Best Free Credit Cards In Sweden (2023 Guide)
Finding the best free credit cards in Sweden can be challenging, as most of the information is in Swedish. I wrote several times about cards that I’ve been trying and using, but I thought it was a good opportunity to focus on those cards with no annual fees.
Choosing the right card can greatly change your everyday spending and how much you can save by the end of the year. I believe that a solid strategy when looking for a credit card in 2023 is to focus on (1) reducing maintenance fees and (2) getting cash back or a reward for each transaction.
NOTE: These are cards with no annual fees. Check out this post for the best credit cards in Sweden right now.
Bank Norwegian Visa
0.5% back on everything, Cashback or Cashpoints. Dental protection.
Coop Mastercard Mer
A point system that works, great insurance, 200+ partners. Free for 1 year.
American Express
Green Card
Amazing reward system (world-class), great international insurance.
Northmill Kontokredit
Simple system, no statements, low-interest, no fees, savings account.
Over my last 15 years as a consumer, I changed my credit card and spending strategy several times. I had phases where I was mainly focused on the rewards I was getting, but in today’s world, points and miles are getting harder to use and less flexible.
In this post, I present my top 3 free credit cards. Let’s get started.
Why use a credit card?
If you don’t have a credit card yet, don’t think of them as a way of getting into debt or spending money you don’t have. Yes, credit cards are a way to pay for stuff when you don’t have the money, but you will also get charged interest on your purchases.
Instead, you should see a credit card as a safer, more secure, and more flexible alternative to debit cards.
Credit cards vs. debit cards: main advantages
What is the Best Free Credit Card in Sweden?
1. Bank Norwegian Visa
The Bank Norwegian Visa is a no-annual-fee credit card issued by Bank Norwegian (part of NOBA Group) that can unpack a load of benefits, including a dual reward system (CashPoints or Cashback), 0.5% back on everything, groceries and travel insurance, free ATM withdrawals, a great app, mobile payments, and even optional dental protection.
The card’s biggest strength is that the reward system is flexible, easy to understand, and very straightforward for beginners. Points are actually useful, and the bank offers other great products (savings accounts and loans)
Who’s this card for?
This card is a must-have. Great for beginners who want to get in the points and cashback game without complications and hefty fees. It’s perfect for building up a better credit score. You can use your points to pay for the credit card statement or towards Norwegian Airlines flights.
Pros:
- 100% free of charge.
- Flexible reward system: CashPoints or Cashback.
- Free ATM withdrawals while abroad.
- Rewards on all purchases and a straightforward bonus system
- 0.5% points on everything
- 1% points on foreign-currency transactions
- 3%-5% points on Norwegian Airlines flights
- 2% on electric cars and public transport (Norway only)
- Great app and online dashboard.
- Up to 55 days of interest-free credit on every purchase (six weeks).
- Travel insurance and groceries insurance.
- Dental Protection (optional and cheap)
- Perfect for building credit score.
- Add extra insurance easily.
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay.
Cons:
- You need to be over 23 years old to apply.
- High-interest rate if you are not paying your bill in full.
2. Coop Mastercard Mer
Coop Mastercard Mer has been around for several years, at least since I came to Sweden in 2012. The Coop Mastercard Mer is a payment, credit, and membership card developed by Coop and Entercard. With this card, you earn points when you shop at Coop and its partners. The card also gives points on purchases outside Coop and Sweden and includes a favorable insurance package.
I also love their cooperation with SAS as an alternative to the SAS EuroBonus Mastercard, where you can only use points on Scandinavian Airlines.
Whos’ this card for?
If you are already shopping at Coop, this card is a no-brainer. You get extra points and can squeeze out a lot of benefits. It can also be good for someone who wants a flexible points system that can be used pretty much anywhere (like Amex points), but don’t want to pay a high annual fee.
Pros:
- 10.000 welcome bonus (worth 100kr)
- Free for the first year, then 295kr
- Simple point system
- Points can be exchanged for pretty much anything (vouchers).
- Collect points with your family
- Travel and purchase insurance
- Up to 55 days of interest-free credit on every purchase.
- Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
- Solid reputation: Issued by EnterCard, and has been around for ages
- Exclusive offers and promotions like with other credit cards (MoreGolf Mastercard)
Cons:
- It would be nice to see a cheaper version of this card (i.e., 195kr) and a Premium version of this card where you earn more rewards, similar to the SEB SAS EuroBonus World Mastercard Premium
The main reason why I believe the Coop Mastercard Mer is one of the best free credit cards in Sweden is that it has been around for many years with a good reputation. Its point system is simple and can be an excellent option for families spending considerable amounts on groceries and everyday expenses. You also get the flexibility to use your points on anything you want without paying exorbitant fees like with American Express cards.
You can check the full review post here.
3. American Express AMEX Green or SAS Classic
It’s not new that I’m a big American Express fan. I’ve been their client since 2006 and have been a satisfied customer for over a decade. Being objective, American Express cards are solid and stable, and offer incredible rewards when you are in the points game.
Who’s this card for?
Travel enthusiast and points freaks. This card can be very rewarding if you have patience, and are willing to put in the time. The SAS version is less flexible than Amex Green.
Pros:
- Bonus points on everything!
- Up to 55 days of interest-free credit on every purchase.
- Invite friends, get your money back, and collect points with someone you like.
- Supplementary travel insurance with cancellation protection is included.
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Buy concert tickets before everyone else. Fast track at Avicii Arena (Globen)
Cons:
- Some shops do not accept American Express.
- If you chose the SAS Classic Card, rewards could only be used in SAS (free flights with EuroBonus points).
I won’t lie; I have been in love with the American Express concept for a long time. I love their brand and how they’ve built it. Their customer service. Their cards and the rewards.
I have a long history with them and have tried many flavors of their cards, and it’s because of that history I will try to be the least biased here.
Is Amex the right card for you?
Honestly, if you don’t enjoy dealing with your finances and would prefer not to worry and use a single unique card for everything, this is probably not the right choice for you.
Let me explain. Let’s start with the cons. Many, many, many, many shops, even in 2023, don’t accept American Express. If you order this card, you will likely have to use your debit card or another alternative.
In addition, you will get lots of points. Hundreds, thousands, and even millions. But, to use them, you need to sit down and understand how to translate those points into something meaningful. A simple option is to use those points to pay for your bill (like cash back or credit statement). But it has many more opportunities than that, for example, getting free flights and hotels. It can be very lucrative, and it is a fun game.
Now, if you don’t mind spending an extra couple of hours figuring that out or would like to consider more than just one credit card in your wallet, then AMEX is a no-brainer.
There are just so many opportunities with their cards. You enjoy very high purchase limits, almost two months of interest-free payments, and have a fantastic referral program: if you invite friends and family, you and they get rewards. Plus, they support Apple Pay and have excellent international adoption (especially in the US).
4. Northmill Bank Kontokredit
Northmill Bank Kontokredit (account credit) is a bank account with an overdraft, all for free. You get extra credit up to 50.000kr, and you only pay for what you use. The interest rates are personal and ultra-low compared to traditional credit cards. You can choose how you want to repay and even change every month. You can also get a debit card with Apple Pay, and a savings account that gives you 4%, all free.
Although you don’t get purchase protection, points, or rewards, Northmill kontokredit is the simplest and cheapest way to get a credit line whenever needed. Northmill Bank is fully digital and strongly customer-centric. Considering that they are a fee-free bank, its products are just spectacular.
Who’s this card for?
People who want the benefits of a credit card without the complications of carrying an extra card or keeping track of when to pay an invoice. Northmill kontokredit is intuitive, powerful, simple, yet totally free.
Pros:
- Absolutely zero fees
- Credit line up to 50.000kr
- Ultra-low interest rates with personal offers (based on your credit score)
- Choose how you want to repay, and change every month
- Free debit card
- Apple Pay and Samsung Pay
- Free savings account that yields up to 4%
- Deposit guarantee (backed up by the government)
Cons:
- No points or rewards
- No purchase protection
Norhtmill Bank has remained competitive since 2006 and recently raised 30M EUR for strong investment in digital innovation and neobanking. You can also check my review post here.
5. Marginalen Traveller Mastercard
The Marginalen Traveller Mastercard option is attractive, as you get one of the market’s most comprehensive travel insurance when looking at the price range. In addition, you get points on all purchases you make on the card, which can later be used to book trips with or buy products in the points shop.
Marginalen Bank has been stepping up the last few years in all its products and now offers a quite competitive folio. They provide a range of cards, Traveller and Gold, and their own point system.
Who’s this card for?
Avid travelers already paying for insurance when booking trips, flights, and hotels. People who want to split large purchases with no interest or high fees. Marginalen Traveler has some premium-card features for free.
Pros:
- Great travel insurance
- Points in everything you buy. Redeem the points for flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- 25% discount in over 200 online stores.
- Up to SEK 120.000 in credit.
- Up to 50 days of interest-free credit on every purchase.
- Split payments into 6, 12, or 24 months.
- Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
- Free for the first year.
Cons:
- It has a fee after the first year, but you can try it for a whole year and see if it is a good fit for your wallet and expenses 🙂
Overall, a fantastic option to have in your credit card arsenal. I love the concept of being able to have interest-free payments. It is an excellent tool when you want to pay for holidays, travel, or even unplanned emergencies and don’t want to take the hit immediately. Native support for Apple Pay and Google Pay is a big win!
Being a Mastercard, it will be broadly accepted, so you don’t need to worry about that part.
6. Resurs Classic Mastercard
Their free option is Resurs Classic, one of my favorite tools to beat inflation: you can split your purchases into up to 6 interest-free installments! And, since the card lets you pay for invoices, you can use it for home renovations, contractors, home appliances, etc.
Resurs Bank is a niche bank (it does not provide everyday services like checking or salary accounts), but it has come up with a competitive credit card lineup.
My favorite card is Resurs Gold (245kr/year), as you also earn points on all purchases. It also gives you a free savings account to get 1.3% interest on your money (with a deposit guarantee). Make sure to check this post and read more about Resurs Gold.
Who’s this card for?
Credit card beginners who want to start easy and cheap. Great way to learn how to use a credit card. Resurs Gold gives you extra features like bonus points and a savings account.
WAIT: If you are unfamiliar with Resurs Bank, check this post first.
Pros:
- Completely free! No annual fees
- Split payments up to 6 months interest-free.
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Up to 60 days of interest-free credit on every purchase.
- Pay for invoices
- Transfer money to a bank account directly from your credit card
Cons:
- No points or cashback on your purchases (Try Resurs Gold instead)
- No savings account
- Extra cards cost 50kr (for family members)
- No referral program for friends and family
Conclusion: Best Free Credit Cards In Sweden
The best free credit cards in Sweden change almost monthly as banks and fintech companies come up with different products, offers, and deals. In my experience, it was hard to get information that wasn’t in Swedish, and most of the websites out there compare the technical specs without having tried the cards.
I wanted to write a different article from my experience using and testing the cards. I love trying new products and have built an outstanding credit score using them.
I hope this post is helpful and promise to keep it regularly updated with the most updated info.
If you have any further questions or wish to brainstorm or chat, feel free to reach out to me anytime on Instagram!
Enjoy!
Other posts you’ll love
- Best Credit Cards in Sweden (2023 Guide)
- Bank Norwegian Visa: 5 Reasons Why You SHOULD Get This Credit Card (2023)
- Coop Mastercard Mer: Points That Work? (2023 Review)
- Credit Score in Sweden: What is it and how to improve it? (Credit Check 2023)
- Northmill Bank Review: The Bank With NO FEES (2023)
- Resurs Bank Credit Cards: Complete Review (2023)
- MoreGolf Mastercard: Best Credit Card for Golfers (2023 Review)
Thanks for the post, mate. However, I don’t see the post for temporary residents. Did you miss to link it?