Best Credit Card in Denmark for Expats 2026

Kristian Ole Rørbye

·

Updated July 22, 2026

·

Advertisement
i

Overview of Credit Card Fees in Denmark

Denmark is largely cashless and most shops, taxis and online merchants accept cards – but acceptance does not mean every card is equal. You need to watch three things:

• Foreign transaction fees: many cards add 1-3% when you buy in another currency, or when the card is issued outside the EU. Look for cards that waive or minimise this fee.
• Dynamic currency conversion: some merchants offer to charge you in your home currency at checkout. The rate is usually poor – always choose to be charged in DKK or the card’s local currency.
• Cash advance and withdrawal fees: ATM withdrawals are commonly charged extra and attract interest immediately.

Also remember practical habits in Denmark: many people use MobilePay for domestic transfers and shops are quick to accept contactless cards and mobile wallets. If you plan to transfer money from abroad, understand IBANs and international transfer costs – see the guide to IBAN in Denmark.

Best Credit Cards in Denmark for Foreigners

Which card is best depends on your situation: are you resident with a Danish CPR number, or do you need a card before you have full residency? Below are two options that work well for many expats, with practical notes on who can apply and what to watch for.

Credit Card from Bank Norwegian

Why expats like it: Bank Norwegian’s credit card is simple – no annual fee on the basic card, interest-free purchase period (typically up to around six weeks), and a contactless Mastercard that’s widely accepted in Denmark. You earn reward points on purchases and the card can include travel insurance depending on how you use it.

Who can apply: Bank Norwegian generally requires you to be 23 or older and resident in Denmark. You usually need a Danish ID number and a clean record on Danish debtor registers. If you’re on a work visa check the residency rules first – see Work Permit in Denmark for how residency can affect eligibility.

What to watch for:

1. Check the foreign transaction fee when you pay in non-DKK – Norwegian may avoid a currency surcharge for purchases in DKK but foreign exchange margins can apply.
2. Cash withdrawals often carry a fee and interest from day one – don’t treat a credit card as a cheap ATM.
3. Application requires identity documents and a Danish address; having a Danish bank account makes ongoing use simpler. For ideas on which banks serve foreigners well, see the round-up of the best Danish bank for foreigners.

N26 Credit Card

Why expats like it: N26 is a mobile-first bank that issues a free Mastercard with most accounts. Its app is English-friendly, accounts are quick to open for EU residents, and fees for basic card use are low. This is a good fit if you want a digital-first experience and plan to move through Europe often.

Who can apply: N26 traditionally focused on EU residents; some nationalities outside the EU may be restricted. If you have a Danish residency or EU address you can usually open an account from the app. N26 integrates with low-cost currency transfer services (Wise, formerly TransferWise) to top up accounts cheaply – useful for moving money from your home bank.

What to watch for:

• Check whether N26 adds fees for ATM withdrawals outside the free allowance and whether premium tiers are needed for travel insurance.
• Because it’s a virtual bank you don’t get a local branch – customer support is app-based.
• If you plan to receive a salary in Denmark, confirm with your employer and payroll that they will accept an N26 account or whether you need a local bank account for salary and tax reporting.

If you need to transfer funds into N26 or move money between Danish and international accounts, review the practicalities in our IBAN in Denmark guide and our notes on handling cash and cards in the country in holiday money in Denmark.

What to check before you apply