Arrange an account for salary and bills, and ask separately about a debit card, online banking and BankID.
Understand how it works
Banks must identify customers and understand the purpose of the relationship. They may ask about employment, tax residence and the source of money. Basic banking services and BankID have different requirements. Finanstilsynet describes alternatives for some people without conventional ID.
When and how long?
Contact a bank early. There is no single guaranteed opening time: appointments, identity checks and missing documents affect the bank’s assessment.
Have these ready
- Accepted valid identity document
- Norwegian ID number if assigned
- Address, residence information and evidence explaining how you will use the account
What to do
- Ask for the bank’s process for new customers without BankID.
- Request its document list and expected next step before attending.
- If ordinary ID is unavailable, explain your situation and ask which alternative documentation the bank can assess.
Banking services, identity and a refusal
A bank must consider your situation individually under the customer-check rules. A foreign nationality or lack of BankID is not by itself a complete assessment of whether ordinary banking services can be provided. Explain what the account is for and provide the evidence the bank requests.
An account does not guarantee credit, a loan or BankID. If the bank refuses a service, ask for its reason and complaint procedure. Start with the bank's own complaints channel. Keep your application, the documents supplied and its answer, but send identity documents only through the bank's approved channels.
Keep in mind
Do not treat a missing BankID as a final refusal of all banking services. Ask the bank to explain any refusal and how to complain; an account or BankID is never guaranteed by this checklist.
