The Best Credit Cards In Norway For Foreigners in 2024

In the heart of Scandinavia, Norway boasts not just breathtaking fjords and midnight suns but also an organized, transparent, and robust financial system. Central to this is the widespread use of plastic money, particularly credit cards. Grasping the ins and outs of credit cards in Norway can be a significant asset for foreigners, ensuring smooth daily transactions, efficient financial planning, and a deeper integration into the Norwegian way of life.

The importance of understanding credit cards here cannot be understated. Especially when abroad, the last thing one wants is to be caught off-guard with financial surprises.

With the right knowledge, you can not only confidently manage your expenses but also avail of numerous benefits these cards offer, all while feeling right at home in Norway.

Compare Credit Cards in Norway

Please note, that the information presented is intended to provide a general overview and may not encompass all offerings available in the market.

Example: If you borrow 130,000 kr over five years, with an effective interest rate of 11.19%, the cost will be 37,988 kr, bringing the total repayment amount to 167,988 kr.

The Best Credit Cards for Foreigners in Norway

Navigating the credit card scene in Norway, especially as a foreigner, can be challenging. To simplify, let’s explore the offerings of some of the prominent financial institutions.

Example: Effective interest rate 29.89% based on an example of NOK 15,000 paid down over 12 months. Cost NOK 1,695 Total credit amount will then be NOK 16,695.

Example: Effective interest rate 29.89% based on an example of NOK 15,000 paid down over 12 months. Cost NOK 1,695 Total credit amount will then be NOK 16,695.

Bank Norwegian

Bank Norwegian is a notable branch of the NOBA Bank Group. Their credit card offering shines due to its user-centric approach. With their dedicated app, users have continuous oversight of their card usage, ensuring transparency at every step.

Financially, customers enjoy up to 45 days of interest-free credit and a generous limit of up to 150,000 kroner. Adding to the appeal is the absence of an annual fee, coupled with free cash withdrawals.

Beyond the fiscal, safety is a cornerstone of their service, with the card offering robust security features. Notably, the bank also offers a contactless microcard, enhancing payment efficiency.

Their accolades, such as the “best credit card for a loyalty program in Europe and Africa”, speak to their commitment to excellence.

Banknorwegian Credit Card Price Example:

Description	Amount/Rate
Principal Amount	15.000 kr
Duration	12 months
Effective Interest Rate	24.4%
Cost for Deferred Payment	1.849 kr
Total Amount	16.849 kr

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DNB (DnB NOR)

DNB, a leading Norwegian bank, offers a range of credit cards in partnership with Mastercard, granting users global transactional ease and a suite of benefits. At its essence, a DNB credit card is a payment deferment instrument.

Users can enjoy up to 45 days of interest-free credit, essentially using the bank’s money. If amounts are settled in full by the due date, no additional charges apply.

Additionally, DNB emphasizes the importance of credit card knowledge, ensuring customers fully understand their card’s functions and features.

Advantages & Features:

• Interest-Free Period: Up to 45 days of no interest if settled by the due date.
• Global Reach: Cards are powered by Mastercard, ensuring worldwide acceptance.
• Exclusive Discounts: Rebates on electric car charging and purchases at fuel stations.
• Mastercard Upgrade: Earn SAS Eurobonus points, obtain deductible insurance on rented vehicles, and enjoy price matching on select purchases.
• Payment Flexibility: Option for partial payment or deferring the payment for financial ease.
• Enhanced Online Security: Safer online shopping experiences.
• Travel Insurance: Avail single-trip insurance when more than half the transport costs of a trip are charged to the card.
• Additional Insurance Options: Payment insurance and an option to clear your balance.

DnB Pluss Mastercard Price Example:

Description	Amount/Rate
Principal Amount	30.000 kr
Duration	12 months
Nominal Interest Rate	18.60%
Effective Interest Rate	20.27%
Cost for the Credit	3.108 kr
Total Amount	33.108 kr

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Related: The best banks in Norway for foreigners

How to Get a Credit Card in Norway

For foreigners in Norway, acquiring a credit card involves several well-defined steps. Each step ensures the applicant’s credibility and financial capability. Let’s walk through the process:

Eligibility Criteria for Foreigners

1. Residency Status: Most banks require applicants to have a valid residence permit or a record of long-term stay in Norway. While some banks might prefer applicants to have a permanent residence status, others may accommodate those with temporary permits, especially if they can demonstrate a stable source of income in the country.
2. Financial Requirements: Financial stability is crucial. Banks will look into your employment status, monthly income, existing debts, and overall financial health. Regular income, whether from a job or a business, significantly boosts your chances of approval. Having a stable job or a valid job offer with a decent salary in Norway is often seen as a positive sign by financial institutions. Additionally, a good credit history, both domestically and internationally, can be a beneficial factor.

Required Documents for Application

1. Proof of Identity: A valid passport or any other government-issued ID. Some banks might require both.
2. Proof of Residency: This can be your residence permit, a rental agreement, or utility bills bearing your name and Norwegian address.
3. Proof of Income: Recent payslips, tax return documents, or an employment contract indicating your salary can serve this purpose.
4. Credit History: If you’ve been in Norway for a while, banks might access your credit history locally. For newcomers, an international credit report or a credit reference from your home country bank might be requested.
5. Application Form: Each bank has its proprietary application form, which usually requires personal details, employment information, and sometimes, references.

Timeline: From Application to Receipt of Card

The entire process, from application submission to having the credit card in hand, usually takes between 2 to 4 weeks. Here’s a general breakdown:

1. Application Review: This typically takes 5 to 7 business days. During this time, the bank assesses your application, reviews the submitted documents, and might reach out for additional details or clarifications.
2. Approval Notification: Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive a notification. This can be via email, SMS, or a physical letter.
3. Card Dispatch: Post-approval, the bank will produce and dispatch your credit card. This generally takes 7 to 10 business days.
4. PIN Generation/Dispatch: Depending on the bank, your PIN might be sent separately for security reasons, adding a few more days to the timeline.

While the process might seem rigorous, it’s designed to ensure financial security for both the applicant and the institution. It’s always recommended to contact the bank directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date and specific information.

Benefits of Having a Norwegian Credit Card

In Norway, obtaining a credit card can be a bridge to numerous advantages, which can make your stay or transition smoother, safer, and even rewarding.

Easier and Safer Transactions, Especially for Bigger Purchases

In the digital age, Norway stands at the forefront, with its strong inclination towards a cashless society. Using a Norwegian credit card offers you the ease of making transactions without the hassle of handling physical cash.

Whether you’re dining out, indulging in a bit of online shopping, or making reservations, your card is a convenient companion. More significantly, for high-value transactions like electronics or travel bookings, credit cards are more than just a payment tool.

They often come with added benefits like extended warranties or purchase protections.

Additionally, the enhanced security features, ranging from chip-and-PIN to two-factor authentication for online transactions, ensure that your money and identity remain safeguarded.

Building a Credit History in Norway

Your financial footprint in Norway begins with your credit history. Using a credit card responsibly, like ensuring timely payments, can paint a picture of financial reliability.

This is not just beneficial for potential loans or mortgages but can also influence certain rental agreements.

In some scenarios, employers might view a sound credit history as an indicator of a prospective employee’s financial responsibility.

Special Offers, Rewards, and Cashbacks

One of the joys of owning a Norwegian credit card is the potential to earn while you spend. The rewards programs associated with many cards allow you to accumulate points with every purchase.

These points can later be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or even as credits in your statements. The perks don’t end there. Credit card holders often find themselves on the receiving end of exclusive offers, be it discounts at a popular retailer or pre-sale tickets to an eagerly anticipated event.

Furthermore, the concept of cashback brings a silver lining to spending. With certain cards, a percentage of what you spend is returned to you, ensuring that every purchase brings a small saving.

Here’s a list of potential offers, rewards and cashback:

• Travel Bonuses: Get complimentary airport lounge access or special discounts on airline tickets.
• Shopping Discounts: Exclusive deals at major retailers, both online and offline, ranging from electronics to fashion.
• Dining Privileges: Avail discounts or complimentary items at select restaurants and cafes.
• Fuel Savings: Certain cards might offer reductions or cashback on fuel purchases at partnered petrol stations.
• Entertainment Deals: Access to pre-sale tickets or special discounts for concerts, theaters, and other events.
• Accumulated Reward Points: Earn points for every purchase which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other merchandise.
• Cashback Offers: Receive a percentage of your spend back, especially on categories like groceries, online shopping, or specific seasonal promotions.
• e-Shop Bonus: Extra rewards or cashback for purchases made on partner e-commerce platforms.
• Seasonal Promotions: Festive deals or summer/winter specials offering higher reward points or cashbacks for a limited period.
• Loyalty Programs: Tied-in offers with specific brands or chains, allowing for multiplied rewards or special privileges for consistent spending.

Using Credit Cards Responsibly

Credit cards can be a powerful financial tool when used with prudence and understanding. While they grant immediate access to funds and come with various perks, it’s imperative to remember that, at their core, credit cards are a borrowing mechanism. Here’s a deeper dive into how you can ensure you’re using your Norwegian credit card wisely and responsibly.

Understanding the Billing Cycle and Due Dates

Each credit card comes with a billing cycle – a specific period during which all transactions are recorded. At the end of this cycle, you’ll receive a statement detailing your expenditures. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these dates because soon after your statement is generated, a payment due date is set.

Paying your outstanding balance in full by this date ensures that you don’t incur any interest on your card. Setting reminders or automating payments can be a handy way to never miss a due date.

Impact of Late Payments on Credit Score

Consistency in paying your credit card bills is crucial. Late payments can have negative repercussions, not just in terms of fees or increased interest rates, but more importantly, on your credit score.

In Norway, as in many countries, your credit score is a reflection of your financial reliability. Regularly missing payments or only making the minimum payment can lead to a decrease in your score, which might affect future financial endeavors like loan applications or mortgage approvals.

Importance of Managing Credit Utilization

Credit utilization is the ratio of your outstanding credit card balance to your credit limit. It’s a key factor that influences your credit score. Even if you pay off your bills in full every month, consistently maxing out your credit card or maintaining a high utilization rate can be viewed as financial dependence on credit.

It’s generally recommended to keep the utilization below 30% of your limit. So, if you have a credit limit of 100,000 NOK, try to keep your monthly spending below 30,000 NOK. Regularly monitoring your expenditures and being mindful of your spending habits will ensure you maintain a healthy credit utilization rate.

Tips for Foreigners

For foreigners in Norway, there are a few nuances and strategies that can make managing your credit card smoother and more efficient.

• Use online translation tools like Google Translate for unfamiliar terms. Reach out to bank customer service for clarifications; many have English-speaking representatives.
• Download your bank’s app for real-time credit card tracking.
• Set spending alerts to manage your budget better.
• Use app features to easily make payments or freeze/unfreeze your card.
• Always check your card’s fee structure for international transactions.
• Look out for promotions or partnerships that waive these fees for specific merchants or regions.
• Using a card with minimal or no foreign transaction fees can lead to substantial savings over time.

Additional Resources:

Related: Here’s what you need to know about Tax in Norway

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