Swish: The App You Cannot Live Without in Sweden

Moving to Sweden is an adventure filled with cozy fika breaks, stunning archipelago trips, and the magic of the midnight sun. But then you hit a small, yet surprisingly high, hurdle. You’re at a flea market (loppis), holding a perfect vintage vase, and the seller says, "Sorry, no cash. Can you Swish?" Or you’re out for dinner with new friends, and when the bill comes, everyone pulls out their phones. You, fumbling for your wallet, quickly realize you’re missing a key piece of the Swedish puzzle.

That key is Swish. If you plan on doing anything more than just a short tourist trip here, Swish isn't just a convenience; it's a lifeline. It’s the digital handshake, the social glue, and the economic engine of daily life in Sweden. This guide is your deep dive into what Swish is, why you absolutely need it, and—most importantly—the step-by-step process of how to get it as an expat.

What is Swish, Really?

On the surface, Swish is a mobile payment app. But in reality, it’s so much more. Launched in 2012 as a joint effort between six of Sweden's largest banks, it has fundamentally rewired how people exchange money. The app links your phone number directly to your bank account, allowing for instant, real-time transfers.

Think of it like Venmo or Zelle, but on a national scale and integrated into every facet of society. As of early 2025, over 8.5 million Swedes—in a country of just over 10 million—are active Swish users. It has become so ubiquitous that "to Swish" (att Swisha) is now an official verb in the Swedish dictionary. It represents a trust-based system where a phone number is all you need to settle a debt, pay for a service, or buy a coffee.

Why You Can’t Just “Get by Without It”

Many expats arrive thinking their contactless card will be enough. And while card payments are nearly universal in stores and restaurants, you'll quickly discover the areas where plastic just doesn't cut it. Sweden is one of the most cashless societies on the planet. According to a 2024 report from Sweden’s central bank, the Riksbank, less than 8% of Swedes reported using cash for their most recent purchase. Many small businesses, market stalls, and even some cafés are now completely cash-free.

Here’s where Swish becomes your essential tool:

• Social Life: Splitting a dinner bill, paying a friend back for concert tickets, or chipping in for a colleague's birthday gift is all done via Swish. Asking "Can I pay you back in cash?" will often be met with a polite but confused look.
• Second-hand Economy: Sweden loves its second-hand culture. From the massive online marketplace Blocket to local Facebook groups and weekend loppisar (flea markets), private sales are king. Payment is almost exclusively done through Swish. No Swish, no vintage lamp.
• Small Businesses & Services: Your local hairdresser, the neighbourhood food truck, the farmer selling fresh strawberries by the roadside—many of them rely on Swish for Business (Företagsswish). It's cheaper and faster for them than traditional card terminals.
• Clubs and Associations: Want to pay your membership fee for a local sports club or a community organization? The default payment method is often Swish.
• Online Shopping: Many Swedish e-commerce sites now offer Swish as a checkout option, making it a one-tap process instead of entering card details.

In short, not having Swish is like trying to navigate a city without a map. You might manage, but you'll be constantly taking the long, inconvenient route.

The Expat's Roadmap: How to Get Swish, Step-by-Step

Here’s the part that can feel daunting for newcomers. Getting Swish isn't as simple as just downloading an app. It requires you to be formally integrated into the Swedish system. Don't worry, it's a well-trodden path. Think of it as a three-part quest.

Quest 1: The Personnummer (Personal Identity Number)

This is the master key to life in Sweden. The personnummer is a unique 10 or 12-digit number assigned to every resident. Without it, you can't open a proper bank account, sign a phone contract, get a library card, or access healthcare.

• Who is eligible? Anyone planning to live in Sweden for 12 months or more. This typically includes those with work permits, students in long-term programs, or individuals moving to join a family member.
• How to get it: You must register in person at a service office for the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). You'll need to bring your passport, residence permit card (uppehållstillståndskort), and proof of address. The process is free but can take several weeks, so do this as soon as you arrive.

Pro Tip: The day your personnummer arrives in the mail is a major milestone for any expat in Sweden. Celebrate it!

Quest 2: The Swedish Bank Account & BankID

Once you have your personnummer, you can unlock the next level: the banking system.

1. Choose a Bank: The banks that created and support Swish are the best ones to choose from. These include:

   • Swedbank
   • SEB
   • Nordea
   • Handelsbanken
   • Danske Bank
   • Länsförsäkringar
   • Skandia

2. Open an Account: Book an appointment at a local branch. You will typically need to bring your passport, residence permit card, and the letter from Skatteverket confirming your personnummer. Some banks may also ask for an employment contract.

3. Get Mobile BankID: This is the most critical step. BankID is Sweden’s national electronic identification system. It's an app on your phone that you use to securely verify your identity online. You use it for everything from logging into your bank and filing taxes to signing documents and, of course, authorizing Swish. You apply for BankID through your bank's online portal or app once your account is active. They will guide you through the secure activation process.

Quest 3: Installing and Activating Swish

This is the victory lap. Once you have a Swedish bank account and an active BankID, the final step is easy.

1. Download the Swish app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Download your bank's personal banking app as well.
3. Open the Swish app and follow the on-screen instructions. It will prompt you to connect your mobile phone number.
4. You will be redirected to your bank's app or online portal to approve the connection. You’ll use your BankID to sign and confirm.
5. Once confirmed, your phone number is linked to your bank account. You're ready to Swish!

Here is a visual breakdown of the process:

Using Swish Like a Pro: The Unwritten Rules

You've got the app. Now what? Using Swish is incredibly simple, but there are a few nuances to know.

• Sending Money: You just need the recipient's phone number. Enter the number (or select them from your contacts), input the amount, add an optional message (emojis are very common), and approve the payment with your BankID. The money is transferred instantly, 24/7.
• Receiving Money: You don't have to do anything. If someone sends you money, it appears directly in your linked bank account within seconds, and you get a notification from the app.
• QR Codes: Many businesses and organizations use QR codes. Just open the Swish app, tap "Scan," and point your camera at the code. The recipient's number and sometimes the amount are pre-filled, making payment fast and error-free.
• Requesting Money: Need to split the cost of that fika? You can send a payment request directly from the app. Your friend gets a notification and can approve it with a single tap. It's a much smoother way of saying, "You owe me money."
• Limits and Fees: For private individuals, Swish is almost always free to use. However, your bank will set a weekly transaction limit (often around 10,000 to 20,000 SEK, but you can usually request a temporary increase via your banking app). For businesses using Företagsswish, there is a small fee per transaction.

The In-Between Phase: Surviving Before You Can Swish

The reality is that it can take a month or two to get your personnummer and set up your banking. What do you do in the meantime?

• Lean on Your Card: A Visa or Mastercard (especially a contactless one) will work in 99% of established shops, restaurants, and for public transport.
• Carry a Little Cash: While Sweden is largely cashless, it’s wise to have a few hundred kronor on hand for the rare emergency or the odd place that might not take foreign cards for small amounts. But don't withdraw thousands; you will struggle to spend it.
• Ask a Friend: If you’ve made a friend or a trusted colleague, don't be shy about asking them to Swish someone for you at a flea market in exchange for cash or a bank transfer later. Most Swedes are happy to help a newcomer out.

More Than an App, It's Your Key to Integration

Getting Swish is more than just a logistical task; it’s a rite of passage for any expat in Sweden. The moment you make your first Swish payment—whether it’s for a coffee or a second-hand bookshelf—is the moment you start to feel truly integrated into the rhythm of daily Swedish life. You’re no longer an outsider looking in; you’re part of the seamless, trust-based digital ecosystem that powers this unique society.

So yes, the initial administrative process requires patience. But trust me, once you’re set up, you’ll look back and wonder how you ever lived without it. Welcome to Sweden—now get ready to Swish