Curve

Curve allows customers to consolidate multiple cards into one smart card and an even smarter app. The unique Curve card allows customers to supercharge their legacy banks to the 21st century without leaving their bank.

Curve offers a host of benefits to its customers, who get instant notifications and categorization across their spending; the ability to fit their cards into Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, even if their banks don’t support this.

Initially, a UK-based company, Curve, now operates in 31 markets across Europe and is expanding to the US, providing services for over 3M users.

Curve created a card and mobile application that provide access to all users’ credit and debit cards. To enhance user experience, the company developed a “Go Back in Time” feature that helps in case a purchase was paid using the wrong card. Customers have up to 120 days from the payment date to choose from which card linked to Curve to withdraw the funds.

Using “Go Back in Time”, the company developed a proprietary BNPL service called Curve Flex. The product enables the conversion of customers’ previous payments up to a year ago, at any merchant from any card, into instalment loans. Whether a customer wants to split a retail purchase, place an online order, pay household bills, or has an unexpected need for cash, one just needs to swipe a transaction and select the number of instalments. The amount is refunded almost immediately, giving customers convenience and control over their money.

Other services include cashback, currency conversion at wholesale rate and fee-free foreign ATM cash withdrawals.

Curve’s strategy is based on the fact that the market is flooded by debit and credit cards issued by traditional banks. According to the company's research, the average person in the UK carries around 3 cards, while in the US, that figure is closer to 5. Furthermore, non-traditional FinTech startups are issuing their own cards, accelerating the number of cards and market fragmentation. The Curve’s solution to this trend is reflected in the company's vision: “Simplify your finances with all your cards in one. Carry less. See more. Spend smart. Save more”.

Curve’s strategy goes beyond providing a single consolidated card; the company integrates all financial services into a super app that allows users to manage personal finances seamlessly. Thus, Curve does not compete with banks; instead, it represents a new industry that overtops and enhances the banking sector.

The company describes the target market as higher-income individuals in their 30s working in tech or finance industries, who own multiple credit cards, travel and dine out regularly.