I’ve been using Curve since 2020. Here’s my honest take on what’s changed, what’s still great, and whether you should bother in 2026.
Grab Your Free Bonus
Full disclosure: This post has affiliate links. Using my link gives you a £5 bonus!
The Short Answer
It depends on which tier you pick:
- Free: Very limited (only 2 cards, 3 Go Back in Time a month)
- Pro (£9.99/mo): Worth it if you travel abroad
- Metal (£14.99/mo): Premium perks plus travel insurance
BEST REASON: Double Cashback!
This is the game-changer most people don’t know about.
Curve stacks on TOP of your existing card’s cashback.
Already have a cashback credit card? Use it through Curve and you get:
- Your card’s cashback
- PLUS Curve’s cashback
That’s double dipping. If your card gives 1% and Curve gives 1%, you’re getting 2% total on every purchase.
Examples from my Curve app just this week:
- Argos: 3.5% cashback (on top of whatever your card gives)
- Wilko: 3% cashback
- Thousands of other retailers
This alone can be worth £10 to £50+ per month depending on your spending.
What Actually Made Me Keep Curve
1. Go Back in Time Saved Me £30
Last month, I bought £200 of groceries on my debit card without realising I’d hit my overdraft. Instead of paying £30+ fees, I switched it to my credit card via Curve. Done.
This feature alone has saved me hundreds over the years.
2. Fee-Free Foreign Spending
My bank charges 3% abroad. Curve? Zero (on Pro/Metal). If you travel once a year, the £9.99 per month pays for itself.
The Drawbacks
- Free tier is very limited now (only 2 cards)
- Trustpilot rating is rough: 2.6/5, mainly KYC and support issues
- No Amex support
- Lloyds acquisition: uncertain what happens next
Verdict
If you have a cashback card, Curve is a no-brainer. You’re literally throwing money away otherwise.
Even without cashback cards, the travel and overdraft features are still useful.
Start with free, upgrade if needed.