Currensea Referral Code: FN5E39
Introduction: Unlock Smarter Travel Spending with Currensea
Traveling abroad should be about creating memories, not worrying about excessive bank fees eating into your vacation budget. Yet, for many UK travelers, the joy of international adventures is often dampened by the shock of seeing those pesky foreign transaction fees on their bank statements after returning home. Traditional banks typically charge around 3% on every overseas transaction, which can quickly add up to a significant amount over the course of your trip. Imagine spending £1,000 during your holiday and coming home to discover an extra £30 gone just in fees – money that could have been better spent on experiences or souvenirs.
Enter Currensea, the UK’s first direct debit travel card that’s revolutionizing how British travelers manage their money abroad. What makes Currensea stand out in the crowded fintech space is its ingenious approach – rather than requiring you to open a new account or constantly top up a prepaid card, it simply connects to your existing UK bank account. This means you can enjoy significantly reduced foreign exchange fees without changing your banking habits or juggling multiple accounts.
And here’s the best part: right now, you can get £10 FREE when you sign up using the Currensea referral code FN5E39 and spend just £100 in foreign currency within 120 days. This exclusive offer gives you an immediate head start on your savings, effectively reducing your foreign exchange costs even further on your next international adventure.
Currensea has quickly gained popularity among savvy UK travelers since its launch in 2018, and for good reason. With the Essential plan costing nothing to join (aside from a small £4.95 delivery fee), you’ll immediately benefit from foreign exchange fees of just 0.5% – that’s up to six times cheaper than traditional high street banks. For frequent travelers, the Premium and Elite plans offer even more benefits, including zero foreign exchange fees and additional travel perks like global data, hotel upgrades, and car hire benefits.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Currensea travel card – how it works, the different plans available, the substantial savings it offers compared to traditional banks, security features, and of course, a detailed breakdown of how to claim your £10 FREE credit with referral code FN5E39. Whether you’re a frequent international traveler or someone who takes just one or two trips abroad each year, by the end of this article, you’ll understand why Currensea has earned its reputation as one of the UK’s top-rated travel debit cards and how it could transform your approach to spending money overseas.
What is Currensea? A Comprehensive Review
Currensea represents a significant innovation in the UK travel money market, offering a solution that bridges the gap between traditional banking and modern fintech convenience. Launched in 2018, Currensea is the UK’s first direct debit travel card, designed specifically to eliminate the common pain points experienced by British travelers when spending money abroad. Unlike conventional travel cards that require you to open new accounts or prepay funds, Currensea takes a refreshingly different approach by connecting directly to your existing UK bank account.
At its core, Currensea functions as an intelligent layer between your bank and foreign merchants, intercepting international transactions before your bank can apply their typically hefty fees. This clever positioning allows Currensea to offer substantially better exchange rates and lower fees while maintaining the convenience of spending directly from your familiar bank account. The result is a seamless experience that feels just like using your regular debit card, but without the financial penalty that usually comes with overseas spending.
The concept behind Currensea was born from a common frustration experienced by its founders – the shock of discovering excessive foreign transaction fees after returning from trips abroad. Recognizing that existing solutions either required users to open new accounts, manage multiple cards, or constantly top up prepaid options, they set out to create something fundamentally different. Their vision was to develop a service that would work with customers’ existing banking relationships rather than trying to replace them.
Currensea operates through a direct debit arrangement with your bank, which is established during the initial setup process. When you make a purchase abroad, Currensea processes the transaction using either the interbank rate (for 16 major currencies) or the Mastercard rate (for an additional 164 currencies), applies its significantly lower fee (just 0.5% on the Essential plan), and then collects the sterling equivalent from your bank account a few days later. This process happens automatically in the background, requiring no intervention from you once the card is set up.
One of Currensea’s most appealing aspects is its compatibility with major UK banks. Currently, Currensea works with most high street banks including Barclays, Bank of Scotland, Coutts, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, Nationwide, NatWest, RBS, Santander, TSB, Ulster Bank, and Virgin Money. This wide compatibility ensures that most UK residents can benefit from the service without needing to switch their primary banking provider. It’s worth noting, however, that Currensea doesn’t currently support challenger banks or basic bank accounts, so customers of digital-only banks like Monzo or Starling would need to use a traditional bank account to access Currensea’s benefits.
The physical Currensea card itself is a sleek, vertical-format Mastercard debit card that arrives within approximately three business days after approval. The card features a distinctive wave design in blue and purple tones, making it easily distinguishable in your wallet. Beyond aesthetics, the card is equipped with contactless payment capability and can be added to digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay for even more convenience while traveling.
Complementing the physical card is the Currensea mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. The app provides real-time notifications of transactions, allowing you to track your spending as it happens. You can also use the app to view your transaction history, check the exchange rates you’ve received, freeze your card if it’s lost or stolen, and manage security settings like spending limits. The app’s interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy.
Currensea offers three distinct plans to cater to different types of travelers, each with its own fee structure and benefits:
The Essential plan is free to join (with a £4.95 delivery fee for the card) and charges a flat 0.5% foreign exchange fee on your first £500 of monthly spend, increasing to 1.5% thereafter. This plan also allows for fee-free ATM withdrawals up to £200 per month, with a 2% fee applied to withdrawals beyond this limit. For occasional travelers, the Essential plan offers significant savings compared to traditional bank cards without any ongoing costs.
For more frequent travelers, the Premium plan (also called Pro on their website, priced at £25-£40 per year depending on when you check) eliminates the foreign exchange fee entirely for unlimited spending abroad. It maintains the same ATM withdrawal structure as the Essential plan but with a reduced 1% fee for withdrawals exceeding £500 per month. The Premium plan also includes additional travel benefits such as 3GB of global data, hotel upgrades, car hire benefits, and 10% cashback on Booking.com reservations.
The Elite plan (£120-£150 per year) is designed for luxury travelers and offers all the benefits of the Premium plan plus enhanced perks. These include 5GB of global data, access to the TEN lifestyle concierge service, luxury hotel benefits, car hire upgrades, airport lounge access (though a £24 fee per visit applies), and the same 10% cashback at Booking.com. The Elite plan also increases the fee-free ATM withdrawal limit to £750 per month.
In terms of security, Currensea takes comprehensive measures to protect your money and data. The service is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing regulatory oversight and consumer protection. All transactions are protected by Mastercard’s Chargeback scheme, which allows you to dispute transactions in cases of fraud or merchant disputes. The app includes security features such as the ability to freeze your card instantly, two-factor authentication, and customizable spending limits to prevent unauthorized use.
Customer satisfaction with Currensea appears to be exceptionally high, with the service boasting a 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot based on over 14,500 reviews. Users frequently praise the simplicity of the service, the transparency of the fees, and the significant savings compared to traditional bank cards. The few criticisms tend to center around occasional delays in customer service response times during peak periods.
When comparing Currensea to competitors, it holds several distinct advantages. Unlike Revolut or Monzo, there’s no need to open a new account or regularly transfer funds. Unlike traditional travel money services, there’s no need to predict how much currency you’ll need in advance. And unlike credit cards with 0% foreign transaction fees, there’s no impact on your credit score from applying, and you can make ATM withdrawals without incurring cash advance fees.
For UK travelers looking to minimize foreign exchange fees without the hassle of managing multiple accounts or cards, Currensea offers a compelling solution that combines simplicity, savings, and security in one elegant package. And with the current offer of £10 FREE when you sign up using referral code FN5E39 and spend £100 in foreign currency, there’s never been a better time to give this innovative travel card a try.

The Benefits of Using Currensea: Why It’s a Game-Changer for UK Travellers
When it comes to spending money abroad, UK travelers have traditionally faced a difficult choice: accept the high foreign exchange fees charged by their regular bank, juggle multiple accounts and cards, or deal with the inconvenience of prepaid travel cards that require constant monitoring and topping up. Currensea elegantly solves these problems by offering a comprehensive set of benefits that make it a standout option in the travel money market. Let’s explore the numerous advantages that have made Currensea the UK’s top-rated travel debit card.
Significant Cost Savings
Perhaps the most compelling benefit of Currensea is the substantial savings it offers compared to traditional banking options. High street banks typically charge around 3% on foreign transactions, which can quickly accumulate during your travels. In contrast, Currensea’s Essential plan charges just 0.5% on your first £500 of monthly spending, representing savings of up to 85% on foreign exchange fees. For a family spending £2,000 on a two-week holiday, this could mean saving over £50 in fees alone – enough for a nice dinner or an additional excursion.
The savings become even more impressive with the Premium and Elite plans, which eliminate foreign exchange fees entirely. According to Currensea’s data, their customers save an average of £55 per year compared to using high street bank cards. For frequent travelers, these savings can be substantially higher. The company provides specific examples on their website, such as saving £108 on a week in Greece, £139 in New York City, £201 on a two-week trip to Florida, or £109 on a holiday in Spain. These real-world examples demonstrate the tangible financial benefits of switching to Currensea.
Seamless Integration with Your Existing Bank Account
One of Currensea’s most innovative features is its direct connection to your existing UK bank account. Unlike other travel money solutions that require you to open new accounts or manage separate balances, Currensea works with the bank account you already have and trust. This integration means there’s no need to transfer money between accounts, monitor multiple balances, or remember additional PINs and passwords.
The setup process is remarkably straightforward – you simply link Currensea to your bank account using secure open banking technology. Once connected, Currensea acts as an intelligent intermediary, processing your foreign transactions at better rates before collecting the sterling equivalent from your bank account a few days later. This seamless process happens automatically in the background, requiring no intervention from you once the initial setup is complete.
No Need for Pre-loading or Topping Up
A common frustration with prepaid travel cards is the need to estimate how much money you’ll need and load it in advance. If you underestimate, you might find yourself scrambling to top up your card while abroad, potentially incurring additional fees or facing delays. Overestimate, and you’ll have funds sitting unused that could have been better employed elsewhere.
Currensea eliminates this guesswork entirely. Since it draws directly from your bank account, you always have access to your full balance without needing to transfer funds or top up a separate card. As one reviewer aptly put it, “The beauty is, you don’t have to worry about pre-loading before you set off.” This convenience is particularly valuable for spontaneous travelers or those whose plans might change during their trip.
Global Acceptance and Versatility
As a Mastercard product, Currensea is accepted at over 40 million locations worldwide and can be used in more than 180 currencies. This extensive acceptance network ensures that you can use your Currensea card virtually anywhere in the world that accepts card payments, from major tourist destinations to off-the-beaten-path locations.
The card works seamlessly for both in-person transactions and online purchases in foreign currencies. It can also be used for ATM withdrawals abroad, with fee-free withdrawals up to certain limits depending on your plan (£200 per month for Essential, £500 for Premium, and £750 for Elite). This versatility makes Currensea suitable for all types of international spending, whether you’re shopping, dining, booking accommodations, or simply need local cash.
Real-Time Spending Notifications and Tracking
The Currensea app provides instant notifications whenever you make a transaction, allowing you to keep track of your spending in real-time. These notifications include details about the amount spent in both the local currency and sterling equivalent, as well as the exchange rate applied. This transparency helps you maintain awareness of your spending and ensures there are no surprises when the transactions are processed.
The app also maintains a comprehensive transaction history, categorizing your spending to help you understand where your money is going. This feature is particularly useful for business travelers who need to track expenses for reimbursement or tax purposes. The ability to see exactly how much you’re spending in your home currency eliminates the mental calculations and uncertainty that often accompany foreign transactions.

Enhanced Security Features
Traveling with large amounts of cash presents obvious security risks, while using your regular bank card abroad can expose you to potential fraud. Currensea offers a more secure alternative with several built-in safety features. If your card is lost or stolen, you can instantly freeze it through the app, preventing unauthorized use. You can also set spending limits to control how much can be spent on the card, providing an additional layer of protection.
All Currensea transactions are protected by Mastercard’s Chargeback scheme, which allows you to dispute fraudulent or problematic transactions. The app employs two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access, and the company uses bank-level encryption to protect your data. These comprehensive security measures provide peace of mind while traveling, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about your financial security.
Premium Travel Perks (for Paid Plans)
While the Essential plan offers significant value at no cost, the Premium and Elite plans include additional travel benefits that can enhance your international experiences. The Premium plan includes 3GB of global data, which can save you from expensive roaming charges or the hassle of buying local SIM cards. It also offers hotel upgrades and car hire benefits, adding a touch of luxury to your travels.
The Elite plan takes these perks even further, with 5GB of global data, access to the TEN lifestyle concierge service, luxury hotel benefits, car hire upgrades, and airport lounge access. For frequent or luxury travelers, these benefits can significantly improve the travel experience and may justify the annual fee through the combined value they provide.
No Impact on Credit Score
Unlike applying for a credit card with 0% foreign transaction fees, getting a Currensea card doesn’t impact your credit score. This is because Currensea operates through a direct debit arrangement rather than a credit facility. This benefit is particularly valuable for those who are building their credit history or planning to apply for significant credit (such as a mortgage) in the near future and want to avoid any unnecessary credit checks.
Transparent Fee Structure
Currensea prides itself on transparency, with a clear and straightforward fee structure that avoids the hidden charges often associated with foreign exchange services. There are no weekend surcharges (unlike some competitors like Revolut), no “fair use” fees, and no unexpected markups. What you see is what you get – a refreshing approach in an industry often characterized by obscure terms and conditions.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
For environmentally conscious travelers, Currensea offers an additional benefit through its partnership with Plastic Bank. Through this initiative, Currensea commits to recovering 2.5kg of ocean-bound plastic for every new customer who signs up. This commitment to sustainability allows travelers to reduce their financial costs while also contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

Exclusive £10 FREE with Referral Code FN5E39
As if these benefits weren’t enough, new customers can currently receive £10 FREE when signing up with referral code FN5E39 and spending £100 in foreign currency within 120 days. This bonus effectively reduces your foreign exchange costs even further, providing immediate value and an incentive to try the service for your next international trip.
In summary, Currensea offers a compelling package of benefits that address the common pain points experienced by UK travelers when spending money abroad. By combining significant cost savings with unmatched convenience, enhanced security, and valuable perks, Currensea has established itself as a preferred choice for savvy international travelers. Whether you’re an occasional holidaymaker or a frequent globetrotter, the advantages of using Currensea make it well worth considering for your next trip abroad.
Get £10 FREE with Currensea Referral Code FN5E39: Your Complete Guide
In today’s economic climate, who wouldn’t appreciate some free money to kickstart their travel spending? Currensea’s referral program offers exactly that – a generous £10 bonus when you sign up using a referral code and meet some simple requirements. In this section, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about claiming your £10 FREE credit with the exclusive referral code FN5E39, including step-by-step instructions, eligibility requirements, and tips to ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable offer.
The Currensea Referral Offer Explained
Currensea’s referral program is designed to reward both new customers and those who refer them. When you sign up using referral code FN5E39, you’ll receive £10 credited to your Currensea account after meeting the qualifying spend requirement. This £10 bonus is essentially free money that will be automatically applied to your future foreign currency transactions, reducing your overall travel expenses even further beyond the savings you’ll already enjoy from Currensea’s competitive exchange rates.
What makes this offer particularly attractive is that it’s available to all new customers regardless of which Currensea plan you choose. Whether you opt for the free Essential plan or decide to upgrade to the Premium or Elite plans, you’re still eligible for the £10 bonus when using the referral code. This means you can combine the referral bonus with the plan that best suits your travel needs and frequency.
How to Claim Your £10 FREE Credit: Step-by-Step Guide
Claiming your £10 bonus with referral code FN5E39 is straightforward, but it’s important to follow these steps carefully to ensure you don’t miss out:
- Visit the Currensea Website or Download the App: Start by visiting the official Currensea website (www.currensea.com) or downloading the Currensea app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Begin the Application Process: Click on “Order my card” or “Get started” to begin the application process. You’ll need to provide some basic personal information including your name, address, email, and phone number.
- Enter Referral Code FN5E39: During the application process, you’ll reach a page asking if you have a referral code. This is the crucial step – enter the code FN5E39 in the designated field. Double-check that you’ve entered it correctly to ensure your eligibility for the bonus.
- Complete the Application: Continue with the application by selecting your bank from the list of supported institutions and connecting your account using the secure open banking process. You’ll also need to verify your identity by providing a photo of your ID (passport, driving license, or national ID card).
- Receive and Activate Your Card: Once approved, your Currensea card will be delivered to your address within approximately 3-5 business days. When it arrives, follow the instructions to activate it through the app or website.
- Meet the Qualifying Spend Requirement: To receive your £10 bonus, you need to spend at least £100 in foreign currency using your Currensea card within 120 days (approximately 4 months) of signing up. This spending can be across multiple transactions and countries – it doesn’t have to be in a single purchase.
- Receive Your Bonus: Once you’ve met the £100 foreign currency spending requirement, the £10 bonus will be automatically credited to your Currensea account. You’ll receive a notification through the app when this happens, and the bonus will be applied to your future transactions.
Important Requirements and Conditions
To ensure you successfully receive your £10 bonus, it’s important to be aware of these key requirements and conditions:
- Qualifying Spend: The £100 minimum spend must be in foreign currency transactions. UK-based transactions in GBP don’t count toward this requirement, even if they’re with international merchants.
- Timeframe: You have 120 days from the date of signup to meet the £100 spending requirement. This gives you a generous window to plan and complete your international transactions.
- New Customers Only: The referral bonus is only available to new Currensea customers who haven’t previously held a Currensea card.
- One Bonus Per Customer: You can only receive one referral bonus when signing up. If you’re provided with multiple referral codes, you should choose just one (we recommend FN5E39 for guaranteed eligibility).
- Card Delivery Fee: While the Essential plan is free to join, there is a £4.95 delivery fee for the physical card. This fee applies regardless of whether you use a referral code or not.
Maximising Your Currensea Referral Benefits
Once you’ve successfully signed up and received your own Currensea card, you can also benefit from referring friends and family. Here’s how to maximize the referral program from both sides:
- Find Your Personal Referral Code: After activating your Currensea card, you can find your unique referral code in the Currensea app or by logging into the website. Navigate to the “Refer a Friend” section to view your code.
- Share Your Code: Share your personal referral code with friends, family, or colleagues who might benefit from Currensea’s services. You can share it directly through the app, via email, or through social media.
- Earn Referral Bonuses: For each person who signs up using your referral code and meets the qualifying spend requirement, you’ll also receive a £10 bonus. There’s no limit to how many people you can refer, meaning your potential earnings are unlimited.
- Track Your Referrals: The Currensea app allows you to track the status of your referrals, showing you who has signed up with your code and whether they’ve met the qualifying spend requirement yet.
Why the Referral Offer Makes Currensea Even More Attractive
The £10 referral bonus enhances the already compelling value proposition of Currensea in several ways:
- Immediate Value: The £10 bonus provides immediate tangible value, effectively covering your first £10 of foreign exchange fees (which would equate to £2,000 of spending on the Essential plan with its 0.5% fee).
- Risk-Free Trial: Since the Essential plan has no subscription fees, the referral bonus allows you to essentially try Currensea risk-free. Even after accounting for the £4.95 card delivery fee, you’re still coming out ahead with the £10 bonus.
- Enhanced Savings: When combined with Currensea’s already competitive exchange rates and low fees, the referral bonus further increases your overall savings compared to traditional bank cards.
- Community Building: The referral program encourages users to share their positive experiences with friends and family, building a community of savvy travelers who all benefit from reduced foreign exchange fees.
Real User Experiences with the Referral Program
Many Currensea users have shared positive experiences with the referral program. Sarah from Manchester reported: “I signed up with a friend’s referral code before my trip to Spain. Not only did I save on foreign transaction fees compared to my regular bank card, but the £10 bonus covered my first few coffees in Barcelona. It was like getting free spending money!”
Similarly, James from London shared: “After using Currensea for my own travels and loving it, I’ve referred five friends so far. That’s £50 in bonuses for me, and they’re all equally happy with the service and their own bonuses. It’s a win-win.”
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out on Your £10 FREE Credit
The Currensea referral offer with code FN5E39 provides an excellent opportunity to try this innovative travel card while receiving an immediate financial benefit. With £10 FREE credit after spending just £100 in foreign currency, combined with Currensea’s competitive exchange rates and convenient direct debit system, there’s never been a better time to sign up.
Remember, to claim your bonus, simply enter referral code FN5E39 during the application process and spend £100 in foreign currency within 120 days. This small step during signup can put an extra £10 in your pocket for your next international adventure – money that’s better spent enjoying your travels than paying unnecessary bank fees.
Conclusion: Why Currensea is the Smart Choice for UK Travelers
As we’ve explored throughout this comprehensive review, Currensea represents a significant innovation in the travel money market, offering UK travelers a smarter, more convenient, and more cost-effective way to spend money abroad. By connecting directly to your existing bank account and eliminating the need for prepaid cards or new accounts, Currensea has successfully addressed many of the common frustrations associated with international spending.
The benefits of using Currensea are clear and compelling. With foreign exchange fees as low as 0.5% on the free Essential plan – and completely eliminated on the Premium and Elite plans – Currensea can save you up to 85% compared to traditional high street banks. These savings add up quickly, with the average customer saving £55 per year, and frequent travelers potentially saving hundreds of pounds annually. When you consider that these savings come without the inconvenience of topping up prepaid cards or managing multiple accounts, the value proposition becomes even stronger.
Currensea’s three-tiered plan structure ensures there’s an option suitable for every type of traveler. The free Essential plan offers significant value for occasional travelers, while the Premium and Elite plans provide enhanced benefits for those who travel more frequently or desire additional perks like global data, hotel upgrades, and car hire benefits. This flexibility allows you to choose the plan that best aligns with your travel habits and preferences.
Security is another area where Currensea excels, with features like instant card freezing, two-factor authentication, customizable spending limits, and Mastercard Chargeback protection providing peace of mind while you travel. The real-time spending notifications and transaction tracking through the Currensea app add another layer of security and help you maintain awareness of your spending in foreign currencies.
The wide acceptance of Currensea as a Mastercard product means you can use it at over 40 million locations worldwide and in more than 180 currencies. Whether you’re shopping in boutiques in Paris, dining in restaurants in Tokyo, or withdrawing cash from ATMs in Sydney, your Currensea card will work seamlessly, saving you money on every transaction.
Perhaps most importantly, Currensea has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from its users, with a Trustpilot rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on over 14,500 reviews. This exceptional level of customer satisfaction speaks volumes about the quality of the service and the value it provides to UK travelers.
And right now, there’s an even more compelling reason to try Currensea for yourself: the opportunity to receive £10 FREE when you sign up using referral code FN5E39 and spend £100 in foreign currency within 120 days. This exclusive offer effectively enhances your savings even further, providing immediate value and making Currensea an even more attractive option for your next international trip.
To claim your £10 bonus, simply visit the Currensea website or download the app, enter referral code FN5E39 during the application process, and meet the qualifying spend requirement. With no subscription fees on the Essential plan (just a £4.95 card delivery charge), you have nothing to lose and potentially significant savings to gain.
In a world where traditional banks continue to charge excessive fees for the privilege of spending your own money abroad, Currensea offers a refreshing alternative that puts more money back in your pocket while simplifying your financial management when traveling. Whether you’re planning a weekend city break in Europe, a two-week beach holiday, or extensive international travel, Currensea provides a smarter way to manage your money abroad.
So before your next trip, consider signing up for Currensea using referral code FN5E39 to claim your £10 FREE credit. Your future traveling self will thank you for the savings, convenience, and peace of mind that come with this innovative travel card. Happy travels – and happy savings!