In what could be a massive development for mobile payments in Europe, British fintech company Curve has officially launched its contactless tap-to-pay feature for iPhone users.
This marks a significant shift in the iOS payment landscape, offering the first true alternative to Apple Pay since PayPal’s recent rollout in Germany. Thanks to regulatory pressure from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, Apple has been forced to allow access to its iPhone NFC chip — and Curve is among the first to cash in on this functionality.
However, the biggest question is – does it have enough to take on Apple Pay? Without jumping straight into the surefire verdict, let’s break down all the pivotal aspects that can offer a better insight and make it easier to figure out which one is better.
NFC-enabled Purchases Directly from Your iPhones
The new Curve Pay feature allows iPhone users across the European Economic Area (EEA) — which includes all 27 EU countries along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway — to make NFC-enabled purchases directly from their iPhones.
Unlike Apple Pay, Curve Pay doesn’t rely on Apple’s Wallet infrastructure. Instead, it functions as an independent payment platform with its own unique advantages. So, from a convenience perspective, it seems to have a clear edge over Apple’s mobile payment service.
Neat “Staged Wallet” Architecture
One of Curve Pay’s standout features is its “staged wallet” architecture, which gives users enhanced flexibility and control over their finances. After making a purchase, users can retroactively assign the transaction to a different card, giving them the freedom to optimize spending or manage personal and business expenses more efficiently.
Additionally, Curve supports linking multiple accounts, including traditional bank cards and PayPal, all within one app.
Real-Time Spending Insights
Curve also incorporates powerful financial tools such as real-time spending insights and automated cashback rewards, making it more than just a payment method. These features aim to deliver added value that extends well beyond simple contactless payments, giving users greater transparency and rewards for everyday spending.
A Highly Efficient Alternative to Apple Pay
With over six million users already on its platform, Curve’s expansion to iPhone marks a significant milestone. Previously exclusive to Android, the service’s arrival on iOS means that millions more users can now enjoy an Apple Pay alternative that provides genuine flexibility and control.
This launch signals a new era for iPhone payments in Europe, one where Apple no longer has complete dominance over NFC-based transactions. As more financial institutions and third-party apps take advantage of the open NFC access, consumers can expect even more choices and innovation in the months ahead.
Long story short, Curve Pay has ticked off the key boxes to stake the claim of being the best Apple Pay alternative currently available for iPhone users in Europe, especially for those looking for smarter, more customizable payment options.
