Best Bank Accounts for International Students in Denmark

The best bank accounts for international students in Denmark in 2026 offer a Danish account number, debit card, mobile banking and convenient access to salary, scholarship and public-sector payments.

The right choice depends on your age, MitID status and whether you need branch assistance. Danske Bank and Jyske Bank provide attractive fee waivers for younger students, Nordea offers a clearly defined newcomer account, while Lunar provides a fully digital option with an English-language application.

Can International Students Open a Bank Account in Denmark?

Yes. International students legally residing in Denmark can apply for a current or basic payment account.

Danish banks must generally offer a basic payment account to consumers legally resident in an EU country or another country covered by a relevant EU financial agreement. A bank may still refuse an application in certain circumstances, including when it cannot complete legally required identity and anti-money-laundering checks.

A standard Danish account can help students:

• Receive salary and scholarship payments
• Pay rent and utility bills
• Set up automatic payments
• Use a debit card
• Access mobile and online banking
• Register an account as NemKonto

Best Bank Accounts for International Students in Denmark

1. Danske Bank Student Account: Best Overall

Danske Bank offers one of the most complete student packages in Denmark.

The monthly Hverdag+ package fee is waived for customers under 27 and students under 32. Eligible customers can receive accounts, a payment card and access to mobile and online banking for DKK 0 per month.

Its specific young-adult and student offer includes:

• Two accounts
• One or two payment cards
• Salary account
• Budget account for fixed expenses
• Mobile and online banking
• Free domestic online payments and transfers

The included card can be a Visa/Dankort or Mastercard Direct without an annual card fee. Danske Bank also provides free withdrawals of Danish kroner from its own Danish ATMs under the qualifying young-customer package.

Students with MitID can use the bank’s digital customer application. Applicants who do not have MitID or do not yet live in Denmark can use an alternative application route, although manual verification may take longer.

Best for: International students under 32 who want a major Danish bank, multiple accounts and a fee-free student package.

2. Jyske Bank Young Customer Account: Best for Ages 18–29

Jyske Bank offers special prices to customers aged 18–29.

Young customers generally receive:

• No monthly customer-program fee
• Free mobile and online banking
• Visa Debit or Visa Mobile with no annual card fee
• Visa/Dankort without an annual card fee
• Free ordinary domestic transfers
• Free SEPA transfers

Jyske Bank notes that it may not offer a completely free customer relationship in every case, even when the applicant is within the eligible age range. Final acceptance and pricing depend on the bank’s assessment.

Some services still carry charges. For example, a standard young customer may pay DKK 15 to withdraw cash from another Danish bank’s ATM and DKK 50 for a non-SEPA international transfer. Independent ATM operators may add their own fees.

Best for: Students aged 18–29 who want free digital banking and a free debit card.

3. Nordea: Best Dedicated Newcomer Account

Nordea provides a dedicated account-opening process for people moving to Denmark to work or study.

Its Basic Payment Account currently includes:

• Danish bank account
• Nordea Pay Visa debit card
• Netbank
• Mobile banking
• Bill payments and transfers
• Apple Pay and Google Pay support

The package costs DKK 135 per quarter, equivalent to DKK 45 per month.

Nordea also offers youth benefits to customers aged 18–28. These can include accounts, Visa cards and mobile banking either free or at the bank’s most favourable young-customer prices. Eligible customers can create multiple accounts and withdraw Danish kroner without a Nordea fee from Nordea ATMs in Denmark.

The dedicated Basic Payment Account has an important condition: Nordea states that the customer must normally close it when their stay in Denmark ends unless another arrangement is agreed.

Best for: Newly arrived students who want transparent pricing and a clearly documented international-customer process.

4. Lunar Light: Best Digital Bank Account

Lunar offers a free Danish account designed for expats, non-citizens and international students.

Its free account includes:

• DKK 0 monthly fee
• Danish bank account
• Digital Visa card
• English-language app
• Apple Pay and Google Pay
• English-language customer support
• Ability to receive salary and eligible student payments
• NemKonto registration through the Lunar app

Applications are completed through the mobile app. Lunar normally requires valid identification and MitID. Its official international-customer guidance says a CPR number is not required to submit an application, although CPR is necessary to establish a NemKonto.

The free package is most suitable for students comfortable with a digital card. Physical cards, additional accounts and premium travel features may require a paid package.

Best for: Students with MitID who want a free, fully digital Danish account and English-language banking.

CPR, MitID and NemKonto Explained

CPR Number

The CPR number is Denmark’s civil registration number. It is commonly used to connect residents with banks, employers, healthcare and public services.

Although some banks may accept an initial application without CPR, students need a CPR number to register an account as NemKonto.

MitID

MitID is Denmark’s national electronic identification system. It is used for online banking, public services and digital signatures.

Non-citizens can obtain MitID by using a supported foreign passport or identity card and a compatible phone. They can also attend a Citizen Service Centre. Students without CPR can use a P code, but many Danish self-service systems still require a CPR-linked MitID.

NemKonto

NemKonto is an ordinary Danish or foreign bank account selected to receive payments from public authorities.

These payments may include:

• Tax refunds
• Student loans
• Holiday allowances
• Public benefits
• Other government reimbursements

Students can register an account through MitID self-service, ask a Danish bank to register it or submit the official form for a foreign account. Registration is free.

Documents Usually Required

International students should prepare:

1. Valid passport or national identity card
2. Danish CPR number, when available
3. MitID, when available
4. Residence permit or EU residence document
5. Danish address or accommodation agreement
6. University admission or enrollment letter
7. Foreign tax identification number
8. Scholarship, employment or family-support evidence
9. Recent bank statements
10. Information about expected international transfers

Official Danish guidance notes that document requirements vary by bank. Commonly requested evidence includes proof of identity, an employment contract or invitation letter and, in some cases, a tax card.

What Should Students Compare?

Before opening an account, check:

• Monthly account fee
• Annual debit-card fee
• Age or student limit
• MitID and CPR requirements
• International transfer fees
• ATM withdrawal charges
• Currency-conversion markup
• English-language support
• Branch availability
• Cost after student benefits end

Students who frequently receive money from abroad should pay particular attention to international transfer and currency-conversion costs.

Are Deposits Protected in Denmark?

Eligible deposits at Danish banks are generally protected up to €100,000 per depositor, per bank under the Danish Deposit Guarantee Scheme.

If you hold several accounts at the same bank, the eligible balances are combined when calculating the protection limit. Deposits held at separate covered banks receive separate limits.

Final Verdict

Danske Bank is the best overall option for eligible international students under 32 because it combines multiple accounts, payment cards and digital banking without a monthly package fee.

Jyske Bank offers excellent value to students aged 18–29, including a free Visa Debit card and no monthly customer-program fee. Nordea provides the clearest dedicated account for newly arrived international students, although its standard Basic Payment Account costs DKK 135 per quarter.

Lunar Light is the strongest free digital alternative for students who already have MitID and prefer an English-language mobile banking experience.

• Danske Bank: Become a Customer
• Danske Bank: Accounts for Young Adults and Students
• Jyske Bank: Benefits for Customers Aged 18–29
• Jyske Bank: Personal Banking Prices
• Nordea: Open a Danish Bank Account
• Nordea: Banking for Customers Aged 18–28
• Lunar: Free Danish Account for International Students
• Life in Denmark: NemKonto and Account Documents
• MitID: Information for Non-Citizens
• Finansiel Stabilitet: Danish Deposit Guarantee Scheme