MobilePay Setup for Foreigners
Here’s how to get MobilePay working as a newcomer: what IDs are accepted, which bank/account you need, age limits, verification, and the fastest fixes for common errors.
Overview: how MobilePay works
🏦 Linked to a bank
MobilePay connects to your Danish bank account or card to send/receive money instantly.
📞 Uses your Danish number
Your phone number identifies you in the app—friends can pay you using it.
🧾 Receipts & tracking
Payments get logged in the app; you can export activity for expenses.
Requirements (typical)
🏦 Danish bank account
An account in your own name. Some banks allow setup with card first, then upgrade.
📞 Danish mobile number
A +45 number (prepaid or subscription). eSIMs work too.
🔞 Age & residency
You’ll need to meet age criteria; residency/ID rules vary by bank.
Accepted IDs (what usually works)
🪪 Primary photo ID
Passport (most nationalities), EU/EEA ID cards, or Danish residence card typically pass checks. Some banks may ask for proof of address or residence permit.
📄 Supporting docs
CPR registration, proof of address/tenancy, and sometimes employment/enrolment letters. Keep scans ready for upload in your bank app.
Setup steps (fast track)
1️⃣ Open/verify bank account
If you’ve just arrived, choose a bank with faster onboarding for foreigners. Complete KYC—upload ID and residence docs.
2️⃣ Get a Danish mobile number
Pick prepaid or subscription (including eSIM). Make sure the SIM is registered in your own name.
3️⃣ Install MobilePay
Download the app, enter your +45 number, confirm the SMS code, and connect your bank/card when prompted.
4️⃣ Finish verification
Some users need extra checks (ID selfie, residence proof). Complete them promptly to unlock full limits.
Verification & security
🔐 Strong login
Face/Touch ID or passcode on your phone; keep OS and app up to date.
🧱 KYC checks
Banks may re-check documents if details change (name, address, residence status).
⚠️ Watch for scams
Never share codes; confirm recipient names; use requests/QR in person.
Common errors & quick fixes
🚫 “We can’t verify your ID”
Re-upload a sharper passport photo; include edges; match app address with CPR/bank; try daylight. If your bank profile shows your old address, update that first.
📵 No SMS code arriving
Check roaming/offline mode; toggle airplane mode; confirm your SIM is registered; try a different location for better signal.
🔁 Card/account not linking
Ensure the card is in your name and active for online payments; some banks require enabling “app agreements” first in their own app.
🧾 Name mismatch
Your legal name must match across passport, bank, and CPR. Fix the outlier, then try linking again.
Limits & fees (typical)
💸 Sending limits
Starter limits apply until full verification; daily/monthly caps increase when KYC is complete.
🏪 Paying shops
Look for MobilePay QR or the logo at checkout; works in many cafés, markets, and small businesses.
💳 Cards & subscriptions
For recurring payments, ensure your card supports online transactions and is not expired or blocked.
Alternatives if you can’t sign up yet
💶 Card & contactless
Most places accept Visa/Mastercard (contactless). Apple/Google Pay also work widely.
🔗 Bank transfers
Use your banking app (immediate transfers within the same bank are common). Keep IBAN and name consistent.
Useful links on exploringdenmark
🏦 NemKonto
🪪 MitID
🏠 Address change
Related on exploringdenmark
💼 Banking for newcomers
🚲 Everyday life
🧾 Taxes
🏥 Health
Frequently asked questions
🌍 Can I use a foreign phone number?
Generally you need a Danish (+45) number. Switch to a local SIM/eSIM to proceed.
💳 Can I link a foreign card?
Some setups require a Danish account/card; policies differ by bank. Try with your Danish card first.
👤 Can I use a nickname?
No—your legal name must match your bank and ID for verification to succeed.
🏦 My bank says “not eligible”
Ask your bank to confirm your profile (address, CPR, ID) is fully verified; then re-link in MobilePay.
🧒 Can teens use it?
Age rules vary—some banks offer youth solutions linked to a parent/guardian.
🔁 Switching numbers/banks?
Update number in the app; when changing banks, unlink old account, then link the new one and re-verify.
Stuck verifying MobilePay?
Tell us what’s failing (ID, bank link, number, SMS codes). We’ll reply with exact steps to get you verified fast.