Top payment methods in Norway: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Norway? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Norway, with a population of around 5.62 million people, has a GDP of approximately 504.28 billion making it the 32nd largest economy in the world. The official currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK)
The economy is powered by its massive offshore oil and gas sector, alongside hydropower and fishing. While not in the EU, it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), which provides full access to the EU's single market.
| Country | Norway |
|---|---|
| Population | 5.62 million |
| GDP (USD) | 504.28 billion |
| Global Ranking | 32nd |
| Currency | Norwegian Krone (NOK) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Norway?
The Norwegian payment market is dominated by Vipps, a mobile payment app used for everything from peer-to-peer transfers to in-store and online payments, making it deeply integrated into society. The national debit card scheme, BankAxept, is the most used card for retail transactions. Credit cards are typically reserved for online shopping, international travel, and other purchases where credit is preferred.
How to pay in Norway
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 Norway.
| 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 |
| Cards (BankAxept, Visa/Mastercard) | Norway is a highly cashless society. The domestic debit card scheme, BankAxept, is dominant for in-person payments. International cards are also universally accepted. | Online/In-person |
| Vipps | Vipps is a massively popular mobile payment app, used by a huge portion of the population for P2P transfers and payments to businesses, both online and in-store. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Direct bank transfers (Giro) are a standard method for paying bills and for larger transactions. | Online |
| Cash (Norwegian Krone) | Cash is very rarely used in Norway. While still legal tender, many places are completely cashless, and it is not a common payment method. | In-person |
Traveling beyond Norway? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Norway?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Norway.
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.