"Opening a bank account in Norway was one of my first expat headaches. Without a local account, it was impossible to receive my salary, pay my rent or even buy a transport pass. After 7 years in Oslo, I know the Norwegian banking system inside out. Here is everything I wish I had known before I started."
— Ingrid
Why open a Norwegian bank account?
Norway is one of the most digitalised countries in the world. Cash has practically disappeared: fewer than 3% of transactions are made in cash. Having a Norwegian bank account is not just convenient, it is absolutely essential for everyday life.
What a Norwegian account lets you do
- Receive your salary: Norwegian employers pay exclusively into a local account in NOK
- Pay your rent: landlords require a transfer from a Norwegian account
- Get BankID: the digital identity you need to access public services online
- Pay with Vipps: the mobile payment app used by all Norwegians (the equivalent of a peer-to-peer payment app)
- Take out subscriptions: phone, electricity, internet, gym
- Complete your tax returns: the connection with Skatteetaten goes through your bank
- Access the health system: booking appointments and reimbursements online
In Norway, bank cards are accepted absolutely everywhere, including at outdoor markets, music festivals and even some churches for donations. Contactless payment has been the norm for years.
Don't underestimate the importance of BankID. It is much more than a banking tool: it is your digital identity. Without BankID, you won't be able to log in to public services, sign documents online, or even pick up a parcel at the post office. Opening a bank account should be your top priority once you have your Fødselsnummer.
— IngridThe main banks in Norway
The Norwegian banking landscape is dominated by a few large, well-established banks. Here is a detailed comparison to help you choose the one that best suits your situation.
DNB (Den Norske Bank)
Norway's largest bank. DNB holds about 30% of the Norwegian banking market. It is the most popular choice among expats thanks to its extensive branch network and customer service available in English.
- Comprehensive, intuitive mobile app
- Customer service available in English
- Large network of cash machines
- Specific offers for newcomers
Nordea
The big Scandinavian bank. Present in all the Nordic countries, Nordea is an excellent choice if you have ties to other Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland).
- Strong international presence
- Multilingual customer service
- Good offer for cross-border transfers
- Modern mobile app
SpareBank 1
The trusted local bank. SpareBank 1 is an alliance of regional banks covering the whole country. Highly valued for its local roots and personalised service.
- Excellent local customer service
- Often competitive fees
- Strong presence outside Oslo
- Attractive loyalty programme
Sbanken
The 100% online bank. A pioneer of online banking in Norway, Sbanken (now a subsidiary of DNB) is ideal for those who prefer to manage everything from their smartphone.
- No account-keeping fees
- Award-winning user interface
- Built-in budgeting tools
- Simplified account-opening process
Quick bank comparison
| Bank | Monthly fees | Bank card | English service | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNB | 0-45 NOK | Visa / Mastercard | Yes | New expats |
| Nordea | 0-39 NOK | Visa / Mastercard | Yes | International profiles |
| SpareBank 1 | 0-35 NOK | Visa | Limited | Life outside the big cities |
| Sbanken | 0 NOK | Visa | Yes | 100% digital |
Personally, I started with DNB because it was the bank my employer had recommended. The English-language service was a real plus in the first few months. Today I also have an account with Sbanken for savings, because there are no fees and the budget tracking tools are excellent. My advice: start with DNB or Nordea, then diversify once you are settled.
— IngridDocuments needed
Opening a bank account in Norway requires you to prepare your documents carefully. Norwegian banks are strict about identity verification because of anti-money-laundering (AML) regulations. Here is the complete list of what you will need.
- Fødselsnummer (personal number): essential for opening a full account. It is the most important document.
- Valid passport or ID card: the document must be in date. A driving licence is not accepted.
- Proof of address in Norway: rental contract, electricity bill, or accommodation certificate less than 3 months old.
- Employment contract or proof of income: employment letter, signed contract, or university enrolment certificate.
- Norwegian phone number: needed to receive verification codes and activate BankID.
Additional documents depending on your situation
EU/EEA citizen
- UDI registration certificate
- National ID card or passport
- Proof of employment or study
Non-EU citizen
- Valid residence permit (oppholdstillatelse)
- Passport with valid visa
- Letter from the UDI confirming your status
Many expats try to open a bank account before they have their Fødselsnummer. It is a waste of time: almost all banks will refuse your application without this number. Get your Fødselsnummer first (allow 2 to 4 weeks), then go to the bank. In the meantime, use Revolut or N26 for your day-to-day spending.
Some banks, notably DNB, agree to open a limited account with a D-nummer (temporary number). This account will let you receive your salary, but you will not have access to BankID or Vipps. As soon as you receive your Fødselsnummer, contact your bank to update your file and unlock all the features.
Opening your account step by step
Here is the complete process, from booking the appointment to receiving your bank card and activating your BankID.
Get your Fødselsnummer
Before anything else, you need to have your Fødselsnummer. This 11-digit personal number is the key to your administrative life in Norway. Without it, no bank can open a full account for you.
Timeframe: 2 to 4 weeks after your appointment at Skatteetaten
Choose your bank and book an appointment
Compare the offers from the different banks according to your needs (see the comparison above). Most banks let you book an appointment online on their website. Some, like Sbanken, offer account opening entirely online.
Tip: Choose a branch close to your home or workplace. If there is a problem, it is easier to go in person.
Go to the appointment with all your documents
Arrive with all your original documents (no photocopies). The bank adviser will check your identity, your address and your employment situation. They will also ask you a few questions about the expected source of your funds (a legal anti-money-laundering requirement).
Duration: 30 to 60 minutes depending on the bank
Language: The appointment is generally held in Norwegian or English at DNB and Nordea
Sign the contract and choose your package
The adviser will present the different offers available: current account, savings account, type of bank card (Visa or Mastercard). They will also explain the associated terms and fees. Take the time to ask questions.
Important: Ask for a card with contactless payment (kontaktløs betaling), which is the standard in Norway.
Receive your bank card and codes
Your bank card and PIN will be sent to you separately by post at your Norwegian address, in two separate envelopes for security reasons. Allow 5 to 10 working days.
Warning: Check that the name on your letterbox matches the name on your account.
Activate BankID and download the apps
Once you have received your card, activate your BankID (see the dedicated section below). Then download your bank's app as well as Vipps, the essential mobile payment app in Norway.
Apps to install: Your bank's app + Vipps + BankID
When I went to open my account at DNB, the adviser offered me an "ungdomspakke" (youth package) even though I was 28. Don't hesitate to ask about youth offers if you are under 34: they are often free and include everything you need. Also, take advantage of the appointment to ask all your questions about BankID and Vipps; the advisers are used to expats.
— IngridThis is the average time to receive your bank card after opening the account
Online banks: the temporary solution
While you wait for your Fødselsnummer and the opening of your Norwegian account, online banks and multi-currency accounts (available in the UK, the US and most of Europe) are an excellent transition solution. They will let you manage your day-to-day spending as soon as you arrive, without needing any Norwegian documents.
Revolut
The most popular option among expats in Norway.
- Conversion to NOK at the interbank rate
- Multi-currency account (USD, GBP, EUR, NOK...)
- Virtual card usable immediately
- Free ATM withdrawals up to a monthly limit on the Standard plan (amount depends on your country)
- Available to UK, US and EU residents
Wise
The British fintech, available in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and across Europe.
- Multi-currency account holding NOK, GBP, USD, EUR and more
- Conversion at the mid-market rate with a small, transparent fee
- Debit card that works everywhere in Norway
- Local account details in GBP, USD and EUR to receive money from home
Revolut and Wise are not permanent solutions for living in Norway. You will not be able to: receive your salary from a Norwegian employer (most require a local NOK account), get a BankID, use Vipps, or complete certain administrative procedures. Think of them as a temporary bridge, not as your main bank.
I used Revolut for my first 6 weeks in Norway and it was perfect. The exchange rate was excellent and I could pay everywhere without fees. My tip: transfer a comfortable sum in NOK to Revolut before you leave, so you are covered from the moment you land. I had converted about $2,200 (£1,700) into NOK, which was more than enough while I waited for my DNB account.
— IngridBank fees in Norway
Good news: bank fees in Norway are generally reasonable, especially if you choose an offer suited to your profile. Here is a detailed overview of what you can expect.
Common fees by type of service
| Service | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Current account maintenance | 0 - 45 NOK/month | Free for under-34s at most banks |
| Bank card (debit) | 0 - 350 NOK/year | Often included in the current account package |
| Credit card | 0 - 600 NOK/year | Depending on the card and the associated benefits |
| Internal transfer (Norway) | Free | All domestic transfers are free |
| International transfer (SEPA) | 0 - 50 NOK | Varies depending on the bank and the amount |
| International transfer (non-SEPA) | 50 - 200 NOK | More expensive + exchange fees to expect |
| Cash withdrawal (own bank) | Free | At the cash machines of your banking network |
| Cash withdrawal (other bank) | 5 - 15 NOK | Less and less relevant as cash disappears |
| BankID | Free | Included automatically with your account |
| Vipps | Free | Free app, linked to your account |
For regular transfers between Norway and your home country, specialist services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer much better rates than traditional banks. The difference can reach 2 to 3% on each transfer, which means hundreds of kroner saved over a year. Allow about 50 NOK in fees for a transfer of 10,000 NOK home with Wise, compared with 150 to 200 NOK through your Norwegian bank.
If you are under 34, most banks offer you a free account with a card included. I took advantage of that for 5 years! After that, the "standard" packages cost about 30-45 NOK a month, which is still very reasonable. For transfers to and from home, Wise is what most expats I know use from the start: the rate is unbeatable and the transfer arrives within 24 hours.
— IngridUnderstanding BankID
BankID is much more than a simple banking tool: it is your digital identity in Norway. Understanding how it works is essential for your everyday life.
What is BankID?
BankID is an electronic authentication system used by banks, public authorities and many private companies in Norway. It replaces the handwritten signature for online procedures and guarantees a very high level of security.
What is BankID used for?
- Public services: tax returns on Skatteetaten, tracking applications with UDI, access to Helsenorge (health)
- Banking services: logging in to your online bank, approving transfers, signing loan agreements
- Everyday life: signing rental contracts, phone subscriptions, postal services (Posten/Bring)
- Online shopping: approving secure payments on Norwegian websites
- Vipps: required to activate and use the mobile payment app
The two types of BankID
BankID on mobile (BankID pa mobil)
The most common and most convenient method. Your BankID is linked to your Norwegian phone number and your SIM card.
- Activation through your banking app
- Personal 5-digit code
- Works even without internet (via SMS)
- Recommended for daily use
BankID with codebrikke
A small physical device (code generator) provided by your bank. A back-up solution, or for those who prefer a separate device.
- Independent of your phone
- Useful if you change number
- Long-life battery
- Can be ordered from your bank
How to activate your BankID
Have an active bank account and a Norwegian number
Your account must be open and your bank card activated. You must also have an active Norwegian phone number.
Request BankID activation
Log in to your online bank or go to a branch. Ask for BankID on mobile to be activated. Some banks offer it automatically when the account is opened.
Download the BankID app
Install the "BankID" app from the App Store or Google Play. Follow the instructions to link your phone number and create your personal 5-digit code.
Test your BankID
Try logging in to the Skatteetaten website or to your online bank. If everything works, your BankID is up and running.
The day I finally activated my BankID, it was as if a door had opened onto the whole of digital Norway. Overnight, I could do everything online: file my taxes, sign my rental contract, register with a doctor. My advice: always keep your phone charged, because you will use BankID several times a week. And above all, learn your 5-digit code by heart!
— Ingrid
Everything you need to know about moving to Norway
90+ pages, 19 chapters and 4 interactive tools to prepare your move with peace of mind.
$69 $47 →Frequently asked questions
Some banks, such as DNB, agree to open a limited account with a D-nummer. However, this account will be restricted: no BankID, no Vipps, and lower transaction limits. For a full account with all features, the Fødselsnummer is essential. In the meantime, use Revolut or N26 for your day-to-day spending.
The branch appointment lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. Your account is generally active within 24 to 48 hours. However, receiving your bank card takes 5 to 10 working days, as it is sent by post. Activating BankID may take an additional 1 to 3 days.
Yes, Sbanken offers 100% online account opening if you already have a Fødselsnummer and an active BankID (for example, if you are switching banks). For a first account opening in Norway, most banks require an in-person appointment to verify your identity. DNB and Nordea have started to offer semi-digital processes, but a visit to a branch is often still necessary.
Yes, your home-country bank card will work for payments and withdrawals in Norway. However, exchange fees will apply to each transaction (generally 1.5 to 2.5% depending on your bank). In the long run, this works out very expensive. Also, you will not be able to receive a Norwegian salary, use Vipps, or access public services online. Keep your home-country account for transfers back home, but use a Norwegian account for everyday life.
Vipps is the most widely used mobile payment app in Norway, with more than 4 million users. It lets you send and receive money instantly between individuals, pay in shops, and even settle bills. To use it, you need a Norwegian bank account and a BankID. Vipps is free for individuals. It is similar to peer-to-peer payment apps elsewhere, but far more widespread.
Block your card immediately through your bank's mobile app (available 24 hours a day). You can also call your bank's customer service. A new card will be sent within 5 to 7 working days. In the meantime, you can use Vipps for your payments and make online transfers. If you suspect fraudulent use, report it to your bank and to the police (politiet.no).
Yes, absolutely. It is even common to have several accounts at different banks. Many Norwegians have a current account at a large bank (DNB, Nordea) and a savings account at Sbanken to benefit from the best rates. Each account will have its own BankID, but you can use a single BankID as your main identifier. Having several accounts does not affect your BankID.
Yes. The Bankenes sikringsfond (Banks' Guarantee Fund) protects your deposits up to 2 million NOK (about $212,000 / £158,000) per person and per bank. This is one of the highest guarantee ceilings in Europe, well above the £120,000 covered by the UK's FSCS, for example. Your savings are therefore very well protected in the Norwegian banking system.
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