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Which cards are accepted in Norway?

Visa, Mastercard, Amex, BankAxept and mobile wallets.

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Short answer

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards in Norway, while far fewer places take American Express or Diners Club. Debit and credit cards work almost everywhere, and many places accept Apple Pay and Google Pay. Norwegians often use BankAxept, the domestic card system, which accounts for 8 in 10 purchases in physical shops.

Currency in Norway a payment card tapping a terminal, a phone with a simple payment icon and one krone coin

Why

  1. Visit Norway says Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted credit cards, with far fewer places accepting Amex or Diners.
  2. BankAxept states that 8 out of 10 purchases in physical shops in Norway are paid with BankAxept.
  3. Visit Norway notes that post offices and some grocery shops or supermarkets do not accept foreign credit cards.

Details

Staffed shops must also accept cash for amounts up to NOK 20,000, so a little cash helps if your card is refused. Cash machines are found in towns and cities.

Tip

Bring a Visa or Mastercard as your main card, a spare card in case one is refused, and a little cash for small purchases.

What may differ

If American Express or Diners Club is your only card, bring a Visa or Mastercard as well, since far fewer places accept them.

Common misconception

Cards work everywhere in Norway, so you never need cash.

What actually happens

Cards work almost everywhere, but Visit Norway says some post offices and grocery shops do not accept foreign credit cards and recommends carrying a bit of cash.

People also ask

  • What credit cards are accepted in Norway?
  • Is American Express accepted in Norway?
  • Are Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere in Norway?

Sources

Information checked on 15 October 2026.

Currency in Norway
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