How to open a Swedish bank account with ICA Banken: Follow these easy steps
Trying to open a bank account in Sweden can seem confusing, but it doesn’t need to be! Here’s how to open an ICA Banken account and take advantage of the benefits in just a few simple steps – even if you don’t speak Swedish.
How to open an ICA Banken account in English
If you speak Swedish or have help from someone who does, the easiest way to open an account is to do so online via the “become a customer” page. Simply follow the steps there to begin the process.
But don’t worry if you can’t speak Swedish – an account application can also be completed in paper format, and ICA Banken staff can walk you through the process in English to make sure it’s as simple as possible. Just call 033-47 47 90, press “2” for banking, then “3” for personal assistance, and explain that you want to open an account but don’t speak Swedish. The correct forms will be sent to your Swedish address. Then, it’s simply a case of completing and returning the paperwork along with a copy of valid ID.
Maximise your account opportunities with a Swedish ID Card
In order to enjoy the maximum benefits on offer from an ICA Banken account it is necessary to have a Swedish ID card. Residents in Sweden can apply for the card at the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) website. More information can be found here.
Can I open an account even without a Swedish ID Card?
If you don’t have a Swedish ID Card but are an EU citizen with valid EU identification then you still have the right to open an account in Sweden, though only with basic functionalities. In order to do so it is necessary to provide ICA Banken with valid identification as well as documentation that proves you are a legal resident in the EU. The best way to start the process is via telephone by calling 033-47 47 90, press “2” for banking, then “3” for personal assistance.
What about opening an account as a non-EU citizen?
If you aren’t an EU citizen then it is necessary to have either a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) or coordination number (samordningsnummer), as well as prove that you are a legal resident in Sweden, to open a bank account. Anyone who fulfils those requirements can start the application process either online or via telephone.
What benefits are there to opening an ICA Banken account?
There is a wide range of benefits that come with an ICA Banken account and debit card. If you choose to have your salary paid into the account for example you can take advantage of 2,25 % interest on amounts up to 25 000 SEK1. You also have the opportunity for double bonus points at ICA and Apotek Hjärtat when you pay with your ICA Banken Mastercard.
And if you travel frequently then it can be reassuring to know that travel insurance is included in the card. A full list of the benefits can be found (in Swedish) here.
Aside from the ICA Banken Mastercard, other card forms are also available. This includes a payment card for those who wish to have a specific card for when they shop at ICA, as well as a credit card. Read more about the different benefits and requirements (in Swedish) here.
If you get a mortgage with us and are a Stammis at ICA, you get a discount on your mortgage based on how much you shop at ICA. In short, when you shop at ICA, you get a cheaper mortgage. Read more about mortgage at ICA Banken (in Swedish).
ICA Banken's accounts are covered by the government deposit guarantee as decided by the National Debt Office. Each customer is entitled to compensation for their total balance in the bank with an amount corresponding to a maximum of SEK 1 050 000 if ICA Banken were to be declared bankrupt. Compensation is paid out by the National Debt Office within 7 working days from the day ICA Banken was declared bankrupt, or the Financial Supervisory Authority decided that the guarantee should take effect.
1You who have your salary, CSN or pension deposited into your bank account are currently receiving 2,25 % interest on amounts up to SEK 25 000. There is 0 % interest on amounts in the account that exceed SEK 25 000. If you do not have a salary, CSN or pension in the bank account, there is 0 % interest regardless of the amount.
