• 10 years old or older.
• Commercial with a GVW or CGW of more than 16,000 pounds.
• New and being transferred prior to its first retail sale by a dealer.
• Complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 days of releasing ownership and keep a copy for your records.

Once the seller gives the buyer all required documentation and DMV receives the completed NRL, the seller’s part of the transaction is complete.

*If the vehicle has been sold more than once with the same title, a REG 262 is required from each seller.

Other Steps for the Buyer When Vehicle Ownership is Transferred

• Current registered owner(s), how names are joined (“and/or”), and lienholder/legal owner (if any).
• License plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, and registration expiration date.
• Title brands (if any).
• Words “Nontransferable/No California Title Issued,” indicating a California title was not issued and a REG 227 cannot be used (see FAQs).
• Get a smog inspection (if applicable).

Once the buyer has provided the DMV with all the proper documents and fees, the vehicle record is updated to reflect the change of ownership and a registration card is issued.

A new title is issued from DMV headquarters within 60 calendar days.

To transfer a vehicle between family members, submit the following:

• The California Certificate of Title properly signed or endorsed on line 1 by the registered owner(s) shown on the title. Complete the new owner information on the back of the title and sign it.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) for use tax and smog exemption (if applicable).
• Odometer disclosure for vehicles less than 10 years old.
• Transfer fee .

You may transfer a vehicle from an individual to the estate of that individual without signatures on the Certificate of Title.

Submit the following:

• The California Certificate of Title. On the back of the title, the new owner section must show “Estate of (name of individual)” and their address. Any legal owner/lienholder named on the front of the title must be re-entered on the back of the title.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) confirming the owner is deceased and Letters Testamentary have not been issued. The person completing the statement must indicate their relationship to the deceased.

Use tax and a smog certification are not required.

Vehicle ownership can be transferred to a deceased owner’s heir 40 days after the owner’s death, as long as the value of the deceased’s property in California does not exceed:

• $150,000 if the deceased died before 1/1/20.
• $166,250 if the deceased died on or after 1/1/20.

If the heir will be the new owner, submit the following to a DMV office:

• The California Certificate of Title. The heir must sign the deceased registered owner’s name and countersign on line 1. The heir should complete and sign the back of the title.
• Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5) , completed and signed by the heir.
• An original or certified copy of the death certificate of all deceased owners.

If the heir prefers to sell the vehicle, the buyer also needs (in addition to the items above):

• Bill of Sale (REG 135) from the heir to the buyer.
• Transfer fee (two transfer fees are due in this case).

To transfer vessel ownership, submit the following:

• The California Certificate of Ownership. The registered owner signs line 1. The legal owner/lienholder (if any) signs line 2. Complete the new owner information on the back of the certificate and sign it.
• Bill(s) of sale, if needed to establish a complete chain of ownership.
• A Vessel Registration Fee .
• Use tax based on the tax rate percentage for your county of residence.

After you sell a vessel, complete a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within five days of releasing ownership and keep a copy for your records.

How to Update or Change a Title

Because a California Certificate of Title is a legal document, it is important to keep it accurate and up-to-date. Here’s how you can update or change a title. 

Order a Replacement California Certificate of Title

You must order a replacement California Certificate of Title when the original is lost, stolen, damaged, illegible, or not received. 

To order a replacement title, submit the following:

• Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) .
• The original title (if you have it).
• California photo driver license (if submitting form in person).
• Replacement title fee .
• If another replacement title was issued in the past 90 days, a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) completed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). This requirement only applies if the registered owner’s name or address doesn’t match DMV records*.

You can submit your application either in-person* at a DMV office or by mail:

Department of Motor Vehicles Registration Operations PO Box 942869 Sacramento, California 94269-0001

If you’re submitting your form to a DMV office, we recommend you make an appointment so you can avoid any lines. 

You’ll receive your title by mail 15-30 calendar days from the date you submit the replacement title application.

*If you’re applying for a replacement title and the registered owner’s name or address doesn’t match DMV records (except for obvious typographical errors), you must submit your application in person with proof of ownership (e.g. registration card) and an acceptable photo ID (e.g. driver’s license/ID card).

Online Replacement Title Request

Visit our Virtual Office to request a replacement title online.

Change or Correct a Name on a Title

Your true full name must appear on your vehicle or vessel California Certificate of Title and registration card. If your name is misspelled, changes (e.g as a result of marriage or divorce), or is legally changed, you need to correct your name on your title.

To change or correct your name, submit:

• California Certificate of Title with your correct name printed or typed in the “New Registered Owner” section
• A completed Name Statement in Section F of the Statement of Facts (REG 256) .

You may submit your application to any DMV office or by mail to:

Department of Motor Vehicles Vehicle Registration Operations PO Box 942869 Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Removing Information that was Entered by Mistake

If a name or other information is entered on a title by mistake, complete a Statement to Record Ownership (REG 101) .

Frequently Asked Questions

If the vehicle has a legal owner/lienholder, then section 5 of the REG 227 needs to be notarized. If the registration does not show a legal owner/lienholder, notarization is not required.

Need help finding the lienholder on your vehicle title? We keep a listing of banks, credit unions, and financial/lending institutions that may have gone out of business, merged, changed their name, or been acquired by another financial institution.

No. You must obtain a title from the state where the vehicle was last titled.

If you’re unable to obtain a title from that state, provide documentation that they cannot issue a title. A motor vehicle bond may be required

Contact us for more information .

Need something else?

Fee calculator.

Use our fee calculator to estimate any applicable registration or title transfer fees.

Renew Your Vehicle Registration

You need to renew your vehicle registration every 1-5 years in California, depending on the vehicle. Make sure your registration is up-to-date.

Make an Appointment

Some applications can be submitted to a DMV office near you. Make an appointment so you don’t have to wait in line.

General Disclaimer

When interacting with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Virtual Assistant, please do not include any personal information.

When your chat is over, you can save the transcript. Use caution when using a public computer or device.

The DMV chatbot and live chat services use third-party vendors to provide machine translation. Machine translation is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by the third-party vendors and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the content resulting from the use of the translation service.

The content currently in English is the official and accurate source for the program information and services DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated content, please refer to the English version.

Google™ Translate Disclaimer

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google™ Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. This translation application tool is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. Google™ Translate is a free third-party service, which is not controlled by the DMV. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by Google™ Translate and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the pages resulting from the use of the translation application tool.

The web pages currently in English on the DMV website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version.

The following pages provided on the DMV website cannot be translated using Google™ Translate:

• Publications
• Field Office Locations
• Online Applications

Please install the Google Toolbar

Google Translate is not support in your browser. To translate this page, please install the Google Toolbar (opens in new window) .

Protect Your Trip »

The best way to renew a passport in 2024.

The proposed online passport renewal system is behind schedule.

The Best Way to Renew a Passport

Getty Images

Key Takeaways

• Online passport renewals remain unavailable.
• In the meantime, the easiest way to renew your passport is by mail.
• It's best to renew your passport several months before it expires.
• Some countries require that your passport is valid at least six months beyond the date of your arrival.

In late 2022, the U.S. Department of State began a pilot program in which volunteers could apply to renew their passport online. More than 500,000 passport holders participated in the trial before it was paused in March 2023. The system, which was expected to roll out nationwide late last year, is still in product testing.

Until the online passport renewal program is reinstated, it's best to renew your passport by mail – though there are some instances where you may have no choice but to renew in person. Read on to learn what you need and what to expect when renewing your passport by mail or in person, along with answers to some of the most common questions around passport renewals.

How to renew your passport by mail

If you have an expired or expiring passport in your possession that was issued when you were at least 16 years old and within the past 15 years, you can renew your passport by mail as long as it's relatively undamaged. You'll need to submit the following documentation:

• Form DS-82:  Complete the  DS-82  renewal application.
• Existing passport:  You will need to send your current U.S. passport, but if you're someone who likes to look back fondly at all of your passport stamps, don't worry – you should receive the original passport back with your new one.
• Passport photo:  Include a new photo that meets passport requirements (outlined in more detail in the FAQ section below).
• Check or money order:  Once you determine the applicable fees for your passport renewal, payment must be made with either a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State," on the front of which you'll print the full name and date of birth of the applicant. You cannot pay online or send cash at this time.

You can mail all your materials – including your old passport and any name change documents – in a large envelope through the U.S. Postal Service to one of the National Passport Processing Center's designated P.O. boxes; the address varies depending on what state you live in and whether you choose expedited or routine service. Note that if you use a delivery method other than USPS, your application will be returned to you without being processed.

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How to renew your passport in person

If your passport has been damaged, lost or stolen; was issued before you turned 16; or is more than 15 years old, you'll need to renew it in person with the following documentation:

• Form DS-11:  You can fill out the  DS-11  passport application online or by hand, but don't sign the form until an authorized agent instructs you to do so.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship:  This evidence can take the form of an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, among  certain other options . Aside from the physical proof, you must also bring a photocopy for the State Department to keep.
• Identification document:  Your government-issued photo ID can be a driver's license, a government employee or military ID, a valid foreign passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or another form of  ID deemed acceptable  by the State Department. Just as with the citizenship proof, you have to make a photocopy of your photo ID too.
• Passport photo:  See the FAQ section below for U.S. passport photo requirements.
• Form of payment:  When submitting your application at a passport acceptance facility (such as designated libraries, post offices or local government offices), you'll need to pay for the application fee with either a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." The acceptance facility will also charge a separate $35 fee that can be paid by money order or (at select locations) by check, cash or card.

Frequently Asked Questions

U.S. passports are valid for 10 years as long as they were issued when you were 16 years of age or older.

It's best to renew your passport several months before it expires, factoring in mailing times plus current processing times, which are six to eight weeks. Note that in many countries, visitors' passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you intend to return to the U.S. You can check the U.S. Department of State's website for information on policies by country.

No, but if you can't supply a birth certificate, you must be able to provide either a valid, undamaged passport; a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth; a Certificate of Naturalization; or a Certificate of Citizenship. If your state issued a birth abstract (a summary of your birth record), you can submit it as long as it meets the requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of State.

If you cannot provide any of the above, you will need to submit secondary citizenship evidence such as a delayed birth certificate or a Letter of No Record, plus the DS-10 birth affidavit form and early public records like a baptism certificate or doctor's record of postnatal care. Consult the State Department website for other examples of early public records you can use.

Unless you make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility that is equipped to take passport photos, plan to provide a high-resolution photo taken in the last six months whether you complete the process online, by mail or in person.

Photo specs: The photo should be in color and measure 2 by 2 inches; use the State Department's photo tool to ensure it's the correct size. If you're taking the picture at home, stand in front of a plain white or off-white background that's well lit. You will need to have someone else snap the photo, as selfies are not permitted.

Clothing: Glasses are not permitted in photos, nor is any attire that resembles a uniform. It's best to wear plain, everyday clothing. Hats and head coverings aren't allowed in passport photos, unless you sign a statement verifying they are worn as part of a recognized religious practice or provide a written doctor's note confirming they're for a medical purpose.

Expression: Your head should be centered, in full view and facing forward. Pose with a neutral expression or natural smile (don't show your teeth) and ensure your eyes are open.

If you're confident you can follow the guidelines and want to take your photo at home, you can either print it yourself on matte or glossy photo paper or upload it to a passport photo printing service (offered by CVS, Target, Walmart and others). For online applications, you can simply upload the file.

Otherwise, a passport photo can be easily obtained for a fee from select post offices, shipping stores, passport acceptance facilities, and even big box stores and major drugstores (including the same ones that offer printing services).

Technically, you cannot "renew" a passport for a child younger than age 16. Instead, you must reapply using the same in-person process you went through to acquire their first passport. For a list of step-by-step instructions and required documentation for minors, see How to Get a U.S. Passport for Kids . If your child is at least 16 years of age, however, you can renew their passport using the methods detailed above.

If your name has changed since your last passport was issued, you'll need to provide documentation – such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order – that serves as proof of the name change. This requirement applies with whatever method you choose to renew your passport.

As of 2024, the renewal fee for an adult passport book is $130. The State Department's fee calculator provides additional information on passport fees.

Routine processing times for expired passport renewals currently range from six to eight weeks, beginning when the passport center or agency receives your application to renew your passport, according to the U.S. Department of State. Sometimes the process can take less time, but don't count on it.

If you're in a rush to renew your passport, you can pay for expedited service. There are a couple of options:

If you can wait two to three weeks: Expedite your passport by mail. Clearly write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope. Be sure to submit payment for the $60 expediting fee with your application; if you also want to request the fastest return shipping (which takes one or two days), you'll need to pay $19.53 on top of that.

If you need your passport in days: If you have a life-or-death emergency that requires your passport to be renewed in days or urgent international travel plans necessitating a passport within two weeks, you'll need to make an appointment with a regional passport agency.

Also an option is a service such as RushMyPassport , touting easy, expedited service in as little as one week (though these services can come with a hefty fee). If you're a member of AAA, you can take advantage of exclusive rates on expedited passport renewals through RushMyPassport.

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U.s. department of the treasury, irs announce direct file as permanent free tax filing option, all 50 states and d.c. invited to join in filing season 2025.

New Free Tool Made Possible by Resources from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act

WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that Direct File will be a permanent, free tax filing option and invited all 50 states and the District of Columbia to join in Filing Season 2025. This announcement follows a successful Pilot Program that saw 140,000 taxpayers claim more than $90 million in refunds and save an estimated $5.6 million in filing costs. 

Direct File was made possible by resources from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to invest in the IRS and deliver world-class service to American taxpayers that saves them time and money. The Treasury Department’s goal in the coming years is to expand the reach and tax scope of Direct File to provide an option for working-and middle-class taxpayers nationwide. 

“President Biden is committed to saving Americans time and money and ensuring families receive the tax benefits they’re owed. Providing a free tool to all Americans who want the option to file directly with the IRS is key to achieving those goals,” said U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. “After a successful pilot, we are making Direct File permanent and inviting all 50 states to offer this free filing option to their residents. The Treasury Department and IRS look forward to working with states to expand Direct File for Americans across the country.”

Direct File is central to the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to deliver modern, world-class customer service using Inflation Reduction Act resources. Direct File also advances a goal of the IRS’s Strategic Operation Plan (SOP) to ensure that taxpayers receive tax credits that they are eligible for, like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. The IRS will continue to improve the product over time and ensure that it remains free, secure, and easy to use.

Background on the Direct File Pilot Program

The average American spends $270 and 13 hours filing their taxes. (Taxpayer Burden Survey)  President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act required the IRS to study the potential for an IRS-run Direct e-File System that would allow taxpayers to file taxes for free, directly with the IRS. After reviewing the report, which showed strong taxpayer interest in a free IRS filing option, the Treasury Department initiated a pilot of IRS Direct File during the 2024 Filing Season.

In Filing Season 2024, Direct File was available to taxpayers with simple tax situations in 12 states. The Pilot exceeded expectations with more than 140,000 Americans successfully filing in the five weeks the program was widely available following extensive product testing. These filers claimed more than $90 million in refunds and saved an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees on their federal returns alone.

Direct File users also reported a high degree of satisfaction and quick answers to their filing questions. In a GSA Touchpoints survey of more than 11,000 Direct File users, 90 percent of respondents ranked their experience with Direct File as “Excellent” or “Above Average.” A majority of survey respondents who filed taxes in the prior year reported having to pay to prepare their taxes last year. Among survey respondents, 47 percent of users paid to file their taxes last year and 16 percent did not file last year at all. 

In Treasury and IRS engagements with Direct File users, taxpayers relayed that Direct File was straightforward to use, and they valued features that allowed them to learn more about different tax situations, credits, and deductions. Taxpayers emphasized their appreciation for the fact that Direct File is always free and there are no hidden fees or attempts to upsell users as they moved through the filing process. Taxpayers also shared that filing directly with the IRS gave them confidence and that they were able to quickly fix mistakes and get their taxes filed accurately.   

After engaging directly with users to hear about their experience, reviewing results from a GSA touchpoints survey, and analyzing additional data, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel recommended to Secretary Yellen to make Direct File permanent . He cited overwhelming satisfaction from users, improved ease of tax filing, and lower costs for taxpayers among the reasons for his recommendation, which Secretary Yellen has accepted .

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Why You’ll Pay More and Behave Better When You Travel This Summer

From Barcelona to Bali, higher fees and new rules are targeting overtourism and unruly behavior. Some locals are worried the changes will keep tourists away.

By Paige McClanahan

A new tourist fee in Bali. Higher hotel taxes in Amsterdam and Paris. Stricter rules on public drinking in Milan and Majorca. Ahead of the summer travel season, leaders in many tourist spots have adopted measures to tame the tourist crowds — or at least earn more revenue from them.

All of this may pose headaches for travelers, although in most cases, the new fees or tax increases represent only a tiny fraction of the total cost of a trip. The goal is to ensure that tourism functions smoothly for visitors and locals alike, said Megan Epler Wood, managing director of the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program at Cornell University.

“All tourism is dependent on beautiful natural and cultural resources. You have to protect those resources in order to be a viable tourism destination — and if you don’t, they degrade,” Ms. Epler Wood said.

In some places, proposals for new fees or visitor rules have drawn opposition from residents, who fear they might scare away the tourists who bolster the local economy. But destinations need to find ways to counteract what Ms. Epler Wood calls “ the invisible burden ” of tourism, which includes strains on a community’s infrastructure, utilities and housing stock, as well as tourists’ carbon footprint and any challenges they might impose on residents’ daily lives.

“You put so much pressure on the place that the people who live there become unhappy, and then they don’t present a very good face to tourists,” Ms. Epler Wood said. “The longer you wait, the higher the cost to fix it.”

Here is a look at new measures that travelers can expect this summer, and where others might be coming in the future.

New visitor fees

Since February, visitors to the Indonesian island of Bali have been asked to pay a levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiahs, or about $9.40 per visit. Revenue will be used to support the preservation of cultural and natural assets on the island, where tourism has brought major challenges related to litter, water supply and overcrowding. Visitors are encouraged to pay the new fee online before departure, although it’s also possible to pay on arrival at the airport.

Beginning Aug. 1, most foreign travelers to the Galápagos Islands — which had a record-breaking 330,000 visitors last year — must pay a $200 entry fee, double the current rate. The money raised will be used to support conservation, improve infrastructure and fund community programs.

The change is the first increase to the entry fee since it was introduced in 1998, said Tom O’Hara, communications manager for the Galápagos Conservation Trust . Mr. O’Hara noted that the increase comes a year after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee urged the government of Ecuador to work toward a “zero-growth model” for tourism in the Galápagos.

“It’s quite a complicated topic,” Mr. O’Hara said, noting that the fee increase has been viewed “as part of the solution to overtourism.” On the other hand, he added, “everyone is trying to reassure the local tourist industry that this isn’t going to kill tourism on the islands.

In April, Venice began imposing a fee — 5 euros, about $5.40 — on day-trippers visiting on peak days, with the goal of striking “a new balance between the tourists and residents.”

But the new Venice Access Fee has drawn criticism from residents. “This project is a disaster for us. We are a city, not a park,” said Matteo Secchi, the president of Venessia.com, an association of Venice residents. Mr. Secchi said that a communications campaign would have been more effective.

The possibility of a new tourist fee has also drawn local opposition in Hawaii, where Gov. Josh Green has proposed a “climate impact fee” for visitors to the state. The measure failed during a recent meeting of the State Legislature, but Governor Green has persisted in calling for visitors to help fund the state’s preparation for future climate shocks.

“We have to get this tiger by the tail,” he told journalists in May, adding that $25 per visitor could raise $250 million a year, which the state could use to guard against climate disasters, manage erosion, strengthen infrastructure and protect parks.

Hotel fees and other taxes get a bump

Hotel taxes, also known as occupancy or accommodation taxes, are widespread in the United States and Europe, where they were on the rise for a decade leading up to the pandemic. With tourism’s rebound to prepandemic levels, several destinations have increased or adjusted the tax to capture more revenue.

Like Hawaii, Greece — which also suffered severe wildfires last summer — is looking to steel itself against climate disasters, and the government wants tourists to help foot the bill. Greece is calling the charge a climate crisis resilience fee , and it will be collected by accommodation providers. The tax will be higher from March to October, when it will top out at €10 per night at five-star hotels. The rate drops from November to February, and for hotels with fewer stars. The fee replaces the previous hotel tax, which ranged from €0.50 to €4 per night.

In Amsterdam, the hotel tax, which was already one of the highest in Europe, rose to 12.5 percent from 7 percent on Jan. 1. City lawmakers have also raised the tax on cruise passengers to €14 from €11 per person per night.

The hotel tax in Barcelona also rose this year, increasing to €3.25 per night. The measure was the final step-up in a gradual increase that began before the pandemic. A spokesman for Barcelona City Hall said that further tax increases would be aimed at tourist rental apartments and cruises that make short stopovers, which contribute less to the city’s income. The spokesman also noted that revenue generated by the tourist tax is being used, among other things, to fund the installation of solar panels and air-conditioning in Barcelona’s public schools.

Ahead of this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, lawmakers in the Île-de-France region have imposed a new tax, on top of the normal hotel levy. With the new tax, which will fund public transportation in the region, a guest in a five-star hotel now owes a total of €10.73 in tax per night stayed, while a stay in a two-star hotel incurs a tax of €3.25 per night.

Though the measure was adopted by the regional government, it was not supported by the leadership in Paris itself. A spokeswoman for Paris City Hall called the move “a democratic power grab” that “in no way benefits the city of Paris.” She noted that even with the funds generated by the new tax, the region still raised the price of tickets for public transportation in the city during the Olympics — a measure that has disgruntled many Paris residents.

Introducing new rules

In other tourist spots, the focus is on curbing behavior that pollutes the local environment or harms residents’ quality of life.

In Japan, authorities at Mount Fuji will cap visitors at 4,000 per day. They have also imposed a new fee of 2,000 yen (about $13) for access to the iconic summit. Elsewhere in the country, a community council in the Gion neighborhood of Kyoto has closed some small roads to tourists, after complaints that the area, home to the city’s geisha district, was suffering from crowds.

“We will ask tourists to refrain from entering narrow private streets in or after April,” Isokazu Ota, a leading member of the community council, told Agence-France Presse in March. “We don’t want to do this, but we’re desperate.”

A spokeswoman for the city’s tourism board described the road closures as “a local initiative,” adding that “neither Kyoto City nor the Kyoto City Tourism Association are aware of any details beyond what is reported in the media.”

Rowdy visitor behavior has been the target of new rules in Milan. In some areas, city leaders have banned outdoor seating after 12:30 a.m. during the week and 1:30 a.m. on the weekend in response to resident complaints. They have also limited the late-night sale of takeaway food and drinks.

And in certain areas on the Spanish Balearic Islands of Majorca and Ibiza that are overrun with drunk tourists, the government has imposed a ban on late-night sales of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in the street. New restrictions have also been imposed on party boats in the same areas.

“Tourism has negative externalities that must be managed and minimized,” Marga Prohens, the president of the Balearic Islands, told a local gathering this month , according to The Majorca Daily Bulletin. Local tourism, she said, “cannot continue to grow in volume.”

Paige McClanahan, a regular contributor to the Travel section, is author of “The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel,” forthcoming from Scribner on June 18.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

Japan:  A new high-speed train stop unlocks Kaga, a destination for hot springs, nourishing food and traditional crafts , as an easy-to-reach getaway from Tokyo.

London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .