Credit Card PIN in Norway

Posted by rizell (Folsom, California) on 08/08/25 07:09 PM

Hello:

Providing an update: did not need a PIN. Many places required a signature for credit card purchases, but it was routine at establishments. Nobody blinked an eye at not having a PIN

I am trying to determine whether I need a PIN for my credit card when using in Norway. I see conflicting messages on the internet. (You need it for purchases over a certain amount, you need it when making purchases in person, etc).

My US cards don't come with a PIN and I have my cards in Apple Wallet.

What is the experience of people traveling in Norway now? Will I need a PIN for purchasing food, hotels, etc?

Thanks so much!

Posted by jkgaliger

08/08/25 07:25 PM

145 posts

Was there last July, and used card several times in different places, and never asked for a pin. Virtually everywhere was tap only.

Posted by Carrie

Chicago

08/08/25 07:34 PM

3820 posts

My experience with credit cards in Europe, not specifically Norway, is that if the tap and pay does not work with my card, I insert the card and then sign a receipt.

I think the advice on PIN numbers is outdated. I called my credit card company, Chase, a few years ago to try and get a PIN number because I was so worried I needed one, and they wouldn’t even give me one. I just don’t think they are used much anymore with the newer technology.

Posted by Tom R

Reston VA

08/08/25 07:54 PM

487 posts

Were there last summer ('24) and had no issues just tapping my card.

I don't recall EVER using a PIN on a CC in Europe, but I'm guessing it was an issue at some point or we wouldn't still wonder about it.

Posted by jeanm

Chicagoland

08/08/25 08:07 PM

1331 posts

In 2023 spent 2 plus weeks in Norway. No problem using US issued credit cards at hotels, restaurants or shops. No PIN required.

Posted by Claire

Vancouver, BC

08/08/25 08:17 PM

888 posts

With Canadian credit cards, we use a PIN and have for many years, for purchases above a certain value set between you and your credit card (it is an added security layer for large expenditures). On our recent trip in England, we couldn’t tap for our hotel bills (£1200+) and one expensive meal. Not sure if other country’s credit cards, outside of the US, have the same approach for large amounts. It has been years since we signed on a large amount transaction.

Posted by mikliz97

Snohomish, WA

08/09/25 01:15 PM

3556 posts

We were in Oslo, Stavanger and Bergen in August 2024 and never needed a pin for our CC's.

Posted by muguet

Boston

09/04/25 12:17 AM

131 posts

I was just in Norway (and Sweden and Copenhagen) in August 2025 and used Apple Pay for every single purchase.

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

09/04/25 01:48 AM

8954 posts

This topic comes up often, and no, you really do not need a PIN, your credit card company really is not concerned about security, and you really can not get a PIN for purchases. Places in Europe will not ask for a PIN, because your card tells them you do not have one.

If you use a manned point of sale, then instead of a PIN you sign a slip...that simple, Most of the time though, you can tap (up to the local limit) and that is sufficient. If you can tap with a phone or watch, then your limits are higher.

Your problem would come with unmanned kiosks and points of sale (Ticket machines, gas pumps, etc.) where your card simply may not work.

I do have a US issued card that has a PIN for purchases, and has PIN priority. if over the tap limit, I have to put in my PIN, it offers great security, plus offers 3DS security for web purchases. It does make my travels much, much, easier. Hard to describe, but purchases are just so much easier.