Top payment methods in Finland: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Finland? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Finland, with a population of around 5.61 million people, has a GDP of approximately 303.95 billion making it the 47th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Finland is the Euro (EUR)
A highly industrialized, mixed economy with key sectors in technology (telecommunications), machinery, and forestry products. As a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, it is deeply integrated with the EU market, especially with Germany and Sweden.
| Country | Finland |
|---|---|
| Population | 5.61 million |
| GDP (USD) | 303.95 billion |
| Global Ranking | 47th |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Finland?
Debit and credit cards, with contactless functionality, are the preferred payment method in Finland for almost all situations, making it a highly cashless society. For e-commerce, online bank transfers (known as "Verkkopankki") are a very popular method, allowing users to authorize payments directly and securely through their online bank. The mobile app MobilePay is also widely used for convenient peer-to-peer transfers and in-store payments.
How to pay in Finland
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 Finland.
| 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 |
| Bank Transfers & Online Banking | Paying directly from a bank account is a primary payment method, especially online where customers are often redirected to their bank's portal to authorize payment. | Online |
| Cards (Debit/Credit) | Finland is a highly cashless society where debit and credit cards are a standard and preferred method for almost all in-person and online transactions. | Online/In-person |
| MobilePay | MobilePay is a very popular mobile wallet app used for P2P transfers and for paying at stores and online, similar to its use in Denmark. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Euro) | While cash is legal tender, its use is very minimal. Finland is one of the most cashless societies in Europe, and some vendors may not accept cash. | In-person |
Traveling beyond Finland? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Finland?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Finland.
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.