Points-generation through ISA payments

[ThriceForgiven]

(Posted this as well in the daily chat but thought it might be more relevant here!)

Hi All,

With ISA allowances kicking in shortly, I’m looking to maximise points-earning opportunities once more (I have Curve Metal). Some questions:

1) Do I need Fronted on to pay into my ISA (Vanguard)? Would the payment get rejected otherwise?
2) I have the VA+ card – has the system ‘caught up’ yet on extra fees?
3) Depending on answers to 1 & 2, I might be tempted to use some USD FX free cards I have with Curve. I’m curious about FX/spread fees charged by Curve/Others making GBP payments into an ISA – does anyone have any datapoints? I’ve read a tip is to set the underlying USD card as “GBP denominated”.
4) Do I need Fronted on to pay off my Visa/MC/Amex with another card?

The £10k/month Fronted limit really has redefined my strategy somewhat.

Any input greatly appreciated!!!

[John]

Vanguard doesn’t accept curve.

Curve uses the Mastercard exchange rate. If your USD card has no forex fees and is a Mastercard, it’s probably roughly the same whether you let curve convert or the US card.

[ThriceForgiven]

John wrote:

Vanguard doesn’t accept curve.

Curve uses the Mastercard exchange rate. If your USD card has no forex fees and is a Mastercard, it’s probably roughly the same whether you let curve convert or the US card.

Thanks for the advice – not great to hear that Vanguard doesn’t accept Curve. Any other ideas on generating points off Vanguard payments? Chase’s debit card cashback excludes HMRC/ISAs which is a shame as well.

[John]

ThriceForgiven wrote:

Thanks for the advice – not great to hear that Vanguard doesn’t accept Curve. Any other ideas on generating points off Vanguard payments? Chase’s debit card cashback excludes HMRC/ISAs which is a shame as well.

Vanguard stopped accepting curve over a year ago and last month they officially said they don’t accept it in an email.

I use Halifax debit cards for investment accounts (we have 7 Halifax accounts in total) which pay £5 back on £500 spend per month, so in theory 1% back on £42k deposits, but “time in the market” etc and you could always do recycling if you wish

[JerrySignfield]

There are other brokers that will accept credit cards via Curve but the important post odd the underlying card not charging you cash fees for those transactions.

[Joe248]

Hi @JerrySignfield

Which platforms still accept Curve? Looking to still utilise a platform that has VWRL or alternative ETFs but want to see if I can utilise a rewards card without getting hit with the fees.

Thanks! 🙂

[Toppcat]

Interactive Investor has historically accepted curve. Need to test whether the underlying cards I have used before will still work with no fees…