Opening your first Norwegian bank account
Opening a bank account and getting your BankID in Norway can take time, but it's essential for everyday life in Oslo.
Setting up a bank account and getting your BankID are important setps in settling into life in Oslo.
Whether you're here to work, study, or to join a family member, having access to banking services will help you to manage everyday tasks like receiving a salary, paying for daily expenses, and even logging into government services online.
How long does it take?
The time it takes to open your first bank account in Norway varies depending on your situation. The main steps in the process are the same for all banks.
The easiest and fastest way to get a bank account is to wait untill you have your Norwegian identification number. However, the wait can be long.
If you do not have a Norwegian identification number or D-number, it is up to the bank to apply for a D-number for you. Unfortunately, a lot of banks do not offer this service, and it takes longer to get a bank account with a D-number. For your first account, you should expect up to 4 weeks processing time.
Why does it take so long to get a bank account in Norway?
One reason the first account takes longer to open, is that the bank has to verify your identity. If you are in Norway for less than six months, you should consider whether to use your bank card from abroad instead of spending time on opening a Norwegian account.
Another reason for the long processing time, is that your contract, card, and PIN code generator (kodebrikke) will be sent by mail. Mail is only delivered every other day in Oslo, and the delivery time can be up to seven days.
How can you make the process shorter?
- Make sure you hand in the right documents the first time. Call the bank and ask if you have any questions.
- The bank will send you emails to confirm your application, and if they lack documents or need more information. Make sure you check your email inbox and spam filter regularly, so you don’t miss any messages.
- If you choose a bank without a branch in Oslo, postal delivery for the contract and documents will take longer.
- The first time you log in to the online bank, they send you a personal code by SMS. If you haven't registered a mobile phone number in the application, they send you the code by mail instead.
Preparing your documents carefully and staying responsive to bank communications can help speed up the process of opening your account.
Choosing a bank in Oslo
There are several factors you can and should consider when choosing a bank.
Choosing a bank in Norway depends on your language needs, service preferences, and how quickly you need your account to be active.
- Check if the bank has English online banking or English in their apps.
- Check the fees and expected processing time.
- Smaller banks often have a higher establishment fee, but are quicker than larger banks when processing applications.
- Ask the bank if you are able to hand in the documents in person, or if they have to be sent by mail.
Most banks also offer additional services, like insurance, investment option, and pension schemes. Their online banks and apps will differ in design and functionality, and some have a stronger focus on business services.
Finansportalen is a publicly funded online service comparing prices and interest rates for bank, investment and insurance services in Norway.
- Go to finansportalen.no (in Norwegian)
- Also see their page Send money abroad to compare prices for this service (in English)
Taking time to compare banks based on services, fees, and accessibility will help you choose the one that best fits your needs.
What to do after getting a bank account
When you have your PIN code generator, you can log in to the online bank. From there, you order BankID, and then BankID on mobile. BankId is a form of eID you can use to identify yourself digitally. These two processes only take a few minutes each.
- Go to Access to Digital Public Services page for more information about BankID and other types of eID.
Make sure that you also your account number with:
- Your employer and any other income sources, and
- The Tax Administration (in case of a tax refund).
You can also start using digital payment services to buy a mobile phone subscription and other services that require a credit check. You can register your card to buy tickets for public transport, streaming services, and more. You can also set up automatic payments (eGiro, eFaktura) for services like electricity, insurance, and other recurring expenses.
- Go to Nordic.org for an introduction to bank services and opening an account in Norway.
- Read our page on getting a phone number in Norway.
Once your account is open, you’ll be able to use BankID and digital payment services to manage your finances and access everyday services in Norway.
Useful banking services in Norway
Once your Norwegian bank account is active, you’ll have access to a range of digital tools and services that make everyday payments and financial tasks easier. Your bank’s website will also have information about the services they offer. Here are some of the most commonly used banking tools in Norway:
Vipps – Norway's most-used money-sending app
Vipps is a Norwegian payment app that connects to your bank account. You can send money using just the recipient’s mobile number. It’s widely used for everything from splitting bills to paying small businesses.
Mobile Pay – use your phone to pay in shops, apps, and online
Many Norwegian banks support mobile payment options like Apple Pay. You can connect your bank card to your phone and use it to make contactless payments. Check with your bank to see which mobile payment services they support.
Contactless payment (Kontaktløs betaling) – tap your card to pay
Most Norwegian bank cards include a chip that allows you to pay by tapping your card on the payment terminal. For small purchases, you usually don’t need to enter your PIN code.
Digital invoice (Efaktura): send and receive invoices digitally
Efaktura is a digital invoicing system connected to your national identity number or D-number. It allows you to receive and pay invoices directly in your online bank, no matter which bank you use.
Direct debit agreement (Avtalegiro)
Avtalegiro is a service for automatic recurring payments. You can use it to pay for electricity, insurance, rent, gym memberships, and more. You set up direct debit agreements in your online bank, and many banks will prompt you to do so when you pay a bill to a service that offers Avtalegiro.
Getting started with banking in Norway
Opening a bank account and setting up BankID are essential steps in building your life in Oslo. While the process may take time—especially if you don’t yet have a Norwegian ID number—being prepared and informed can make it smoother.
Once your account is active, you’ll be able to access a wide range of digital services that make everyday life easier, from paying bills to signing into public services.