Best Bank Accounts for Newcomers in Norway

The best bank accounts for newcomers in Norway provide a Norwegian account number, debit card, mobile banking and a realistic onboarding route for customers who do not yet have BankID.

New residents commonly need a Norwegian account to receive a salary, pay rent, use AvtaleGiro direct debits and eventually access services such as Vipps and BankID.

Based on newcomer accessibility, fees, English-language support and branch availability, the strongest options include DNB, SpareBank 1 and Nordea.

Last updated: July 26, 2026

Best Bank Accounts for Newcomers in Norway

Our leading choices are:

1. DNB: Best overall for newcomers without BankID.
2. SpareBank 1: Best for regional branches and personal assistance.
3. Nordea Min Dagligbank: Best predictable everyday banking package.
4. DNB Ung: Best for eligible newcomers aged 18–28.
5. Basic banking services: Best fallback when premium services are unavailable.

1. DNB

Best overall bank for newcomers without BankID

DNB is Norway’s largest bank and provides a dedicated application process for adults who do not already have Norwegian BankID.

New applicants can receive essential services such as:

• A Norwegian current account.
• Debit card.
• Online banking.
• Mobile banking.
• Domestic payments.
• International payment support.
• Login using a code device when BankID is unavailable.

DNB currently charges NOK 650 to establish a customer relationship through its application process for adults without BankID. The fee is deducted after the relationship has been created. (dnb.no)

Why DNB suits newcomers

DNB provides extensive English-language information and has a specific “New in Norway” service.

Applicants who need to verify their identity at a branch should expect the process to take longer. DNB states that establishing a new customer relationship may take approximately four to six weeks when branch identification is necessary.

D-number and BankID limitations

Customers with a temporary D-number may log in to DNB’s online bank using a code device and personal PIN. However, DNB currently states that obtaining its BankID requires a Norwegian national identity number.

This means you may be able to receive an account and debit card before becoming eligible for full BankID access.

Verdict: The clearest overall option for newcomers who need to open their first Norwegian account without already possessing BankID.

2. SpareBank 1

Best for regional branches and personal assistance

SpareBank 1 is an alliance of regional Norwegian banks. Examples include SpareBank 1 Sør-Norge, SpareBank 1 SMN, SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge and SpareBank 1 Østlandet.

Common services include:

• Norwegian current account.
• Visa debit card.
• Online and mobile banking.
• Domestic bill payments.
• BankID when eligible.
• Access to regional branches and advisers.
• Cash deposits through selected facilities.

Several SpareBank 1 institutions provide a dedicated application process for customers without BankID. The onboarding charge varies by regional bank. SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge and Østlandet currently advertise an establishment fee of NOK 650, while SpareBank 1 SMN publishes a different fee.

Account and card fees

Prices also vary regionally. For example, SpareBank 1 Sør-Norge’s 2026 fee document lists:

• No account-maintenance fee.
• Free online and mobile banking.
• Free ordinary online payments.
• No annual debit-card fee for customers aged 18–28.
• A NOK 300 annual debit-card fee for customers over 28.

SpareBank 1 SMN currently lists a NOK 275 annual debit-card fee for adults, demonstrating why applicants must check the price list of their specific regional bank.

Verdict: The best choice for newcomers who want a nearby branch and help dealing with foreign identity documents.

3. Nordea Min Dagligbank

Best predictable everyday banking package

Nordea’s standard everyday banking package, Min Dagligbank, currently costs NOK 29 per month.

It includes:

• A current account.
• One debit card.
• Mobile and online banking.
• Domestic payments.
• Direct debits.
• Access to Nordea customer service.
• International and SEPA payment services.

Nordea confirms that the NOK 29 monthly package includes a current account and one debit card.

What if you do not have BankID?

Nordea provides Nordea ID, a login solution for customers who cannot obtain BankID. It allows access to Nordea’s mobile and online banking but does not replace BankID for identifying yourself to unrelated public or private services.

Newcomers without BankID may need manual onboarding and valid identity verification. Nordea states that valid identification must be provided when establishing a customer relationship and that a valid passport is required when BankID is issued.

Verdict: A strong option for newcomers who prefer a clear monthly package price and access to a large Nordic bank.

4. DNB Ung

Best for newcomers aged 18–28

Eligible customers aged 18–28 can use DNB’s Ung programme, which combines a current account and debit card without the normal annual card fee.

It can provide:

• Current account.
• Visa and BankAxept debit card.
• Mobile and online banking.
• Domestic payments.
• Access to DNB customer support.
• Youth banking benefits.

DNB advertises Ung for customers aged 18–28 without an annual card charge.

Important distinction

The youth programme may be free after the customer relationship has been established, but a newcomer applying without BankID may still pay DNB’s NOK 650 onboarding fee.

The account does not guarantee approval for:

• A credit card.
• An overdraft.
• A personal loan.
• BankID.

These services are assessed separately.

Verdict: An attractive first account for younger newcomers who want a major bank and no recurring debit-card fee.

5. Basic Banking Services

Best fallback if additional products are unavailable

Basic banking services are generally available to people living in Norway regardless of citizenship.

These services normally include:

• A bank account.
• A debit card without a photograph.
• Access to online banking.

Banks may offer BankID, credit cards and loans only after conducting additional risk and eligibility assessments. They may also restrict certain foreign transactions after assessing the individual customer.

When contacting a bank, ask specifically for basic banking services if you cannot obtain its normal customer package.

A bank can still request valid identification, residence information and an explanation of how the account will be used.

Do You Need a Norwegian Identification Number?

Yes. The Norwegian Tax Administration states that a Norwegian identification number is required to open a bank account.

The two main types are:

• National identity number: Usually issued to people registered as living in Norway for at least six months.
• D-number: A temporary identification number for eligible foreign nationals who do not qualify for a national identity number.

You cannot normally apply for a D-number independently. A bank can request one when it needs the number to establish a banking relationship. You may also be required to complete an official identity check.

Documents Newcomers Usually Need

Prepare:

• Valid passport or accepted national identity card.
• Norwegian national identity number or D-number.
• Residence permit or proof of legal residence.
• Norwegian residential address.
• Employment contract or university enrolment certificate.
• Tax Identification Number from countries of tax residence.
• Mobile number and email address.
• Documentation showing the source of incoming funds.
• Completed customer and tax-residency declarations.

The bank may ask how much money you expect to receive, which countries will send transfers and whether the funds come from employment, savings, a scholarship or family support.

Is Norwegian Credit History Required?

Norwegian credit history is generally not the main requirement for opening a positive-balance current account with a debit card.

A credit assessment is more likely when requesting:

• Credit card.
• Overdraft.
• Personal loan.
• Instalment financing.

Newcomers should begin with basic banking and avoid requesting credit during the initial application.

Are Norwegian Bank Deposits Protected?

Eligible deposits in a Norwegian member bank are generally protected from the first krone up to NOK 2 million per depositor and bank.

Balances held in several accounts at the same bank are combined when calculating the limit.

Branches of foreign banks may initially be covered by their home-country deposit-guarantee system. Additional Norwegian coverage applies only where the institution participates in Norway’s topping-up arrangement.

Final Recommendation

Choose DNB when you want the clearest application process for newcomers without BankID and strong English-language support.

Choose SpareBank 1 when regional branches and personal assistance are important. Compare individual regional banks carefully because onboarding, debit-card and transaction fees vary.

Choose Nordea Min Dagligbank when you prefer a predictable NOK 29 monthly package and can complete its identity-verification process.

Newcomers aged 18–28 should check DNB Ung and regional youth packages before paying normal annual debit-card fees.

Official Sources

• Norwegian Tax Administration – Identification Numbers in Norway
• Norwegian Tax Administration – D-number
• DNB – Become a Customer Without BankID
• DNB – New in Norway
• SpareBank 1 – New Customer Without BankID
• Nordea – Min Dagligbank
• Finance Norway – Opening a Bank Account in Norway
• Norwegian Banks’ Guarantee Fund – Deposit Protection