Which features truly matter when selecting a new credit card for everyday life in Sweden?
This guide helps readers match a card to shopping, travel and monthly payment needs. It explains how criteria like annual fees, insurance, rewards and merchant acceptance narrow the field quickly.
Most options offer interest-free periods and protections tied to how the bill is paid each billing cycle. Practical comparisons include annual pricing, cash withdrawal costs and foreign‑exchange fees so choices reflect real costs, not just perks.
Examples such as Bank Norwegian and supermarket or travel-focused cards are used as benchmarks. The editorial picks that follow are based on structured testing and clear data, not marketing claims.
Readers will be able to short-list suitable cards and then apply when they find a strong fit. Responsible use—paying on time and avoiding revolving balances—keeps the benefits valuable over time.
Editor’s pick for 2025: what “best” means for credit cards in Sweden right now
The 2025 editorial pick focuses on practical value: low ongoing costs, easy rewards and travel protections that work for everyday life.
Bank Norwegian’s credit card tops the list thanks to no annual fee and no ATM withdrawal charges. It applies a 1.75% currency surcharge and gives 0.5% cashback on all purchases. Airline spending earns 3–5% CashPoints depending on fare class.
Travel insurance is included when at least 50% of a trip is paid with the product. The cover protects the holder, partner and children under 21 for trips up to 90 days and includes trip cancellation up to 50,000 SEK.
Typical interest-free days go up to 45, offering flexible time to settle the invoice without interest. Clear bonus mechanics and predictable FX terms make it simple to forecast value.
Editors weighted broad acceptance, usable rewards for groceries and travel, transparent fees, and solid customer support when choosing the top pick for 2025.
Best overall credit card: Bank Norwegian Credit Card
For a single, all-around payment solution, Bank Norwegian pairs simple fees with travel perks and steady rewards.
The product charges 0 SEK annual fee and has a 0% cash withdrawal fee, which lowers routine running costs. It gives up to 45 interest-free days so users can time payment of the statement without interest.
Everyday spend earns 0.5% cashback, while airline purchases on Norwegian yield elevated points: 3% on Lowfare, 4% on Lowfare+, and 5% on Flex fares.
Travel insurance is included when at least 50% of a trip is paid with the card. Coverage extends to a partner and children under 21, covers trips up to 90 days, and has cancellation protection up to 50,000 SEK.
The card applies a 1.75% currency surcharge abroad and the nominal interest sits near 22% per Kreditio comparisons. Credit limits can reach 150,000 SEK, giving room for larger bookings.
Overall, Bank Norwegian balances low fees with predictable bonus mechanics and travel cover, making it a practical option for many who want one reliable payment product.
Top picks by category to match different lifestyles
Different daily habits call for different cards; this list pairs features with real use cases.
For online shoppers who want strong cashback and portal savings, re:member Flex offers up to 25% discounts in 300+ stores and keeps the annual fee at 0 SEK. It also offers up to 56 interest-free days and a nominal interest range from 9.74–21.90%.
Grocery-focused users may prefer Coop Mastercard. It charges 0 SEK the first year, then 295 SEK, and pays up to 5.5% bonus at Coop and 0.5% outside. The product includes travel insurance and broad protections for everyday risks.
Those who travel abroad often should consider Collector Easyliving for its 0% foreign exchange fee and a free first year. Marginalen Traveller appeals to people who value wide travel insurance coverage and experience-based redemptions, despite a 396 SEK annual fee.
Users wanting low interest rates can look at Swedbank Mastercard, which pairs about 13.80–14.95% nominal interest with 55 interest-free days and extensive insurances. Golf enthusiasts get niche value from MoreGolf Mastercard, which offers Hole-in-One insurance and bonuses redeemable at specialist retailers.
Each pick balances rewards, fees, interest and insurance differently. They should pair two complementary cards or check mobile wallet compatibility to cover both domestic spending and travel needs.
best credit card Sweden: how we evaluate winners and runners-up
To sort top offerings from runner-ups, the evaluation blends hard numbers with real-world utility. Reviewers weigh annual fees (often 0–200 SEK), FX surcharges, and withdrawal costs alongside reward mechanics.
Interest-free periods and nominal or effective interest rates are compared so short-term flexibility and long-term costs are visible. Insurance depth is rated for travel cover, purchase protection, price guarantees, and extended warranties.
Acceptance on Visa and Mastercard is scored higher because ubiquity matters in everyday use. Limited acceptance networks receive lower marks even if they offer rich perks.
Practical tiebreakers include redemption simplicity, mobile wallet support, and customer service quality. Trust signals such as clear terms and consistent underwriting influence final rankings.
Scoring highlights:
- Hard costs vs practical value: fees, FX, withdrawal charges balanced with cashback or points.
- Interest comparisons: length of interest-free days and effective rates for revolving balances.
- Insurance clarity and usefulness for real situations.
Fees and rates in Sweden that actually impact your wallet
Small fees and hidden rates can turn a handy payment product into an expensive habit.
Annual pricing usually sits between 0 and 200 SEK for many cards, though premium options cost more. A zero annual fee like re:member Flex lowers running costs, while Swedbank’s Mastercard charges 195 SEK after the first free year.
Foreign‑exchange surcharges typically hover near 2%. Bank Norwegian applies about 1.75%, and some products such as Collector Easyliving waive the FX fee entirely. Travelers should compare that rate alongside ATM terms.
Cash withdrawals vary: many cards charge 1–3% with a minimum (often 35–45 SEK), while a few let users withdraw cash at 0%. Interest‑free windows commonly run 45–60 days; paying in full within those days avoids interest.
Nominal interest often falls in the 15–25% range, but the effective interest rate shows the true cost once fees are added. Paper invoice fees and late reminders also add up, so e‑invoices and on‑time payments keep totals lower.
Practical checklist:
- Annual fee vs value: only pay for perks you use.
- FX and ATM terms together determine travel costs.
- Choose lower nominal rates if you carry a balance.
- Watch paper invoice and reminder fees; switch to e‑invoice.
Insurance and protections that add real-world value
Many cardholders discover that built-in insurance and protections deliver more practical value than headline rewards. Travel insurance usually activates when at least half of a trip is paid with the product, and it often covers medical care, delays, and lost baggage for trips up to around 90 days.
Family coverage commonly extends to a partner and children under 21. Cancellation protection can reimburse prepaid, eligible costs up to defined limits (some policies list caps such as 50,000 SEK), which helps when plans change unexpectedly.
Additional protections include purchase protection, delivery insurance, price guarantees, and extended warranties. Swedbank’s Mastercard, for example, bundles travel cover, price guarantee, cancellation insurance and extended warranty. Coop’s product adds all‑risk insurance on purchases, while Marginalen Traveller lists multiple travel covers for frequent flyers.
Claims processes differ widely. Clear instructions, fast response times, and reasonable documentation rules make a real difference when a claim arises. Reading the full policy booklet matters: activation rules, exclusions and coverage limits vary, and payments must meet issuer thresholds to qualify.
Rewards, cashback, and bonus points: get value back on every purchase
Not all reward systems deliver useful value — the trick is matching rewards to real spending. Readers should focus on steady earn rates and easy redemptions rather than flashy headlines.
Simple cashback keeps returns predictable. For example, Bank Norwegian pays 0.5% cashback on all purchases and 3–5% CashPoints on Norwegian tickets. A general cashback option covers everyday buys that don’t qualify for category multipliers.
Portal and partner deals boost returns on targeted buys. re:member Flex can offer up to 25% discounts through a portal that includes CDON, Amazon and Hotels.com. Those portal savings act like bonus offers when used for planned online spending.
Points programs work differently. Resurs Gold awards 0.5 bonus points per SEK that redeem for products or experiences. Coop Mastercard gives up to 5.5% bonus in‑chain and converts points into grocery vouchers, creating clear benefits for supermarket loyalty.
Use a simple rule: pair a steady cashback option with one niche card for groceries or travel. Track monthly purchases, pick cards that match those categories, and compare redemptions versus any fees to keep net gains positive.
Spotlight on leading cards Sweden compares most
This roundup highlights the cards most Swedes compare when choosing a practical daily payment solution.
Bank Norwegian stands out with a 0 SEK annual fee, 0% withdrawal fee, 1.75% FX and up to 45 days interest-free. It also gives 0.5% cashback and 3–5% airline points, making it a frequent benchmark.
re:member Flex suits online shoppers with 0 SEK annual fee, up to 56 days, and portal discounts up to 25%. Nominal interest varies between 9.74–21.90% depending on the user.
Coop Mastercard gives up to 5.5% bonus in-store, 0.5% elsewhere, 55 days, and insurances; it charges 0 SEK the first year then 295 SEK thereafter.
Marginalen Traveller, Swedbank Mastercard, Collector Easyliving and MoreGolf each target specific needs — from deep travel covers and low interest to 0% FX and golf perks. Interest-free days most often fall between 45 and 56 days.
Fees, FX rates and withdrawal rules vary, so pairing two cards often covers groceries, travel and online spend without extra risk.
Payment networks and acceptance in Sweden: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express
Payment networks shape where a person can tap, swipe, or pay online, and that affects everyday reliability. Visa and Mastercard have near‑universal acceptance across Swedish merchants, so they are safe defaults for most purchases and travel.
These rails are issued by major banks and niche providers, giving a wide range of products from entry‑level to premium. Mobile wallet and contactless support are common on both networks, which makes in‑store payments faster.
American Express operates as issuer and network and is known for premium benefits and SAS EuroBonus ties. Acceptance is strong at major chains, hotels, and restaurants but can be lower at small, independent shops.
Many consumers keep a Visa or Mastercard for universal coverage and add american express where perks matter. Corporate users may prefer Amex for expense management and travel tools.
Travel‑focused cards on Visa or Mastercard rails pair broad acceptance with solid insurance and reward packages. Users should check acceptance at their favorite merchants before choosing a primary network, and keep a backup to avoid declined payments.
How to choose a credit card in Sweden: a quick step-by-step guide
Begin with a simple goal: what purchases will be placed on the new payment product most often? Rank travel, groceries, online shopping, or smoothing monthly expenses so comparisons focus on real use.
Check eligibility first: most issuers require age 18+, Swedish registration, regular income, and no open defaults with Kronofogden. Meeting these basics improves approval odds and shortens application time.
Compare core costs: annual fees, FX surcharges (around 2%), ATM withdrawal fees (typically 1–3%), and nominal interest. These items shape long‑term expenses more than flashy perks.
Review credit terms: length of interest‑free days (45–55), typical credit limits, and minimum payment rules. These factors decide monthly flexibility and the risk of interest charges.
Match benefits to spending. Choose rewards or cashback that align with main purchases, and confirm included insurances such as travel, purchase protection, and warranties.
Shortlist two or three options on Visa or Mastercard rails for broad acceptance. Use reputable comparison tools that ask a few questions and show side‑by‑side information. Apply only when confident to avoid multiple hard checks.
Application realities: understanding UC checks and approval odds
Understanding how UC checks shape approvals helps applicants set realistic expectations. In Sweden, most banks rely on UC reports to assess affordability and risk. That process usually delivers quick decisions for straightforward profiles.
Tools such as Kortio let a person apply for several products with a single UC. Using a single-UC multi-application service can broaden options without stacking multiple inquiries on a file. This reduces short-term impacts from many direct applications.
Common rejection reasons include payment remarks, late payments to issuers, active debts with Kronofogden, too many open loans or cards, insufficient income, and age limits. Applicants with prior late payments often face lower limits or tougher terms.
If approved, initial limits are often conservative. Responsible use and timely bill payments help when asking for future increases. Comparing rates and terms before applying keeps offers aligned with budget and repayment capacity.
Applicants should read pre-contract information carefully and avoid submitting multiple direct applications in a short time. Clear information and a tidy payment history raise the odds to get credit and smooth the process.
Responsible use: maximizing benefits while avoiding debt
Using a credit card with care turns routine purchases into useful benefits while avoiding costly interest.
Most issuers offer 30–60 interest-free days; paying the full statement invoice within that time avoids interest charges. Carrying a balance invites high nominal interest, often 15–25%, and can create mounting debt quickly.
Set up e‑invoices and automatic payment to stop late fees and negative payment remarks. Tracking purchases and payments in real time helps keep monthly spend within budget and under the credit limit.
Insurance and fraud protection add real value, but they usually require that the purchase be paid with the product and receipts be saved. Avoid cash advances unless necessary; fees and faster interest accrual can wipe out rewards.
If a balance must be carried, plan an accelerated payoff to limit interest. Keep utilization moderate to support a healthier credit profile. Reassess card fit annually and contact the issuer early if financial strain appears to explore payment plans before fees grow.
🎁Understanding interest rates and repayment rules for credit cards
Why their recommendations are trustworthy
Reliable recommendations come from repeatable testing, transparent methods, and visible results. Independent teams compare fees, interest-free days, rewards and protection using consistent scores.
Kreditkort.com has run reviews since 2017, with 60,000+ approved users, 100+ impartial reviews and about 150,000 monthly visitors. Alltomkreditkort lists 200+ cards reviewed and over ten years of editorial practice. Kreditio reports testing 78+ cards across 5,010 data points and helping 20,000+ users.
Review methods publish how costs, acceptance and travel insurance are weighted. Editorial rules and clear disclosures limit sponsored influence and keep comparisons focused on user value.
Experts update datasets regularly and monitor issuer changes in fees, FX and coverage. User feedback and service‑case notes add real-world perspective to lab-style testing.
Ready to pick the right card? Compare, match benefits, and apply today
Match one universal payment option with a specialist to cover groceries, travel, or online deals. For many, an all‑round pick such as Bank Norwegian (0 SEK annual fee, 0% ATM fee, 1.75% FX, 0.5% cashback and 3–5% airline points) plus a niche product works well.
Consider re:member Flex for portal discounts, Collector Easyliving to avoid FX fees, or Swedbank Mastercard for lower interest and strong insurances. Coop, Marginalen Traveller and MoreGolf add focused bonus value for specific spends.
Weigh likely annual fee against expected cashback, bonus points and partner discounts. Confirm acceptance at your regular merchants, use a trusted comparison guide, then apply. Set e‑invoices and reminders to pay on time to protect savings and keep benefits working.
