Understanding credit card rewards and cashback in Sweden

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Can one small change to a wallet really unlock big yearly savings and better travel perks?

The 2025 market in Sweden shows fierce competition among issuers. They offer zero annual fees, fee‑free withdrawals, and no foreign exchange surcharges on some products. Typical interest‑free windows run 45–60 days and FX fees often sit near 1.65–1.75%.

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Reviewers name Bank Norwegian the best overall for its 0 SEK fee, 0% withdrawal fee and steady cashback. Other strong options include re:member flex for shopping portals and Collector Easyliving for no FX fees.

This intro explains how points, statement credits and discounts translate into real savings. It also shows why people should compare credit cards by spending habits—groceries, travel, online shopping, or low interest needs.

Editor’s note: how to use this 2025 roundup to compare credit cards in Sweden

This editor’s note shows how to turn feature lists into a shortlist that fits daily life. Start by mapping regular spend—groceries, travel, online shopping, or low-interest needs—and use that map to weight each offer.

Focus on five variables: annual fee, interest-free days, effective APR, FX and ATM fees, and credit limit. Weigh total value rather than chasing headline percentages. Balance cashback, travel insurance, and likely costs to find the true winner.

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Independent sites such as Kreditkort.com and Alltomkreditkort evaluate cost, benefits, and terms. Use their methodology to triangulate and read one full review before applying. Look for UC checks and simple approval criteria so you know what follows an application.

Build a short list, run side-by-side comparisons, then validate benefits and fine print. Revisit this roundup yearly — offers shift fast and better terms can appear without switching costs.

Today’s best overall pick in Sweden: Bank Norwegian Credit Card

A single everyday‑friendly option can simplify spending while adding travel perks for many households. Bank Norwegian often tops lists as the best credit card overall because it pairs a 0 SEK annual fee with broad, simple value.

The product offers a max credit limit of 150,000 SEK and interest‑free days up to 45, so paying in full avoids interest and preserves net value. Revolving balances carry a nominal interest near 22%, so responsible use matters.

Rewards come in two forms: a flat 0.5% back on all purchases or airline CashPoints up to 5% on premium Norwegian fares. The account also includes travel insurance when at least 50% of a trip is paid with the card and cancellation cover up to 50,000 SEK.

Practical perks include 0% fees on cash withdrawals and an FX surcharge of 1.75%, which is competitive though not zero. App management and wide Visa acceptance make this offering easy to use and a top pick for many seeking the best credit solution.

Best card for discounts and cashback portals: re:member flex

For online shoppers who click through portals, re:member flex turns routine buys into meaningful savings.

The product offers a 0 SEK annual fee and access to a portal with 300+ stores and discounts up to 25% when users follow the tracked links first. Sample rates help set expectations: Amazon around 5% and Hotels.com about 7%, so regular bookings and frequent shopping add up.

It also provides up to 56 interest-free days, longer than many rivals, which helps users plan payments and protect net value by paying in full. The advertised interest rate range runs 9.74–21.90% (effective ~18.91%), so those who occasionally revolve balances should watch their APR.

Extras include Preem fuel savings, Superdealen monthly offers, travel with cancellation cover, excess protection, and ID insurance. Portal tracking is essential — clicks must register to trigger cashback purchases — so process discipline matters.

For heavy e-commerce spenders, this setup can save more than flat-rate programs and often ranks as the best credit card pick for online bargains.

Best for groceries and everyday spend: Coop Mastercard

Frequent supermarket shoppers can earn meaningful value from routine purchases with the right product. Coop Mastercard concentrates benefits where many households spend most: groceries and home goods.

Members earn up to 5.5 points per krona in Coop stores and 0.5 points per krona elsewhere. Points convert into vouchers that reduce future shopping bills, so steady use helps families save money across the year.

The first year has no annual fee, then the cost is 295 SEK annually. With 55 interest-free days, users can schedule payments to avoid interest and keep net value from points.

The card offers a credit limit up to 150,000 SEK and includes travel with cancellation and all‑risk purchase insurance. Nominal interest rates sit near 18.80–19.95%, with effective APR around 19.85–20.51%.

For shoppers loyal to Coop, this is often the best credit card for everyday spend. Paying balances in full preserves savings and makes the program a practical anchor for household budgets.

Best for travel benefits beyond airlines: Marginalen Traveller

For people who want broad travel perks rather than airline ties, Marginalen Traveller presents a practical option.

The product charges a modest annual fee of 396 SEK, with the first three months free. It offers a 16.90% interest rate and up to 50 interest-free days, so paying bills on time preserves value.

Holders earn points on all purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel and local experiences through partner networks, making this a year‑round travel companion rather than a flight‑only program.

The package includes nine travel insurance covers, widening protection beyond basic cancellation. That extra scope is useful for families and frequent travellers who want stronger trip protection.

With a credit limit up to 150,000 SEK, the card suits mid-to-high spenders. Added perks may include partner concierge services and flexible redemptions, which turn everyday spend into lifestyle value.

Best niche rewards for golfers: MoreGolf Mastercard

Golfers who spend on gear and green fees can get direct value when a niche product matches their hobby.

The MoreGolf Mastercard ties points to Golfstore, Dormy and SGF‑affiliated clubs, so purchases at partners convert straight into rounds and gear credits. New applicants receive 9,000 welcome points to jump‑start redemptions.

Practical protections include hole‑in‑one insurance and discounts on green fees. A Preem fuel discount helps with travel to courses, and travel insurance is included for trips and tournaments away from home.

The product supports a credit limit up to 160,000 SEK and offers 55 interest-free days, which suits seasonal spikes in fees and equipment buys. Nominal rates sit near 18.49–19.64% with an effective rate around 20.22%; paying balances in full preserves net value.

Although lounge access isn’t a primary feature, the focused partner benefits make this one of the best credit cards for serious golfers. For those who already buy from partner retailers, the earn‑and‑burn loop often beats generalist programs.

Best low-interest traditional option: Swedbank Mastercard

When borrowing costs matter more than perks, a low‑rate traditional option can be the smarter everyday choice.

Swedbank’s Mastercard sells itself on a low nominal interest range of 13.80–14.95% (effective ~14.77%). The product waives the annual fee the first year and charges 195 SEK thereafter, a fair trade for heavy insurance coverage.

Users get 55 interest-free days, which helps manage large monthly bills without immediate finance charges. A high credit limit up to 200,000 SEK gives a useful cushion for planned expenses and seasonal spending.

This offering has no rewards program by design. That omission keeps borrowing costs down while bundling travel insurance, price guarantee, cancellation cover and extended warranty into one package.

For households that may sometimes revolve balances, Swedbank is a clear contender among low‑rate options. It works best as a reliable backbone product: lower interest rate, broad protections, and a generous credit limit make it a practical pick for steady budgets.

Standouts for zero or lower foreign exchange costs

When foreign exchange fees matter, a clear shortlist helps travelers save. Collector Easyliving stands out with 0% FX on payments and a 0 SEK annual fee the first year. It bundles extensive travel insurance that often offsets any small tradeoffs.

FOREX’s offering also has no FX surcharge and adds travel insurance plus lounge access. That combo suits frequent flyers who value extra trip comforts over raw percentage savings.

Bank Norwegian charges about 1.75% FX but offers 0% fees on cash withdrawals. For people who use ATMs abroad, that zero withdrawal fee can offset the currency surcharge.

Neo‑bank options—Revolut, N26, bunq, and Curve—remove FX charges on certain plans. They often limit fee-free ATM withdrawals or require monthly plan fees, so users must weigh plan costs against typical use.

Travelers should match ATM versus point‑of‑sale habits, confirm current limits, and factor lounge access or insurance into total trip value when choosing among these low‑FX options.

credit card rewards Sweden: who benefits most in the present market

Not every product suits every shopper; matching habits to perks reveals the real value. Travelers who book flights and use ATMs abroad often gain from Bank Norwegian or Marginalen Traveller thanks to wide acceptance and travel protections.

Online shoppers extract more from re:member flex with portal discounts, while grocery-heavy households win predictable savings from Coop Mastercard’s points-to-voucher model. Golfers see outsized value with MoreGolf’s partner redemptions and niche insurance that generalist products cannot match.

Those who sometimes carry balances should prioritize low-rate options like Swedbank to lower borrowing costs rather than chasing points. And frequent foreign‑currency spenders should consider zero‑FX leaders such as Collector Easyliving or selected neo-bank plans to avoid surcharges.

Many credit cards can be combined—one for travel, one for groceries—if fees stay low and use is disciplined. Compare credit by focusing on your top two spending categories and confirm interest-free days and likely ATM habits so fees don’t erase the benefits.

Key comparison factors: interest-free days, APR, annual fee, and credit limit

Smart comparison starts by matching how people spend with headline terms like interest-free days and annual fees. Typical Swedish products offer 45–60 interest-free days; paying in full within that window keeps borrowing costs at zero.

Nominal interest rates commonly sit between 15–25%, but effective interest reflects fees and missed payments. Readers should check the interest rate and run a simple cost projection before planning installments.

Annual fee must be weighed against expected benefits. Many 0 SEK options compete strongly, while premium tiers add insurance and lounge access that may justify higher costs.

Credit limit affects flexibility for travel bookings and big purchases. Common ranges span 100,000–200,000 SEK, with Swedbank at the top and niche products near 150–160,000 SEK.

Also watch paper invoice, reminder, ATM and FX fees: small surcharges can erase gains from modest perks. To compare credit cards, rank features by personal importance and document monthly spend to estimate break-even points.

Cashback and points mechanics in Sweden

Different ways to earn — flat cashback, portal discounts, or store points — shape real value more than headline rates. Flat cashback pays a simple share of spend and posts quickly, so it suits routine purchases and easy tracking for cashback purchases.

Portal discounts need a tracked click first. For example, re:member flex gives up to 25% via its portal at 300+ stores, but purchases must register to count. That process discipline matters.

Store‑based points work like a loyalty loop. Coop awards up to 5.5 points per krona in its stores and converts points into vouchers for groceries. Resurs Gold also accrues 0.5 points per krona on many transactions, including invoice payments and some cash withdrawals, broadening the earn scope.

Bank Norwegian lets users pick 0.5% back on all purchases or 3–5% CashPoints on Norwegian fares, so travelers can opt for higher airline value when useful. Visa and Mastercard dominate acceptance, while american express issues premium options with strong partner ecosystems but lower reach at smaller merchants.

Track balances in issuer apps, watch posting times and minimum redemption thresholds, and align one primary earn credit card to your largest spend category. Add a second card where needed to cover gaps and maximize value from the best credit cards mix.

Fees that impact real-world value: FX, cash withdrawals, and surcharges

Fees on withdrawals and currency conversions often decide which product truly saves money. Many mainstream offerings add a foreign exchange surcharge around 1.65–1.75%. That feels small per purchase but stacks up on long trips or frequent online purchases in other currencies.

Some products charge ATM fees of 1.5–3% with a minimum of roughly 35–45 SEK per withdrawal. A few options, like Bank Norwegian, waive cash withdrawals entirely. Collector Easyliving and certain neo-bank plans offer 0% FX on payments, which can offset paid plans fast for heavy users.

Cash advances usually start accruing interest immediately; interest-free days normally cover purchases, not withdrawals. Paper invoice or reminder fees (about 30 SEK) can add recurring costs if statements are printed or paid late.

Budget these line items alongside any annual fee when comparing a payment product. Picking a high-fee plan for bigger perks often carries disadvantages credit users regret when fees exceed point value. Choose offers that match ATM and FX habits to truly save money.

Travel protections to look for: insurance, lounge access, and concierge

Knowing which protections come with a payment product helps travelers avoid surprise costs abroad.

Core travel insurance often covers medical emergencies, delays, baggage loss and cancellation. Many issuers require at least half the trip to be paid with the eligible credit card for cover to apply.

Bank Norwegian includes cancellation protection up to 50,000 SEK, while Marginalen Traveller lists nine distinct covers for broader trip protection. Travelers should check coverage caps, who counts as family, and maximum trip length—often 90 days.

Lounge access appears on premium tiers: examples include Resurs World, FOREX, and some neo‑bank plans. A couple of visits a year can offset an annual fee, so estimate likely use before upgrading.

Concierge services add booking help and emergency coordination but are rare on basic products. Always carry proof of purchase, read claim steps, and confirm required documents before departure.

If one issuer lacks low FX fees, pair a strong insurance card with a low‑FX payment product to protect money and health. Finally, tally the yearly value of insurance, lounge access and concierge support against any extra costs to ensure a net benefit.

High credit limits in Sweden: when 150 000-200 000 SEK makes sense

A 150 000–200 000 SEK ceiling is useful when families need liquidity for travel, renovations or consolidated monthly expenses.

Higher limits ease short-term pressure on budgets and can improve utilisation ratios when balances spike. That helps protect scores during one-off spending, provided balances are paid down on schedule.

Issuers set upper bounds: Swedbank’s Mastercard can reach 200,000 SEK, MoreGolf tops near 160,000 SEK, while Bank Norwegian, Coop and Marginalen typically offer up to 150,000 SEK. Actual credit limits follow UC checks, verified income and repayment history.

Increases are often possible after several months of on-time payments and stable earnings. Applicants should request raises only after demonstrating responsible use and low outstanding balances.

Finally, a high credit limit is a liquidity tool, not a target. Pair larger availability with long interest-free days and separate large purchases from day-to-day spending to keep budgets clear and avoid unnecessary interest.

Alternate paths to approval: one application, several credit cards via Kortio

Kortio lets applicants test multiple offers with a single UC check. One submission runs an application form once and returns several credit matches from participating issuers.

The process is free to start and avoids multiple hard inquiries. Users receive a shortlist of approved options and can compare credit cards side by side before choosing one.

This approach helps people who were unsure about issuer criteria or who had prior declines. It can increase the chance to get credit without reapplying repeatedly and hurting a score.

Applicants should prepare income and ID details to speed approval. After selecting the preferred credit card, they complete the issuer’s onboarding and may request an additional card for a partner if available.

Always review effective interest, fees and included benefits — not just headline limits — to find the best credit fit for personal spending. Using Kortio is a practical way to compare credit cards efficiently and with fewer checks.

🎁Key steps for a safe online credit card application

Responsible use and compliance in Sweden’s current climate

A simple habit—paying balances in full within interest‑free days—protects value and avoids high interest. Readers should choose pay behavior that prevents revolving debt, since rates often sit between 15–25% when balances carry over.

Late payments can lead to a betalningsanmärkning with lasting effects on housing, subscriptions and future loans. Swedish issuers run UC checks as standard, so opening many credit accounts quickly may lower approval odds.

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Practical steps help. Set alerts, enable autopay for at least the minimum, and keep an emergency pot for unexpected expenses rather than relying on revolving balances. Matching the right credit to real needs beats chasing perks that go unused.

Note: american express delivers strong premium benefits but sees lower acceptance at smaller merchants compared with Visa and Mastercard. For help with mounting debts, municipal budget and debt counselling and Konsumentverket offer guidance and practical plans.

Responsible usage builds a positive history, which can unlock better offers and higher limits over time. Use discipline first; perks follow when accounts stay in good standing.

Your next step: choose the right credit card and start earning rewards today

Pick two products that match your top spending categories, then test them for a month to see which fits daily life best.

Shortlist options and compare credit cards by fees, insurance, interest‑free days and practical benefits. Read one detailed reviews credit piece per finalist to confirm fine print before you apply.

Gather ID and income docs and complete the issuer’s online application form. Expect a UC check and a quick decision when you get credit card approval.

Start with Bank Norwegian for broad value, re:member flex for online savings, or Collector Easyliving for 0% FX. For low rates pick Swedbank, for travel choose Marginalen Traveller, for groceries try Coop, and golfers can evaluate MoreGolf.

After approval enable e‑invoices, set autopay to pay in full, and track benefits. Revisit your wallet yearly and compare credit card 2025 offers to keep the right credit card in place.