Best Travel Cards: Revolut vs Curve Comparision
In an era where global travel is commonplace, the efficiency of managing finances abroad is a key concern. Choosing the right travel card, like Revolut or Curve, can make a significant difference in terms of costs and convenience. These cards offer unique features, but understanding their fee structures, especially during weekends versus weekdays, is crucial for travelers.
Revolut’s Travel Card Features
Revolut stands out for its competitive edge in international spending. Here’s a closer look at its fee structure:
- Currency Exchange Rates: Revolut offers interbank exchange rates. However, during weekends (Friday 23:59 – Sunday 23:59), a markup ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% is added to major currencies to account for market fluctuations.
- Withdrawal Limits: Free ATM withdrawals are limited to a certain amount per month (e.g., £200). Beyond this, a 2% fee is applied.
- Weekday vs. Weekend Fees: For transactions during weekdays, Revolut applies the real exchange rate without additional fees for most currencies. On weekends, as mentioned, a markup is added.
Curve’s Travel Card Features
Curve offers a straightforward approach with a focus on flexibility. Here’s how their fees are structured:
- Dynamic Currency Conversion: Curve offers currency conversion at the Mastercard wholesale rate. A 2% fee applies if the transaction involves a currency not held in the account.
- Real-Time Notifications: Curve provides instant notifications, including details on currency conversion rates.
- Weekday vs. Weekend Fees: Curve applies the Mastercard wholesale rate without additional fees on weekdays. However, for weekends, there’s a surcharge of 0.5% to 1.5% on foreign transactions, similar to Revolut.
| Feature | Revolut (Weekdays) | Revolut (Weekends) | Curve (Weekdays) | Curve (Weekends) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Rates | Interbank Rate | Interbank Rate + 0.5% to 1.5% | Mastercard Rate | Mastercard Rate + 0.5% to 1.5% |
| Withdrawal Limits | Up to £200 free, then 2% fee | Same as weekdays | Varies | Same as weekdays |
| Transaction Fees | None | 0.5% to 1.5% markup | 2% if currency not in account | 0.5% to 1.5% surcharge |
Additional Benefits and Considerations
When choosing a travel card, it’s important to consider more than just the fees and exchange rates. Here’s how Revolut and Curve stack up in terms of extra benefits and security features.
Revolut’s Extra Benefits
- Rewards and Perks: Revolut offers cashback rewards and discounts with various global partners, enhancing the value for frequent travelers.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage is included with premium accounts.
- Security Features: Features like card freeze/unfreeze, location-based security, and customizable spending limits add an extra layer of security.
Curve’s Extra Benefits
- All Your Cards in One: Curve allows you to link multiple bank cards, simplifying your wallet and making it easier to manage different accounts while traveling.
- Curve Cash: Offers cashback at selected retailers.
- Enhanced Security: Real-time alerts and the ability to instantly lock your card from the app provide peace of mind.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Ideal Travel Card
In conclusion, both Revolut and Curve offer compelling features for international travelers. Revolut stands out for its competitive exchange rates and comprehensive travel insurance, while Curve excels in simplifying card management and providing flexible security options.
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific travel habits and financial needs. Consider the following when making your decision:
- Fee Structure: Are you a frequent traveler who needs the best exchange rates without worrying about weekend markups? Revolut might be your go-to. However, if you prefer a more straightforward approach with fewer surcharges, Curve could be more suitable.
- Travel Frequency and Spending Habits: If you travel often and spend significantly, Revolut’s cashback rewards and insurance benefits can add value. For those who prefer a more minimalistic approach, Curve’s ease of use and card consolidation feature may be more appealing.
- Security and Management: Both cards offer robust security features, but Curve’s unique ability to consolidate multiple cards offers a different kind of convenience.
Whatever your choice, ensure it aligns with your travel lifestyle and financial goals. Both Revolut and Curve are strong contenders in the travel card market, each with their own set of advantages.
