Top payment methods in Denmark: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Denmark? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Denmark, with a population of around 6.00 million people, has a GDP of approximately 449.94 billion making it the 36th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK)
The economy is a modern, service-based system with high-tech agriculture, advanced manufacturing (pharmaceuticals, renewable energy), and a strong maritime shipping industry. As an EU member, it trades extensively within the single market, particularly with Germany and Sweden.
| Country | Denmark |
|---|---|
| Population | 6.00 million |
| GDP (USD) | 449.94 billion |
| Global Ranking | 36th |
| Currency | Danish Krone (DKK) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Denmark?
The Danish payment landscape is dominated by Dankort, the national debit card, which is deeply integrated into the country's payment system and is the most popular card for daily use. MobilePay is a ubiquitous mobile payment app used for seamless peer-to-peer transfers and payments in virtually all stores, both online and offline. Credit cards are typically reserved for online shopping and international travel, rather than for daily domestic purchases.
How to pay in Denmark
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Denmark.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| MobilePay | MobilePay is a dominant mobile payment application, co-developed by Danske Bank. It is massively popular and used for P2P transfers and payments in a vast number of stores, both online and in-person. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Dankort, Visa/Mastercard) | The national debit card, Dankort, is a primary payment instrument for most Danes. International credit and debit cards are also universally accepted. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Direct bank transfers (Giro) are a standard method for paying bills and for larger transactions. | Online |
| Cash (Krone) | Denmark is one of the least cash-dependent societies in the world. While still legal tender, cash is used infrequently, and many businesses do not accept it. | In-person |
Traveling beyond Denmark? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Denmark?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Denmark.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.