Currensea is a travel debit card service in the UK that offers significant savings on foreign exchange fees for travelers. This article will explore various alternatives to Currensea, highlighting their unique features and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your travel needs.
Reviews
Users have shared a variety of opinions about Currensea, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement. Many appreciate the card's ease of use, significant savings on foreign exchange fees, and instant transaction notifications. However, some users have expressed frustrations, particularly with occasional technical issues and customer service response times. Overall, the sentiment is largely positive, with users finding the card helpful for travel and everyday use, but there are areas where improvements could be made.
- "The instant notifications and ease of use make it a must-have for travelers." - John D.
- "Had some issues with customer service, but the savings on FX fees are worth it." - Sarah L.
For more detailed reviews, visit Currensea Reviews.
Best alternatives to Currensea
1. OneSafe
OneSafe is a financial technology company offering a blend of traditional and web3 financial services. It provides comprehensive account services tailored for companies that operate both in fiat and cryptocurrencies.
- Features: Simple onboarding, global payments, corporate cards, customizable controls, multi-currency support, global accounts, seamless payments, state-of-the-art security.
- Pricing: Account opening is free, no minimum balance, no monthly fees, corporate cards and invoices included, 0.1% fee for US domestic payments, 0.2% fee for SEPA payments, 0.2% fee + $25 for international wires, $20 for Fedwire, 1% FX fee on corporate cards, 0.1% fee for USDT transactions, fiat to crypto conversion included.
- Testimonials: Users praise OneSafe for its exceptional customer support and seamless financial operations. Many highlight its efficiency in managing payroll and expenses, making it an essential tool for modern businesses. Source: OneSafe Testimonials.
2. Bunq
Bunq offers a business banking solution that allows users to open a business bank account in just 5 minutes using their phone and ID. The service includes a free 30-day trial of any plan. Key features include multiple bank accounts, mobile banking, contactless payment options, automation tools, high-interest savings, and collaborative financial management.
- Features: Quick account setup, create up to 25 bank accounts, accept contactless payments using Tap to Pay on iPhone and Android, bookkeeping integrations, AutoVAT, quick invoice processing, earn 1.05% interest on EUR and 2.3% on USD and GBP, share account access with co-directors and employees, open accounts with various IBANs and in multiple currencies, virtual and physical Mastercards, plant trees with card usage, manage accounts from any device using bunq Web.
- Pricing: Easy Bank Pro XL: €23.99/month, Easy Bank Pro: €13.99/month, Easy Bank: €7.99/month, Easy Savings: Free, Easy Card: Free.
- Testimonials: Users generally appreciate Bunq's innovative features and ease of use. One user mentioned, "Bunq knows how to make customers satisfied cuz they never stop adding new features and bonuses." However, another user expressed frustration with customer service, stating, "The fact that Bunq’s customer service took a full six months to respond only further highlights how poorly organized Bunq must be." Source: Trustpilot.
3. VIALET
VIALET offers a Business Account that simplifies money management for businesses of all sizes. The account can be applied for online and set up within 3 business days. It provides seamless banking and payment solutions, including online onboarding, budget control, comprehensive transaction management, and enhanced reporting.
- Features: Online onboarding without branch visits, remote ID verification and electronic signing, access to payment and money transfer services across Europe, set and adjust monthly and annual spending limits, unified view of transaction history, expenses, transfers, and invoices with real-time alerts, detailed transaction history and statements for accounting and invoicing, fast account opening process, PSD2 compliant security standards, dedicated account managers, customizable solutions for startups and global businesses.
- Pricing: VIALET offers transparent pricing, ensuring clear costs to free up resources for business success. Specific pricing details or fee structures are not provided on the webpage; users are encouraged to sign up or contact VIALET directly for detailed information.
- Testimonials: Users generally appreciate VIALET's professional and welcoming service. One user mentioned, "Vialet is everything that it should be. They are professional, kind, and fast." However, another user expressed frustration with the account opening process, stating, "They treat you as a terrorist just to say no. In 15 years, I never had to send so much information to open an account, and after 2 months exchanging emails, they say 'sorry, all this was for nothing, you lose your time.'" Source: Trustpilot.
4. RelayFi
Relay is an online business banking platform that offers small businesses comprehensive control over their finances. It provides features like business checking and savings accounts, receipt management, accounts payable, and the Relay Visa® Credit Card.
- Features: No account fees, overdraft fees, or minimum balances, up to 20 checking accounts, two savings accounts with 1.00%-3.00% APY, physical and virtual cards for team members, credit cards with 1.5% cash back, payments via ACH transfer, wire, and check, direct integrations with QuickBooks Online and Xero, receipt capture and storage, FDIC insurance up to $3M, Visa® Zero Liability Protection, two-factor authentication and biometric security, role-based user permissions for delegating money management tasks.
- Pricing: Relay offers a basic plan with no monthly fee, including essential business banking features. The Relay Pro plan starts at $30 per business per month, offering additional services like faster ACH, free wire payments, accounts payable management, and bill approval workflows.
- Testimonials: Users generally appreciate Relay's customer service and comprehensive features. One user mentioned, "No joke, the best customer service experience I have had in life to date." However, another user expressed frustration, stating, "TERRIBLE! TERRIBLE! TERRIBLE! services. Took them 7 business days to clear initial ACH deposit to open account." Source: Trustpilot.
5. Payhawk
Payhawk is a comprehensive spend management platform designed for multi-national businesses. It combines company cards, international bank payments, accounts payable with purchase orders, expense management, bank accounts in dedicated currencies, and leading integrations with ERP and accounting software into one system.
- Features: Dedicated IBANs in multiple currencies, Visa debit and credit cards in 7 currencies across 32+ countries, fully digitized employee reimbursements and travel expenses, end-to-end software for purchase orders and invoice management, market-leading integrations with ERP and accounting software, AI-powered data extraction, worldwide accounts and card issuance, dedicated customer support, compliance with PCI DSS and SOC standards.
- Pricing: Payhawk offers three main pricing plans: Premium Cards, All-In-One Spend, and Enterprise. The Premium Cards plan includes dedicated bank accounts, Visa credit and debit cards, and advanced card controls. The All-In-One Spend plan adds expense management, free domestic reimbursements, and a dedicated customer success manager. The Enterprise plan includes all features plus purchase orders with 3-way matching and multi-entity dashboard. A special Growth Program is available for small businesses at £149/month for 24 months.
- Testimonials: Users generally appreciate Payhawk's automation and ease of use. One user mentioned, "This is a great payment platform for automated online billing. It has made our bookkeeping so much easier and reduced the administrative time required." However, another user expressed frustration, stating, "Payhawk changed their business focus to larger customers and gave me ten business days' notice to close my account." Source: Trustpilot.
6. Finom
Finom offers a business account with features like cashback, invoicing, and accounting tools. It is designed for SMEs, freelancers, and companies under registration, providing a German IBAN within 24 hours, international payments, up to 3% cashback, and personal assistance within 1 minute.
- Features: German IBAN in 24 hours, international payments, up to 3% cashback, personal assistance in 1 minute, €0 tariff plan for freelancers, free cards, simple invoicing, safe access for employees and accountant, reconciliation and money collection tools, analytic data reports and accounting software integrations, support for companies under registration.
- Pricing: Finom offers two main plans: Corporate and Enterprise. The Corporate plan starts at €149 per month (paid monthly) or €119 per month (paid annually). The Enterprise plan starts at €339 per month (paid monthly) or €249 per month (paid annually). Additional fees apply for extra team members, card issuance, ATM withdrawals, SEPA and international payments, and other special services.
- Testimonials: Users generally appreciate Finom's customer-friendly approach and fast support. One user mentioned, "Very customer friendly, especially if you are expat in Germany and looking for modern bank, with very fast and helpful support (special thanks to Andrea) and more important - English speaking. I really glad that I chose Finom!" However, another user expressed frustration, stating, "Absolutely horrible company. They encouraged me to open a business account, but days after they asked for personal data of people who made payments to me. They stole money and have no answer about this matter. Not recommended." Source: Trustpilot.
7. Multipass
MultiPass offers a business account service for global payments, featuring dedicated IBANs, competitive exchange rates for over 70 currencies, and personal account management. It supports transactions in over 200 countries and provides local payment options in the UK, Europe, and the USA. The service is regulated by the FCA and ensures the safeguarding of funds.
- Features: Dedicated IBAN and payment card, competitive exchange rates for over 70 currencies, personal account manager, supports transactions in over 200 countries, local payment options in the UK, Europe, and the USA, bespoke business solutions like Virtual IBAN, Currency Exchange, Mass Payments, API Integration, and Business Cards, FCA authorization, safeguarding of funds.
- Pricing: Dedicated Relationship Manager: Free, Online banking: Free, Additional IBANs and currencies: Free, Account opening and due diligence: from £500, Priority onboarding: £500, Additional user: £100, Annual due diligence: from £100, Monthly maintenance fee: from £100, Minimum balance: from 3 monthly fees, Failure to meet minimum balance: £100, Failure to provide requested documents: £500, Account closure fee: from 3 monthly fees, Local EU (SEPA / SEPA Instant): Incoming €2, Outgoing from 0.10% (min €10), Local UK (Faster Payments): Incoming Free, Outgoing £1, Local UK (BACS / CHAPS): £20 for both incoming and outgoing, Local US (ACH): from 0.15% (min $10) for both incoming and outgoing, Local US (Fedwire): from 0.10% (min $25) for both incoming and outgoing, International (SWIFT): Incoming £20 / €25 / $30, Outgoing £40 / €50 / $60, International & Local, Other currencies: Free for both incoming and outgoing, Between MultiPass users: Free for both incoming and outgoing, Plastic Cards: Initial issuance & replacement: £10 / €12, Maintenance fee: £10 / €12, In-store and online payments: Free, Original Credit Transaction (Moneysend): £5 / €6, Chargeback claim: £50 / €60, FX markup: 1.5%, Delivery fees: Regular UK £5 / €6, Worldwide £15 / €18, Express worldwide £50 / €60, ATM withdrawal: 1.5%, ATM balance inquiry & PIN change: £5 / €6, Card disposal after failed delivery: £20 / €25, Card resending after failed delivery: £25 / €30, Virtual Cards: Initial issuance & replacement: Free, Maintenance fee: £10 / €12, Online payments: Free, Original Credit Transaction (Moneysend): £5 / €6, Chargeback claim: £50 / €60, FX markup: 1.5%.
- Testimonials: Users generally appreciate MultiPass for its exceptional support and efficient service. One user mentioned, "I would strongly recommend the MultiPass solution for any business. I would especially like to commend their exceptional support team. In particular, I am grateful to Irina Parsina for her invaluable assistance. Her help has been truly outstanding and cannot be overstated." However, another user expressed frustration, stating, "Don’t use MultiPass for transfers. They’re not reliable or helpful. Find someone else you can trust. Save yourself the hassle and seek out more dependable partners." Source: Trustpilot.
8. OneMoneyWay
OneMoneyWay is a digital platform that provides seamless global payments, secure transfers, virtual and physical payment cards, business accounts, card acquiring, and payment terminals. The services are regulated and provided by trusted partners, ensuring a comprehensive financial solution for businesses.
- Features: Fast onboarding, top-grade security, low monthly fees, invoicing module, local IBAN accounts, corporate cards, 24/7 support with a dedicated account manager.
- Pricing: Starter Plan: £49/month (billed annually) for up to 100,000 GBP revenue, Business Plan: £99/month (billed annually) for up to 2,000,000 GBP revenue, Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for unlimited revenue. All plans include business accounts, physical and virtual Mastercards, currency exchange, invoicing module, local clearing, and a dedicated account manager.
- Testimonials: Users generally appreciate OneMoneyWay's supportive staff and efficient service. One user mentioned, "OMW really deserve 5 stars. Immediate reaction and support throughout the process." However, another user expressed frustration, stating, "Read the conditions carefully and disregard verbal promises. Verbally promised me that I could freeze the account, I was billed as soon as the account was created." Source: Trustpilot.
9. Brex
Brex is a financial technology company that provides modern financial tools for businesses, including corporate credit cards, expense management, business banking, bill pay, and travel management. Their services are designed to help companies control spending, automate financial processes, and maximize their financial resources globally.
- Features: AI-powered automation, global reach in over 120 countries, high yield banking with a 4.24% yield, real-time tracking and adjustment of budgets and expenses, high credit limits up to 20x higher than traditional options, integrated travel management, enhanced security with up to $6M in additional FDIC insurance, customer-centric design with automated receipts and AI-powered expense assistant.
- Pricing: Essentials Plan: $0 per user/month, Premium Plan: $12 per user/month, Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing, Smart Card: Custom pricing. Essentials includes global card acceptance and AI-powered custom rules. Premium adds advanced approvals and multi-entity support. Enterprise offers unlimited entities and local card issuance.
- Testimonials: Users generally appreciate Brex for its ease of use and comprehensive features. One user mentioned, "Brex makes expense reporting so simple. The text feature on your phone to record receipts makes it almost impossible to forget to record expenses." However, another user expressed frustration, stating, "When typing in descriptions or other details on the app, if you make a mistake and try to correct it, the typing always goes to the end of the sentence." Source: G2.
10. N26
N26 is a mobile banking service that simplifies financial management by offering a range of products and services through an intuitive app. Users can spend, save, and invest with ease, benefiting from features like a virtual Mastercard, free ATM withdrawals, 24/7 chat support, and robust security measures.
- Features: Virtual Mastercard with no foreign transaction fees, free ATM withdrawals in euros and abroad for higher-tier memberships, 24/7 chat support in five languages, innovative security features including 3D Secure and biometric authentication, flexible savings account with competitive interest rates, investment options in stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, multiple account options (Standard, Smart, You, Metal) with varying features, quick and paperless account setup process.
- Pricing: N26 Standard: €0.00/month, N26 Smart: €4.90/month, N26 You: €9.90/month, N26 Metal: €16.90/month. The Standard account is free with no opening or maintenance fees, while the other accounts have monthly fees and offer additional features and benefits.
- Testimonials: Users generally appreciate N26 for its user-friendly interface and efficient service. One user mentioned, "Friendly and solution-oriented Service - and they found a solution. Great 🤩" However, another user expressed frustration, stating, "I was quite happy with N26 a few years ago, but it went downhill. I have lost my phone and it is impossible to log in to my account, because the only 2 options are to confirm with my phone or with my phone number, which I both don't have anymore." Source: Trustpilot.
Which one should you go with?
In conclusion, while each of these financial services offers unique features and benefits tailored to different business needs, OneSafe stands out for its seamless integration of traditional and web3 financial services, exceptional customer support, and comprehensive account management. Whether you're a small business, a freelancer, or a multinational corporation, OneSafe provides a robust and secure platform to manage your finances efficiently. While any of these options could be a good fit depending on your specific requirements, we recommend OneSafe if you're looking for a reliable and innovative alternative to Currensea.