Whether you're planning a short trip, a long-term journey, or even a round-the-world adventure, every travel enthusiast eventually asks the same question: What is the best travel credit card? After an in-depth comparison of travel credit cards online, we found our favorite: the free Bank Norwegian Visa travel credit card. For us, it's one of the best travel credit cards with no annual fee, ideal for use on the go.
In short: This is why the Bank Norwegian VISA card is the best free travel credit card.
Basically, a good debit card, like the DKB Visa Debitcardthat we've been reliably using for years, is often sufficient for traveling. But let's be honest: A travel credit card bietet zahlreiche Vorteile, die das Reisen erheblich erleichtern und entspannter machen. Zu den kostenlosen Kreditkarten, die sich besonders für Reisen auszahlen, gehört die Bank Norwegian Visa Card. Für uns sind dabei die folgenden Punkte entscheidend:
- Permanently free: The credit card from Bank Norwegian is permanently free and not tied to any conditions. Perfect for anyone looking for a free travel credit card.
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees: With the Bank Norwegian Visa Card, you can pay and withdraw money worldwide in foreign currencies free of charge. This makes it an ideal companion for travelers.
- No additional account required: To apply for the credit card, you don’t need to open a checking account. This makes it an especially flexible choice.
- Travel credit card with insurance: Another major advantage is the comprehensive, free travel insurance included with the card. This also makes it one of the best travel credit cards.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Bank Norwegian credit card
Advantages of the Bank Norwegian Travel Credit Card
Permanently free: The Bank Norwegian credit card is permanently free. Unlike many other banks, it is not subject to conditions such as a required monthly deposit into an account.
Worldwide acceptance: As a VISA credit card, the Bank Norwegian card is accepted millions of times worldwide—ideal for traveling to any country.
Free worldwide cash withdrawals and payments: Not only is the card itself free, but withdrawing cash and making payments worldwide also won’t cost you a cent. There are no foreign transaction fees. This makes the card perfect as a travel credit card. Even in Germany, you can use the Bank Norwegian card for free payments and cash withdrawals.
Credit card with travel insurance: The Bank Norwegian credit card offers comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation, travel health, travel accident, and baggage insurance. These are valid for trips up to 90 days. For the insurance to be valid, at least 50% of the transportation costs must be paid using the Bank Norwegian credit card.
User-friendly, modern app: The Bank Norwegian app is intuitive and easy to use. You can manage transactions and invoices, make transfers, and block your card in case of emergencies. You can also apply for a new card directly through the app.
Mobile payments: Bank Norwegian supports not only Apple Pay and Google Pay but also Garmin Pay and Fitbit Pay.
SEPA direct debit mandate: In the app, you can set up a SEPA direct debit mandate so that your credit card bill is automatically paid every month. This helps you avoid costly interest charges.
44 days of interest-free credit: With up to 44 days of interest-free usage, the card provides additional liquidity for unexpected expenses.
Disadvantages of the Bank Norwegian Travel Credit Card
High interest rate on partial payments: While the partial payment option of the card offers flexibility, it comes with a high interest rate of 21.99% per year. If the bill is not paid on time, significant costs can arise. If you plan to use the partial payment option, it’s worth comparing it with other providers.
Creditworthiness requirements: The card is not accessible to everyone. A taxable income and good creditworthiness are mandatory when applying. Our tip: Be sure to apply for the card before a long-term trip, especially if you’re planning to quit your job.
Limits on cash withdrawals: The limits for free cash withdrawals, both domestically and internationally, cannot be adjusted.
| Limit | per day | per week |
| Domestic | 500 Euro | 1.500 Euro |
| International | 1.000 Euro | 3.000 Euro |
Limited insurance coverage: The trip cancellation, travel health, and travel accident insurance end after the age of 75. Additionally, the trip must begin and end in Germany for the insurance to be valid. If the trip lasts longer than 90 days, the insurance coverage does not apply to the entire trip. Furthermore, if you book a trip without a return date or with an open-ended return, the insurance only covers the first 35 days.
Apply for the Bank Norwegian travel credit card: Here's how
Requirements for applying for a Bank Norwegian credit card
As with all banks, certain requirements must be met to apply for the Bank Norwegian VISA card.
- Minimum age of 20 years
- Residence in Germany
- Taxable income
- Possession of a mobile phone with a German mobile number
If you meet all these requirements and do not have an active debt collection process underway, there’s nothing stopping you from applying for the credit card.
Applying for the Bank Norwegian credit card – Step by step
Applying for the Bank Norwegian credit card is simple and takes only a few minutes. You can easily apply for the card via the Bank Norwegian website and the Bank Norwegian app.
- Submit your application: Fill out the digital application form on the Bank Norwegian website and submit it.
- Install the app: Download the Bank Norwegian app for free from the App Store or Google Play. Follow the instructions in the app to activate your account.
- Complete the application in the app: Once your account is activated, you can complete the application in the app. The app will guide you step by step through the process, including electronic identification and signing the application.
- Credit card by mail: After your application is successfully reviewed, your credit card will be sent to you by mail.
Best free travel credit card? Our experience with the Bank Norwegian Visa card
For us, the answer is clear: Yes, the Bank Norwegian credit card is worth it! We are impressed by its numerous advantages, making it an ideal choice for both travel and everyday use. The card is permanently free, has no foreign transaction fees, and includes comprehensive travel insurance. This combination makes it, in our opinion, one of the best travel credit cards.
The few disadvantages, such as the high interest rate on partial payments, do not affect us. We do not use the partial payment option and have set up a SEPA direct debit mandate. This way, our credit card bill is automatically paid at the end of the month—simple and hassle-free. We also find the travel insurance conditions to be sufficient. It covers the most important risks and provides the security we need while traveling.
Overall, the Bank Norwegian Visa Card is the perfect companion for us—whether traveling or at home.
WasFAQ – Frequently asked questions about the Bank Norwegian Travel Credit Card
Withdrawals are free on the part of Bank Norwegian. However, ATM operators abroad may charge additional fees.
No, you do not need to open an additional account.
In general, a good debit card can also be sufficient for traveling. We reliably use the DKB VISA Debit Card. However, a credit card offers more flexibility for unexpected expenses, such as medical costs or vehicle repairs.
Yes, you need a mobile phone with a German number. Part of the credit card application process must be completed in the Bank Norwegian app.
No, the credit card works in all countries right away. You do not need to unlock it.
