Travel Wallet & Lotte Card Disrupt Travel Payments with Fee-Free Hybrid Card

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – July 15, 2025 – Travelers rejoice! A game-changer in international spending has arrived. Travel Wallet and Lotte Card today announced the launch of the ‘Travel Wallet Hybrid Lotte Card,’ a first-of-its-kind card designed to eliminate the frustrating and often substantial fees associated with overseas transactions. This breaking news is set to significantly impact how people pay for goods and services while traveling, offering a seamless and cost-effective solution for global adventurers. This launch is a major development in the fintech space, and we’re covering it live for Google News readers.

How the Travel Wallet Hybrid Card Works

The innovative card combines Travel Wallet’s popular prepaid foreign currency service, ‘Travel Pay,’ with the convenience of a Lotte Card credit card. Users can load up to 45 different foreign currencies directly into the Travel Wallet app at real-time exchange rates. When making purchases abroad, the card prioritizes using the prepaid balance, completely avoiding overseas service fees (typically 0.2%) and international brand fees (1.1%). This is a huge win for consumers who often unknowingly lose money to these hidden charges.

But here’s where it gets really smart: if the prepaid balance is insufficient, the transaction automatically converts to a credit card payment – still without incurring those pesky overseas and international brand fees. This automatic transition provides a safety net and ensures a smooth payment experience, even when you’re unsure of your remaining balance.

Earn Rewards While You Explore

Beyond fee elimination, the card offers a compelling rewards program. Every purchase, both domestic and international, earns 1% of the transaction amount as ‘Travel Points.’ These points can be conveniently exchanged for foreign currency directly within the Travel Wallet app, regardless of how much the card is used. Major currencies like the US dollar, Euro, and Japanese Yen boast a 0 won exchange fee, further maximizing savings. Even less common currencies benefit from reduced exchange fees ranging from 0.5% to 2.5%, making it a cost-effective option for off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Accessibility and Cost

The Travel Wallet Hybrid Lotte Card is readily accessible through the Travel Wallet app, the Lotte Card Digi app, and the Lotte Card homepage. The annual fee is 20,000 won.

The Bigger Picture: A Shift in Global Payment Solutions

This launch isn’t just about a new credit card; it represents a broader trend towards more transparent and user-friendly global payment solutions. For years, travelers have been burdened by opaque fees and unfavorable exchange rates. Companies like Travel Wallet are leading the charge in disrupting this system, leveraging technology to empower consumers and simplify international transactions. The rise of fintech companies specializing in travel payments is directly responding to a growing demand for financial clarity and convenience.

“It is the strength of this card to reduce the burden of overseas payment fees and increase the convenience with automatic credit payment transition function,” stated Kim Hyung-woo, CEO of Travel Wallet. “We will improve our user-centered global payment experience through various cooperation.” This sentiment reflects a growing industry focus on putting the traveler first.

The Travel Wallet Hybrid Lotte Card is poised to become an essential tool for anyone who frequently travels internationally, offering a smart, convenient, and cost-effective way to manage expenses abroad. For those planning their next adventure, this card deserves a serious look – it could save you a significant amount of money and hassle. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the latest developments in travel and fintech.

Ryu Geun-il, reporter [email protected]

Ubibelox Shakes Up Credit Card Industry: Smart Card Leader Enters Brokerage Market – Breaking News

Seoul, South Korea – July 15, 2025 – In a surprising move that could redefine how consumers find the right credit card, Ubibelox, the world’s leading smart card manufacturer, has received approval to operate in the credit card recruitment brokerage market. This isn’t just another fintech startup; it’s a fundamental shift as a core card *producer* moves directly into the recommendation and issuance space. This is a breaking news development with significant implications for both consumers and the financial technology landscape. For those following Google News, this is a story to watch.

From Card Maker to Card Matchmaker: Ubibelox’s Bold Strategy

Ubibelox’s foray into brokerage isn’t random. It’s built on the foundation of “MyData,” leveraging the wealth of customer information secured through its automatic household account platform. The company plans to use this data to offer highly personalized credit card recommendations and streamline the application process. This move was made possible by revisions to the Credit Information Act last year, which opened the door for MyData operators to participate in credit card recruitment.

“We’ve acquired a combination of credit card products that can provide more diverse benefits based on ‘Uplanner,’ a MyData service that’s already gaining traction,” an Ubibelox official stated. With over 600,000 Uplanner subscribers, the company is poised to deliver targeted financial solutions based on individual spending habits and needs. This isn’t just about offering *a* credit card; it’s about offering the *right* credit card.

Why This Matters: The Rise of MyData and Personalized Finance

The significance of Ubibelox’s move extends beyond a single company’s expansion. It highlights the growing power of MyData – the concept of individuals controlling and utilizing their own financial data. For years, banks and financial institutions have held the keys to this information. Now, companies like Ubibelox are empowering consumers to unlock its potential.

Evergreen Insight: The MyData movement is a direct response to increasing consumer demand for transparency and control over their financial lives. Regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in Europe and similar initiatives globally are driving this trend. Consumers are no longer willing to blindly trust institutions with their data; they want to actively participate in how it’s used. Understanding MyData is crucial for anyone navigating the modern financial landscape.

Technical Prowess and Industry Influence

What sets Ubibelox apart is its unique position within the credit card ecosystem. As the leading smart card manufacturer and a technical operator of KLSC (Korea Local EMV Card Standard) – a key standard led by the Credit Finance Association – the company possesses deep technical expertise and industry influence. This allows them to potentially recommend a wider range of payment methods and integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

“It’s unusual for a real credit card manufacturer, not a platform-based company, to enter the card recruitment market,” noted an industry official. “Ubibelox’s technical capabilities and control over card standards give them a distinct advantage.”

What’s Next for Ubibelox and the Credit Card Market?

Ubibelox’s entry into the brokerage market signals a potential wave of disruption. Expect to see increased competition, a greater focus on personalized recommendations, and a growing emphasis on MyData-driven financial services. This move could also pressure traditional credit card issuers to innovate and offer more compelling value propositions to retain customers. For those interested in SEO and tracking this story, keep an eye on related search terms like “MyData credit cards” and “personalized credit card recommendations.”

The future of credit card acquisition is shifting, and Ubibelox is leading the charge. As the company continues to expand its Uplanner subscriber base and refine its recommendation engine, it’s poised to become a major player in the evolving financial landscape. Stay tuned to Archyde for continued coverage of this developing story and the broader trends shaping the future of finance.