Bengaluru-based fintech startup Curie Money has received the official nod from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), enabling it to operate across India. This approval comes after a successful beta phase and marks a major step for the startup in expanding its digital financial services to users nationwide. With this launch, Curie Money is now available on both Android and iOS platforms, offering a seamless experience for millions of Indians looking for smarter ways to manage money.
A New Way to Save and Spend
Curie Money is designed to simplify personal finance by combining saving and spending in a single platform. Unlike traditional bank accounts that offer minimal interest, Curie Money invests user funds in SEBI-regulated liquid mutual funds, providing daily returns of up to 6.7% annually. What sets it apart is its instant redemption feature, allowing users to make UPI payments directly from their investment balance. This eliminates the need to transfer funds between multiple accounts and brings both convenience and growth potential to everyday transactions.
The platform aims to bridge the gap between liquidity and earnings, giving users the freedom to use their money anytime without sacrificing returns. This model, inspired by global money market systems, makes financial growth accessible to everyone, from young professionals to small business owners.
How It Works
Using Curie Money is straightforward. Once funds are added to the app, they are automatically invested in liquid mutual funds. These investments grow daily, allowing users to earn returns while keeping their money easily accessible. When a UPI payment needs to be made, the required amount is instantly redeemed from the investment balance, ensuring that transactions remain smooth and uninterrupted.
This system ensures that users do not have to compromise between earning higher returns and maintaining liquidity. It also removes the complexities associated with managing multiple bank accounts or separate investment platforms. The entire financial journey, from saving to spending, can now happen within a single, user-friendly app.
Backing and Partnerships
Curie Money was founded by Arindam Ghosh and Tushar Choudhary, who envisioned a platform that empowers individuals to make their money work harder. In December 2024, the startup raised $1.2 million in seed funding, led by India Quotient, to scale its operations and technology.
The company also partners with key financial institutions, including YES Bank, ICICI Prudential, and Bajaj Finserv, to ensure regulatory compliance and secure transactions. These collaborations provide credibility and stability, giving users confidence in using the platform for both investments and everyday payments.
Why It Matters
Curie Money is poised to transform the way Indians manage money. By merging the ease of UPI payments with the growth potential of mutual funds, the app provides a practical solution for a wide range of users. This is particularly important in a country where digital payments are rapidly growing, and financial literacy is on the rise.
With NPCI’s approval, Curie Money is not just another fintech app—it represents a new approach to personal finance, offering users a smarter, more convenient, and growth-oriented way to handle money. As digital financial services continue to expand across India, Curie Money is set to become a key player in shaping the future of everyday banking and investments.