> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.embeddedfinancereview.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Hilton launches debit cards but partners with a consumer fintech startup
- URL: https://www.embeddedfinancereview.com/hilton-launches-debit-cards-but-partners-with-a-consumer-fintech-startup/
- Published: 2024-09-30T20:48:00.000Z
- Updated: 2025-11-05T21:48:55.000Z
- Description: Hilton launches detached debit cards in UK with fintech Currensea instead of traditional BaaS providers. Why this surprising partnership choice matters for embedded finance strategy.
- Author: Lars Markull
- Tags: News, Hilton, Currensea, Hospitality, Embedded Banking, UK, Embedder

Hilton has launched two different debit card products in the UK ([Hilton](https://stories.hilton.com/emea/releases/hilton-launches-the-worlds-first-hotel-loyalty-debit-cards?%5Fbhlid=742175da2d164c6e522006c1e9f059d594081049&ref=embeddedfinancereview.com)). Card owners **can collect loyalty points** with all eligible purchases, and when they reach a certain level, they can redeem them for free stays or other benefits. The cards are available in two tiers and cost either £60 or £150 per year.

There are two things that stand out in this offering. Firstly, the cards **are detached debit cards.** This means a customer only signs up for a card but not for a separate bank account or wallet. During the registration process, the card owner needs to connect her existing bank account (i.e., HSBC, Monzo). Whenever the card owner makes a purchase with the Hilton card, the funds are taken from that bank account via direct debit. A few brands in Europe are using this card product, and **it is advantageous** when the brand believes **it cannot fully persuade** its customers to **leave their current bank.**

Secondly, the Hilton card product is built in cooperation with [Currensea](https://www.currensea.com/?%5Fbhlid=c8b6a1f09c131388b33d9e50f859f40fd1ab857e&ref=embeddedfinancereview.com) and **not with a banking-as-a-service provider**, which is a surprise to me. Currensea is a British consumer fintech startup that offers a product similar to the Hilton Card directly to consumers. We don’t know why Hilton opted for Currensea instead of a banking infrastructure provider. Currensea is not an unknown player in the market but clearly **does not have that big of a brand** that this was interest for Hilton, which would be different if Hilton was partnering with Wise or Revolut for example. Perhaps **the product that Currensea has built** around the detached debit card is exactly what Hilton was looking for and they wanted to avoid building most of this themselves, which would have been necessary when partnering with a banking-as-a-service provider.

That being said, **I am still surprised that Hilton chose Currensea**. Definitely big kudos to the Currensea team, but if any subscriber has more insights or thoughts on this decision, please let me know :-)