Can a single detail make the difference between being approved or denied for a popular card in Sweden?
Approval often hinges on two things: a clear payment history and verifiable income. Lenders check residency, declared earnings, and any records of missed payments or debts with Kronofogden.
These factors shape not only acceptance but also limits, annual fees, and the interest rate if balances carry over. Top banks and brands—Bank Norwegian, re:member, Coop, Marginalen, and Swedbank—offer varying mixes of interest-free days, perks, and costs.
Readers will learn how profile details affect travel insurance, cashback value, and FX or withdrawal fees. The article will also guide matching personal spending to card types and simple steps to prepare documents before applying.
Why credit score and income matter for credit cards in Sweden
Lenders in Sweden use simple signals to decide who gets a new card and under what terms.
Issuers check age, verified earnings, and any record of missed payments or Kronofogden debts before approving an application. A clean record and steady pay show ability to repay. That helps a bank set the initial limit and the interest rate for individually priced products.
Strong profiles often unlock the best welcome terms — think 0 SEK annual fee and longer interest-free days from providers like Bank Norwegian and re:member Flex. Weaker profiles face higher interest and smaller starting limits until they prove reliable.
Payment reliability also affects future approvals. High balances or existing debt raise risk and can reduce access to premium offers. Banks reassess accounts over time and may lower costs or raise limits after consistent on-time payments.
credit score income credit cards Sweden
Simple, verifiable details can fast-track approval and unlock better terms for applicants. To speed an application, they should show no payment default and be registered locally. Lenders expect basic proof of steady work and declared earnings.
Organize documents before applying: an employment contract, recent payslips, and ID shorten underwriting time. Keeping existing debt low and utilization under control makes an application more compelling.
Many top providers offer 45–56 interest-free days. To avoid interest, pay the balance in full within that period. Comparing annual fees, withdrawal costs, and currency surcharges saves money over time.
Apply selectively to avoid multiple hard checks. A single strong application often wins faster decisions and better limits. Responsible early use — on-time payments and modest balances — can unlock higher limits, lower fees, and improved benefits later.
How Swedish card issuers assess applications
Application reviews follow a clear path: identity, risk checks, then affordability. First, card issuers confirm age and Swedish registration with a personnummer. They verify identity and the integrity of submitted data before any deeper review.
Underwriters then inspect recent payment records for missed payments or collections and scan for any debts with authorities. They look at types credit signals such as account age, active accounts, and utilization to gauge behaviour.
Employment status and documented earnings inform how much exposure a bank will offer. Lenders run internal scorecards and bureau checks to set interest, fees, and initial limits. Applicants with short local histories often receive lower starting limits and may need to supply extra documents.
Decisions vary by issuer; the same file can lead to different offers. Final proposals can include personalized rates, altered interest-free days, and tailored fees that match the applicant’s assessed risk band.
Minimum income and credit score signals used in Sweden
Issuers often use minimum thresholds and basic behaviour signals to set initial limits and rates.
Typical entry rules list an age minimum and a baseline yearly amount. For example, re:member Flex often cites age 20 and about 150,000 SEK per year. Some offers instead note monthly floors near 10,000–12,500 SEK.
All banks expect a clean file with no payment default or Kronofogden notes. Missing the stated minimum usually leads to an automatic decline despite other positives.
Higher declared earnings normally translate to higher starting credit limits and sometimes a better interest rate or fee band. Lenders may accept borderline applicants with lower starting limits to test on-time behaviour.
Students or people with variable pay should show savings or extra documents. Short residence or short job tenure can trigger stricter checks and lower initial offers.
Raising earnings or reducing existing obligations improves affordability reviews. The next sections apply these thresholds to real cards and categories so readers can compare actual offers and days of interest-free use.
Key costs that depend on your profile: interest rate, fees, and limits
Your profile shapes the real cost of any new credit card, from interest to withdrawal fees.
Individual pricing ties to risk: someone with a stronger file often gets a lower interest rate and a higher credit limit for the same product. Sample public pricing shows variety — Bank Norwegian: 0 SEK annual fee, 1.75% FX and 0% withdrawal fee; re:member Flex: 0 SEK annual fee, 2% FX, 3% withdrawal (min 35 SEK); Coop: 1.5% withdrawal (min 35 SEK), 1.75% FX.
Many cards charge 1.65–3% FX or withdrawal fees and minimums of 35–45 SEK. Those costs change how they handle cash withdrawals and purchases abroad, and they can outweigh a zero annual fee.
Annual fees, invoice charges, and revolving interest all affect effective cost. A higher limit gives flexibility but can tempt overspending. Choosing a card whose fees match travel, grocery, or online habits saves money and keeps the issuer’s view of risk favourable.
Best overall pick now: Bank Norwegian Credit Card
Bank Norwegian’s card combines low running costs and practical perks that suit many everyday wallets. It has a 0 SEK annual fee and a max limit of 150,000 SEK, giving flexible room for most households.
The product offers up to 45 interest-free days, a 0% withdrawal fee, and a 1.75% currency surcharge. For people who pay balances in full, interest is rarely a concern but the rate sits around 22% for revolvers.
Rewards include 0.5% cashback on all purchases and tiered CashPoints up to 5% on Norwegian flights (Lowfare 3%, Lowfare+ 4%, Flex 5%). Travel insurance applies when at least 50% of the trip is charged to the card and covers cancellation up to 50,000 SEK.
The card also supports Apple Pay and Google Pay for easy payments at home and abroad. Overall, this option ranks among the best credit cards for combining no annual fee, solid rewards, and useful travel protection.
Best for cash back and online shopping: re:member Flex
A card that pairs deep merchant discounts with flexible payment terms can cut online spending noticeably.
re:member Flex offers a 0 SEK annual fee and up to 56 interest-free days. Limits top out at 120,000 SEK and interest rates range roughly 9.74–21.90%, with effective APRs near 8.10–19.84% for revolving balances.
Online shoppers benefit from Remember Rewards: discounts up to 25% across 300+ stores (Amazon 5%, Hotels.com 7%, CDON up to 8%). These portal savings act like instant cashback and simplify redemption.
The card also allows payment holidays up to two months per year and includes travel insurance plus ID protection for online purchases and trips.
Users should note the 3% cash withdrawal fee (min 35 SEK) and a ~2% FX charge when shopping abroad. For disciplined buyers who pay in full, the mix of portal savings and long interest-free days makes this member flex pick a top choice for e‑commerce and deal hunters.
Best for groceries and everyday spending: Coop Mastercard
If most monthly outgoings go to food and home goods, the right card boosts value on each purchase. Coop Mastercard is built for loyal grocery shoppers and turns routine buys into points that matter.
Earn up to 5.5 points per SEK at Coop and 0.5 points per SEK elsewhere. Points convert into vouchers and perks, so regular spending quickly offsets fees for active users.
The card has a 0 SEK annual fee the first year, then 295 SEK after that. It offers up to 55 interest-free days, a 150,000 SEK max limit, FX at 1.75%, and a 1.5% withdrawal fee (min 35 SEK).
Everyday protections include travel insurance with cancellation plus price guarantee and all‑risk retail cover. Apple Pay and Google Pay support speed checkout in-store and online.
For households that shop often at Coop, this option ranks among the best credit cards for grocery rewards and practical protections. It is more of a domestic spend hero than a travel-focused choice.
Best for travel benefits and insurance: Marginalen Traveller
A good travel-focused card balances protections, FX costs, and reward options for real trip needs.
Marginalen Traveller targets frequent travelers with points on every purchase that can be redeemed for domestic and international experiences. It carries a 396 SEK annual fee, waived for the first three months, and a 150,000 SEK limit for larger bookings.
The product includes comprehensive travel insurance that spans nine covers when trips are paid with the card. This protection makes it one of the best credit choices for people who travel often.
Practical costs are competitive: a 1.65% FX charge helps abroad, while ATM withdrawals cost 3% (min 35 SEK), so cash use should be limited. Cardholders get 50 interest-free days to settle balances after a trip.
Mobile wallet support (Apple, Google, Samsung Pay) boosts convenience on the go. There is no automatic lounge access, but the robust insurance and redemption program make this card a strong pick for travelers who value safety and experiences over pure cashback.
Best niche card for golfers: MoreGolf Mastercard
When golf expenses spike in season, the right card smooths cash flow and adds tailored benefits. The MoreGolf Mastercard targets golfers with 9,000 welcome points and retailer redemptions at Golfstore and Dormy.
It charges 0 SEK the first year, then 295 SEK yearly after that. The max limit can reach 160,000 SEK, which covers equipment, green fees, or travel bookings.
Rate ranges sit near 18.5–19.6% with an effective APR around 19–20%. Cardholders get 55 interest-free days to spread seasonal bills. FX is 1.65%, while ATM withdrawals cost 3% (min 45 SEK), so avoid cash where possible.
Unique perks include Hole‑in‑One insurance, tee time booking, green‑fee discounts, and travel insurance that fits tournament trips. For golfers who want spending tied to on-course value, this card sweden option turns play into practical savings without losing everyday protections.
Best low-interest option: Swedbank Mastercard
For applicants who plan to carry a balance sometimes, a low-interest Mastercard can cut interest costs noticeably.
Swedbank’s product offers 0 SEK the first year, then a 195 SEK annual fee. The max credit reaches up to 200,000 SEK, giving room for larger purchases without a high rate penalty.
Market listings show nominal interest around 13.80–14.95% and effective rates from roughly 13.73–17.73%. Users get 55 interest-free days if they pay in full.
Practical perks include travel with cancellation, price guarantee, extended warranty, and other insurance covers. There is no bonus or cashback program, so rewards seekers may look elsewhere.
FX is 1.65% on foreign payments and ATM withdrawals cost 3% (min 45 SEK), so cash use should be limited. This option suits those who value low ongoing rates and flexibility.
Pairing Swedbank with a separate rewards card can deliver both low borrowing costs and category benefits without raising annual expenses.
Side‑by‑side snapshot: fees, interest-free days, FX, and withdrawal costs
Comparing core terms side by side makes it easier to pick the card that fits monthly cash flow. The table below highlights annual fees, interest-free days, FX rates and ATM charges for leading offers.
Bank Norwegian: 0 SEK annual fee, up to 45 interest-free days, 1.75% FX, 0% withdrawal, max credit 150,000 SEK.
re:member Flex: 0 SEK annual fee, up to 56 interest-free days, 2.00% FX, 3% withdrawal (min 35 SEK), max credit 120,000 SEK.
Coop Mastercard: 0 SEK year one then 295 SEK, 55 interest-free days, 1.75% FX, 1.5% withdrawal (min 35 SEK), max credit 150,000 SEK.
Marginalen Traveller: 396 SEK annual fee (first 3 months free), 50 interest-free days, 1.65% FX, 3% withdrawal (min 35 SEK), max credit 150,000 SEK.
MoreGolf Mastercard: 0 SEK year one then 295 SEK, 55 interest-free days, 1.65% FX, 3% withdrawal (min 45 SEK), max credit up to 160,000 SEK.
Swedbank Mastercard: 0 SEK year one then 195 SEK, 55 interest-free days, 1.65% FX, 3% withdrawal (min 45 SEK), max credit up to 200,000 SEK.
Key takeaways: Bank Norwegian wins for cash withdrawals with 0% ATM fees. Cards with 1.65% FX suit international spending best. re:member has the longest interest-free days but higher FX and withdrawal costs. Users should weigh annual fees against rewards and insurance value when choosing between these types credit cards.
How credit score and income influence your credit limit
Limits on a new card depend on more than just what someone earns; they reflect repayment habits, existing debt and account history.
Issuers set initial limits by checking declared pay, monthly obligations and how clean the payment record looks. Higher earnings and a spotless file typically unlock larger starting limits for popular products such as re:member Flex (120,000 SEK), Bank Norwegian (150,000 SEK) or Coop (150,000 SEK).
Over time, consistent on‑time payment and low utilisation often lead the bank to raise the limit without a fresh application. Many providers review accounts after six to twelve months and reward steady behaviour with higher exposure.
Applicants with short residency or thin history usually start lower, then move up after showing reliable payments. Some issuers also impose portfolio caps, so even high earners may see limits capped for risk control.
Request increases only when plans include keeping utilisation low and paying on time. Larger limits can improve utilisation ratios and borrowing flexibility, but they demand discipline to avoid extra interest and missed payment fees.
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Improving approval odds before you apply
Small, timely actions can tilt an application toward approval before the form is even submitted. Clearing revolving balances lowers utilization and makes it easier to get credit. Time any request after a salary change or job conversion to show stronger earnings.
Check there is no payment default on record and fix any bureau mistakes. Prepare recent pay slips, employment verification, and residence details so the application form is complete. Avoid several hard inquiries; pick a short list of suitable offers instead.
Opt in for e‑invoices to remove invoice fees and show digital readiness. If new locally, keep an active checking account relationship and use it to prove monthly inflows. Consider a starter card with lower thresholds and upgrade after six to twelve months of on‑time payments.
Freeze discretionary spending briefly to raise savings and produce cleaner bank statements if requested. Match product type to your main spend pattern to pass affordability checks and keep interest costs low. Small prep work often saves time and money.
Responsible use: avoiding payment defaults and extra costs
Small habits around bill paying can stop extra fees and long-term debt from building. Always aim to pay the statement balance by the due date to keep the usual 45–55 interest-free days and avoid interest entirely.
Set up automatic payments so missed deadlines and reminder charges (often ~60 SEK) do not create a payment default. Monitor monthly statements to spot errors or recurring subscriptions that add unnecessary fees.
Limit cash withdrawals; ATM and FX surcharges can outpace any reward and often carry immediate interest. Use the card for purchases that match its benefits and avoid non‑urgent buys that turn into revolving debt.
Keep utilisation low — ideally under 30% — to protect future borrowing and preserve good standing with issuers. If hardship hits, contact the issuer early to discuss options and avoid a payment default mark on records.
Review the mix of your open cards annually, build a routine to pay on time, and reassess to cut costs and interest over time.
💡Credit score and income for credit cards in Sweden what matters
How to choose the right card for your profile in Sweden
They should begin by mapping monthly purchases into clear buckets: travel, groceries, online shopping, or everyday bills. Match those buckets to product strengths—travel perks for trip spend, cashback or portal savings for online deals, and grocery rewards for food bills.
Weigh core benefits against total fees. Compare FX and ATM withdrawal costs (1.65–2% FX; 0–3% withdrawals) and annual charges (0–396 SEK+). Consider whether long interest‑free periods or a low APR matters most for how balances will be handled.
Check eligibility rules before applying. Use several different shortlisted offers to test redemption ease—cashback/discounts versus points—and pair a low‑rate product with a rewards option if they sometimes carry a balance.
Finally, pick a mix that fits life stage and revisit it yearly as travel, family needs, or spending habits change. That keeps fees low and benefits aligned with real purchases.
Ready to compare offers and apply with confidence
Choosing two or three strong options cuts noise and helps them apply with confidence. Start by matching main spending to product strength: travel, groceries, online deals or low APR.
Shortlist Bank Norwegian, re:member Flex, and one niche or low‑rate option to compare fees, FX and benefits like travel insurance or lounge access. Prepare documents and complete the application form accurately to speed approval.
Decide if a low APR or richer rewards matter more for how they will pay. Check withdrawal and FX costs for international use and verify age and eligibility with the chosen bank before they get a credit card.
After approval, enable e‑invoicing and autopay on day one to protect the profile and capture value from daily use.
