Top payment methods in Sweden: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Sweden? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Sweden, with a population of around 10.68 million people, has a GDP of approximately 620.30 billion making it the 25th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK)
A highly developed, export-oriented economy driven by engineering, telecommunications, and automotive manufacturing. As a member of the European Union, it is fully integrated into the single market, with Germany and its Nordic neighbors as its main trade partners.
| Country | Sweden |
|---|---|
| Population | 10.68 million |
| GDP (USD) | 620.30 billion |
| Global Ranking | 25th |
| Currency | Swedish Krona (SEK) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Sweden?
Sweden is one of the world's most cashless societies, with the mobile payment app Swish being the dominant method for real-time peer-to-peer and customer-to-business payments, linked directly to a phone number. The primary physical payment method is the debit or credit card ('Kort'), and cash is rejected in many places. For online shopping, Klarna is a hugely popular "buy now, pay later" service offering flexible invoicing and installment options.
How to pay in Sweden
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 Sweden.
| 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 |
| Swish | Swish is a massively popular mobile payment app that is essential for life in Sweden. It allows for real-time P2P and merchant payments linked directly to a user's bank account. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Debit/Credit) | Sweden is a highly cashless society where cards are a dominant payment method for all transactions. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers (Bankgiro/PlusGiro) | The Giro systems are the traditional way to pay bills and invoices, though Swish and e-invoices are taking over. | Online |
| Cash (Krona) | Cash is very rarely used. Many businesses are completely cashless and do not accept it. It is not a common or convenient payment method. | In-person |
Traveling beyond Sweden? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Sweden?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Sweden.
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.