# What is Curve? > How does the Curve card work? Curve allows you to spend from any of your accounts using just one card, clearing the clutter from your wallet and simplifyi... Source: https://help.curve.com/en_us/what-is-curve-H1y1HdnIO Last updated: 2026-07-16T08:50:44.494Z Curve is the ultimate digital wallet! It works just like any other digital wallet, however, it has unique benefits such as the ability to Go-Back-in-Time, double up on your cashback, eliminate Currency Conversion fees and more. **In this article** * [How does Curve work](#how) * [What type of card is Curve?](#cardtype) * [How does Curve interact with my bank?](#interact) ## **How does Curve work** You create an account with us within a few minutes by downloading the Curve app from the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/curve-mobile-wallet/id1049397112) or the [Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imaginecurve.curve.prd&hl=en), and selecting the [Curve card of your choice](https://www.curve.com/en-gb/plans) (because you can't shove your phone into an ATM).  You can link with Curve any Mastercard, Visa, Diners, Discover, Credit or Debit cards issued in your name, and leave them at home while only carrying Curve (which is connected to your Curve Pay). When you make a transaction using your Curve Pay or your Curve Card, it becomes the underlying funding card or funding source on your account. No need to pre-load money to Curve, or hold any balances with us. Curve Pay is a wallet, and the Curve card works like a wallet.  Part of Curve's magic is that you can use the unique features we offer, like [Anti-Embarrassment](https://help.curve.com/en_us/what-is-the-anti-embarrassment-mode-and-how-does-it-work-with-curve-Bk0fBO3IO) mode or [Go Back in Time](https://help.curve.com/en_us/what-is-go-back-in-time-ByrH_2U_) and take full control of how you spend. ### **Eligible Countries** Curve is currently available to people over 18 years old that reside in the UK and all countries within the European Economic Area (EEA). ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf-GoQGmm7X_oTOIZFKjscjM2SbP5j43rn-JGvV_DzhX18Fpp9RF4Th05lrGix5kaIOxqYCqTd-UHLN8MLIk8on1HBVS8RJQh-nLGs5VMOxcpugjy9W9a-mMxf6Q_D_5RnVNKegaQ?key=t2Sv4JIr38fNGqixGJsCHg) To order your Curve card, download the Curve app on **iOS** or **Android**. ## ## **What type of Card is Curve?** Curve is a unique card that its technology was developed and patented in-house.  Curve operates multiple types of BINs, such as Debit and Credit (both for Businesses, and Retail customers). The Curve card can be used everywhere Mastercard® is accepted. Remember, Curve doesn't hold funds like your traditional bank cards or other Fintechs.  The Curve card becomes any funding source you select it to be, supercharges your finance, and allows you to spend with your underlying payment cards without needing to carry them with you everywhere you go. Cool, right?  The Curve card can be loaded into various other wallets, such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and more.  When you load your Curve card to one of those wallets, we refer to this Curve card as a Virtual Card (or DPAN for us payment geeks).   In addition, you can see your Curve Card number in its virtual form to pay for eCommerce transactions in case your physical Curve card is not handy.  You can access your Curve card number (and PIN) at any time in the Curve app by selecting **Launchpad > Curve Pay Card > Card Details.** You can spend with Curve in-store, online and at ATMs at home or abroad, anywhere Mastercard® is accepted. Curve works in the same way that your normal bank cards do, but with Curve you can spend from any of your accounts using just one Curve card. Plus, there's no need to top up before you pay. Spending with Curve is subject to separate limits to your bank limits. See more [here](https://help.curve.com/en_us/your-curve-spending-limits-ryS1H_2Ld). ## ## **How does Curve interact with my bank?** We believe that your bank is doing a great job keeping your money safe. Using Curve doesn’t change the relationship you have with your banks, or card issuers. You'll continue receiving statements from your underlying card issuer(s) as you’d expect. Just a heads up, transactions made via Curve will appear as "CRV\* + Merchant Name” on your statements. It's also useful to know that Curve transactions are classed as e-commerce, with Curve as the merchant.  In addition, Curve's unique tech passes through the Merchant Category Code (MCC) to your card issuer so they know the type of transactions you’re making and keep earning rewards from your underlying bank. One important thing that Curve offers, unlike other offers in the market, is double the protection - one from your bank and another one from Curve, thanks to [Curve's Customer Protection](https://www.curve.com/legal/curve-customer-protection/) Policy. ### **How does my bank see my transactions with Curve?** The transactions made by Curve on your card are classed as eCommerce (online) transactions, with "Curve" as the merchant. Transactions will appear on your statement as '**CRV - Merchant Name**' **with** **the location of the transaction set as LONDON or VILNIUS** (that depends if you're based in the UK or in the European Economic Area). Note that this also applies to all types of transactions, regardless if it was made in person or online.  We pass the MCC (merchant category code) we receive to your card issuer, so they can identify your spend categories. If you have a card that gives you rewards based on categories of spend (e.g groceries, travel, etc.), you may be able to earn rewards for these purchases in addition to your Curve rewards. Your card issuer can also see whether or not you have withdrawn cash. Please be aware of cash withdrawal or cash advance fees applicable to your payment card. We recommend checking your card issuer's terms and conditions for whether any fees apply. For more information please refer to our [Fair Use Policy here.](https://www.curve.com/en/fair-use/) * * * _The Curve card, the Samsung Pay+ card and the E-money related to these cards are issued in the UK by Curve UK Limited, authorised in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority to issue electronic money (firm reference number 900926). Curve UK Ltd, registered in England and Wales, United Kingdom (company reference number: 09523903) and located at 15-19 Bloomsbury Way, Holborn, London, United Kingdom, WC1A 2TH._ _The Curve card and the e-money related to cards issued in the EEA is issued by Curve Europe UAB, authorised in Lithuania by the Bank of Lithuania (electronic money institution license No. 73 issued on 22 of October 2020). The Curve card and Samsung Pay+ card are issued pursuant to license by Mastercard International Inc. Mastercard® is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Curve Europe UAB, registered in Lithuania (company reference number: 305626541) and located at Jogailos g. 9, LT-01116 Vilnius._