Opening a Bank Account
A community-curated guide by Iranian-Icelandic Community
Requirements
To open a bank account in Iceland you need a kennitala (national ID number) from Registers Iceland (www.skra.is), a valid passport, and proof of address. Banks verify your personal information and the source of your funds. Under-18s may hold accounts with a guardian's permission but cannot take loans.
Main Banks
The three main banks are Landsbankinn (www.landsbankinn.is), Íslandsbanki (www.islandsbanki.is), and Arion Bank (www.arionbanki.is). All offer online banking, mobile apps, debit/credit cards, and smartphone payment options.
Online Banking
Online banking is essential in Iceland for viewing transactions, transferring money, paying bills, and accessing payslips. Debit and credit card payment — including via smartphone — is universally accepted. Cash is rarely used. A digital certificate (Auðkenni) may be needed for some banking services.