While Currensea's travel debit card links to a user's existing bank account, some reported issues with card acceptance and customer service have led users to seek other options. This article will examine how Currensea works and the reasons you might consider an alternative. We will also outline other global payment solutions to consider based on your specific needs.
What is Currensea?
Currensea is a UK-based financial technology company that provides a travel debit card designed to reduce foreign exchange fees. The card links directly to your existing bank account, removing the need for top-ups while offering real-time exchange rates and immediate spending notifications.
The company provides several subscription plans and maintains a high Trustpilot rating, where users commend its ease of use and competitive rates. Some customers, however, have reported problems with card acceptance and the responsiveness of customer support.
What to Consider When Selecting a Currensea Alternative?
When searching for an alternative to Currensea, it's important to evaluate options based on your specific financial needs, especially if they extend beyond personal travel. Here are five key factors to consider:
- Fee Structure and Exchange Rates: Analyze the platform's transaction fees, monthly costs, and foreign exchange markups to ensure you're getting a competitive deal.
- Account Functionality: Determine if you need a simple travel card, a multi-currency business account, or advanced features like invoicing and payroll management.
- International Capabilities: Verify the card's global acceptance and the platform's support for various currencies and international payment systems like SWIFT or SEPA.
- Digital Asset Support: For businesses in the Web3 space, check if the platform facilitates transactions between fiat and cryptocurrencies.
- Customer Support: Look into the provider's reputation for responsive and effective customer service, as this can be vital when managing funds across borders.
If these considerations resonate with you, check out the alternatives we've detailed in the next section.
10 Best Alternatives to Currensea
1. OneSafe
OneSafe is a finance platform designed to modernize banking for businesses, particularly those operating in the Web3 and crypto sectors. We provide the tools for effective fund management, quick payments, and access to both traditional and digital assets.
Our platform offers a direct 1:1 conversion from USD to USDC on Polygon, simplifying payroll and expense management for global teams. We also provide end-to-end expense management, frictionless transfers, and responsive customer support tailored for businesses in the digital asset space.
Pricing
Here’s a look at our straightforward pricing structure, designed to be transparent and affordable for your business.
- Free Account Services: Account opening, maintenance, and card issuance come at no cost. We also don't require a minimum balance or charge a monthly subscription.
- Low-Cost Domestic Transfers: US domestic ACH and wire transfers are just 0.1% per transaction, with a flat $25 fee for Fedwire transfers.
- Competitive International Payments: SEPA (EUR) payments are 0.2% per transaction. International wires are 0.2% plus a $50 SWIFT fee.
- Transparent Crypto Fees: USDT transactions are 0.1%, and our fiat-to-crypto conversions are included at market rates with no hidden charges.
- Corporate Card FX: For non-USD spending on your corporate card, we apply a 3% foreign exchange fee.
Reviews
Clients consistently praise our platform for transforming their financial operations, particularly for businesses in the Web3 space. Users often highlight our responsive customer support and our ability to simplify complex tasks like global payroll and expense management.
- “OneSafe has the best customer support I've ever experienced from a bank.” - Amit Chu, Investments @ Celo Foundation
- “OneSafe is a game-changer. They solve so many headaches for our company. Finally a banking solution that gets it.” - Marco, CEO of Ensuro
Want to learn more? Check us out here.
2. Bunq
Bunq is a Dutch fintech company founded in 2012 that provides mobile banking services across 30 European countries. The company offers both personal and business accounts through its mobile platform.
Its accounts come with features like multiple International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs), multi-currency support, and a public API for developers. Bunq also has a sustainability focus, planting trees according to the user's rate plan and allowing customers to invest in environmental projects.
Pricing
Here's a look at their business account pricing:
- Free bunq Free: Free for sole proprietors, includes 3 bank accounts with IBANs.
- €7.99/month bunq Core: Includes 3 bank accounts with IBANs.
- €13.99/month bunq Pro: Includes 5 bank accounts with IBANs.
- €23.99/month bunq Elite: Includes 25 bank accounts with IBANs.
Reviews
User feedback often mentions the app's design and budgeting tools, while some users report issues with customer support, citing slow response times and difficulties resolving problems. Check out more Bunq reviews here.
3. VIALET
VIALET is a Lithuanian Electronic Money Institution established in 2017, offering digital banking services for small and medium-sized enterprises. The company provides dedicated IBANs for SEPA, SEPA Instant, and SWIFT transactions, as well as corporate card processing solutions.
The platform supports C2B, B2B, and B2C payment methods and offers banking APIs, mass payouts, and third-party integrations for SMEs. It also accepts payments to and from cryptocurrency processors and provides accounts for EU-licensed crypto exchanges.
Pricing
VIALET does not publicly list its pricing details on its website. To receive a price list, businesses must complete an application, and final fees may be customized based on the information provided.
Reviews
User reviews mention difficulties with the account opening process and customer service, with some citing excessive information requests, slow response times, and unprofessional behavior from staff. Check out more VIALET reviews here.
4. RelayFi
RelayFi is a financial technology company that provides an online banking platform tailored for small businesses. The service is designed to help companies manage their financial operations through its various account offerings.
The platform allows users to create up to 20 checking accounts with no fees or minimum balance requirements and offers automated savings accounts. It also supports the Profit First methodology, provides multiple debit cards with spending controls, and integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- $0/month Starter Plan: Designed for solopreneurs and new businesses, this plan includes banking features, automated savings, and integrations with accounting software.
- $30/month Grow Plan: Intended for small teams, this tier offers all Starter Plan features along with multi-step bill approval rules and branded invoices.
- $90/month Scale Plan: Tailored for larger teams, this plan provides all Grow Plan features, in addition to AI-powered automation and cash flow insights.
Reviews
User reviews for RelayFi often mention the platform's features for financial management and its integration with accounting software. However, some customers have reported issues such as transaction delays, account freezes, and occasional concerns with the clarity of customer support. Check out more RelayFi reviews here.
5. Payhawk
Payhawk is a spend management platform that integrates corporate cards, expense management, accounts payable, and procurement into a single system. This approach is designed to give businesses visibility and control over company expenditures through real-time tracking and reporting.
The platform provides Visa credit and debit cards in multiple currencies, AI-powered data extraction, and integrations with various accounting systems. It also includes features such as automated receipt collection, real-time expense reporting, and multi-entity management for companies with multiple subsidiaries.
Pricing
Payhawk does not publicly disclose its pricing structure on its website. Instead, it offers a personalized demo for potential customers to discuss pricing tailored to their specific needs.
Reviews
Some reviewers have noted issues with mobile app synchronization, occasional delays in transaction updates, and challenges during the initial setup process. Check out more Payhawk reviews here.
6. Finom
Finom is a European financial technology company founded in 2019, offering digital banking and financial management services for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers. The platform provides online account opening with local IBANs, invoicing tools, accounting integrations, and expense management.
The service issues free physical and unlimited virtual debit cards and provides up to 3% cashback on business purchases. It also supports multiple currencies and international payments, aiming to streamline financial operations for businesses across Europe.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- Free Solo Plan: This plan is for freelancers and self-employed individuals and includes one user, a personal IBAN, free physical VISA cards, and basic invoicing features.
- €9/month Start Plan: Designed for small businesses, this plan includes two users, a personal IBAN, free physical VISA cards, and advanced invoicing features.
- €28/month Premium Plan: This option provides five users, a personal IBAN, free physical VISA cards, and invoicing and accounting integrations.
- €149/month Corporate Plan: Tailored for larger businesses, this plan includes ten users, a personal IBAN, free physical VISA cards, and advanced invoicing and accounting features.
- €339/month Enterprise Plan: This plan includes fifteen users, a personal IBAN, free physical VISA cards, and all features available in the Corporate Plan.
Reviews
Some users have reported concerns regarding unexpected fees, account management issues like sudden account closures, and occasional technical problems with processing transactions. Check out more Finom reviews here.
7. Multipass
Multipass is a UK-based financial technology company that provides businesses with multi-currency virtual International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs) and local accounts in the EU, UK, and US. The company also issues corporate cards for managing daily expenses.
The platform enables businesses to send, receive, and exchange over 70 currencies. Clients are also provided with dedicated relationship managers for account support.
Pricing
Multipass offers a pricing structure customized for each business, with fees for onboarding, account maintenance, payments, and corporate cards. The company does not list specific fees publicly; businesses must contact Multipass directly to receive a bespoke quote based on their needs.
Reviews
User comments typically address the platform's international payment functions, user interface, and customer support. While a small percentage of reviews are negative, specific details about these experiences are not provided. Check out more Multipass reviews here.
8. OneMoneyWay
OneMoneyWay is a digital platform designed to manage global financial operations for small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe. The company provides a suite of services, including international transfers with local IBAN accounts and foreign exchange for over 24 currencies.
The platform supports various payment solutions such as SWIFT, SEPA, and US ACH, and claims to offer faster transactions than traditional banks with no limits. It also provides virtual and physical corporate cards, business accounts, and payment terminals through regulated partners.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- Free Freemium: For businesses with annual revenue below £150,000, this plan includes one business account, one virtual corporate card, and higher transaction fees.
- £49/month Starter: Billed annually, this tier provides up to three business accounts, two virtual and two physical corporate cards, and lower transaction fees.
- £99/month Business: Billed annually, this plan offers up to five business accounts, unlimited virtual and four physical corporate cards, and the lowest transaction fees.
All prices are indicative and depend on the company's revenue and industry.
Reviews
User feedback frequently addresses the platform's customer service, staff conduct, and features such as local IBANs and foreign exchange rates. Some reviewers also mention that the account setup process can have extended timelines. Check out more OneMoneyWay reviews here.
9. Brex
Brex is a financial technology company founded in 2017 that provides a suite of financial services. Its platform integrates corporate credit cards, expense management, travel booking, and business accounts to help businesses manage their financial operations.
The platform includes AI-powered custom rules, real-time reporting, and integrations with accounting software. It is designed to provide scalable solutions for startups, mid-sized companies, and global enterprises.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- Free Essentials: This plan for startups and growing companies includes global card acceptance, AI-powered rules, accounting integrations, and travel booking.
- $12 per user per month Premium: This tier includes all Essentials features, plus customizable expense policies, advanced approvals, and multi-entity support.
- Customized Enterprise: Designed for global enterprises, this plan offers all Premium features, a named account manager, and customizable implementation services.
Reviews
User feedback on the platform is mixed, with some customers reporting issues related to customer service responsiveness, account management, and occasional account disruptions. Check out more Brex reviews here.
10. N26
N26 is a German financial technology company founded in 2013 that offers a fully mobile banking experience. The company provides services such as transaction accounts, debit cards, overdrafts, and investment products.
The platform delivers real-time banking through a mobile app with tools for managing spending and savings. Users can access features like sub-accounts, travel insurance, and a virtual Mastercard for online payments, depending on their subscription plan.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- Free N26 Standard: This plan includes a virtual Mastercard for online purchases and mobile payments.
- €4.90/month N26 Smart: This account provides tools for spending and saving, including up to 10 sub-accounts.
- €9.90/month N26 Go: This tier is designed for travel, offering free ATM withdrawals abroad and travel insurance.
- €16.90/month N26 Metal: This premium account comes with a metal card, travel insurance, and priority customer support.
Reviews
User feedback often points to challenges with customer support, including slow response times and difficulties in reaching agents for assistance. Some customers have also reported instances of account closures without clear reasons and issues with frozen funds. Check out more N26 reviews here.
Which One Should You Go With?
Choosing the right financial platform depends on your specific needs, and any of the alternatives listed can be a great fit. If you're a business operating in the digital age, especially within Web3, we believe OneSafe offers the most tailored and effective solution for managing your global finances. Ready to see the difference? Sign up for OneSafe today.
