Oslo - Bank accounts

To open a bank account you will need to provide a personal registration number (personnummer), which you obtain at the national register (folkeregister). It usually takes some time to obtain this and the national register would normally issue you a preliminary number (D-nummer) while waiting for the processing of your registration. In most cases, the bank would still open an account for you, provided you bring ID papers and documentation confirming your employment and salary. Most companies employing ex pats will have an agreement with a bank and recommend their employees to use this bank, which then offer special rates and conditions. Credit unions are not common. Most banks offer online banking (nettbank). In Oslo, Nordea bank is often used by ex pats.

A variety of bank accounts are offered, for instance salary account (lønnskonto), savings account (sparekonto), high interest account for larger balances (høyrentekonto) and investment account (plasseringskonto). Different packages of pension schemes and share funds are offered which entitles you to a tax relief. Inquire with the bank for details.

Overdraft facilities are not automatically provided with current accounts, so make sure you arrange this (if you need it) with the bank when opening an account. Overdraft fees may be high, but vary between the banks.

In order to close a bank account you need to inform the bank in writing. Make sure the bank adds on all interest due and cancel standing order payments. You can instruct the bank to transfer the remaining balance to other accounts. You will receive written confirmation that your account is closed.

Normal banking hours are 0900 - 1500 Mon-Fri.  Some banks have extended opening hours. Banks are closed weekends and public holidays.

When opening an account you will receive a credit/debit card which enables you to withdraw money at all cash tills/ATMs (fees vary) and at most supermarkets, shopping centres and petrol stations. Most ATMs (minibank) have an English language option and most international credit cards are accepted. In addition to cash payments, the credit card is most commonly used when paying for goods and services.

Closing a bank account  
In order to close a bank account you need to inform the bank in writing. Make sure the bank adds on all interest due and cancel standing order payments. You can instruct the bank to transfer the remaining balance to other accounts. You will receive written confirmation that your account is closed.