The best credit cards to use in Estonia

Looking for a credit card in Estonia?

This article lists the best options, their features and how to choose the right one for you.

Using a credit card in Estonia has many benefits for residents and travellers:

• A secure and convenient payment method, especially when travelling.
• A safer alternative to carrying large amounts of cash, reducing the risk of theft and loss.
• Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most hotels, larger stores and restaurants, so you have reliable payment options.
• Access to short-term loans to manage unexpected financial needs like urgent travel or medical emergencies.

Here are some recommended credit cards for different needs:

• For frequent travellers: Swedbank Mastercard Gold Revolving Credit Card
• For luxury perks: Swedbank Platinum Credit Card
• For comprehensive insurance: LHV Gold Credit Card
• For frequent flyers: LHV Premium Credit Card
• For cashback rewards: Holm Credit Card
• For everyday use: Luminor Black Payment Card
• For high spenders: Luminor VISA Infinite Credit Card
• For flexible repayment: Placet Group Credit Card
• For financial management: SEB Credit Card
• For premium benefits: SEB Premium Credit Card

Credit cards also offer rewards that can be beneficial, such as travel insurance and purchase protection. They are a good option for those who travel frequently or make large purchases with their card. And credit cards allow you to buy goods and services or withdraw cash using borrowed money, so you have a financial safety net when needed.

However, it is essential to manage credit cards responsibly to avoid financial difficulties.

Swedbank Mastercard Gold Revolving Credit Card – for frequent travellers

Price: 5.99 euros/month

Features:

• Annual interest rate: 17-20%
• Free cash withdrawals: up to 500 euros/month

Pros:

• Travel insurance including medical assistance up to 1,000,000 euros
• Complimentary access to Mastercard Airport Security Fast Track service
• Manageable through the Swedbank app

Cons:

• With a higher annual interest rate, the Swedbank Mastercard Gold Revolving Credit Card stands out for its travel benefits. Frequent travellers will appreciate the travel insurance, which includes medical assistance of up to € 1,000,000 for the cardholder and their family members. The card also offers complimentary access to the Mastercard Airport Security Fast Track service, making airport experiences smoother and less stressful.

Another feature is the ability to withdraw up to € 500 per month without any commission fees, providing easy access to cash when needed. But the card has a higher annual interest rate of 17-20%, which might not be suitable for everyone.

Despite that, the Swedbank Mastercard Gold Revolving Credit Card is a good choice for those who travel frequently and want to utilise travel-related perks and have easy access to cash.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Travel Benefits: 5/5
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Interest Rate: 3/5

Swedbank Platinum Credit Card – for luxury perks

Price: 14.90 euros/month

Features:

• Credit limit from 300 euros
• Interest-free period: up to 40 days

Pros:

• Access to over 1,000 airport lounges
• Enjoy free roaming data of up to 5 GB annually in over 200 destinations. You also receive a 180-day purchase insurance policy. This covers your purchases during that time frame.

Cons:

• Higher monthly fee than other cards

The Swedbank Platinum Credit Card is ideal for those seeking a touch of luxury in their financial tools. Cardholders can enjoy access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, so travel is more comfortable and enjoyable. And free roaming data for up to 5 GB annually in over 200 destinations, so you stay connected wherever you go.

The card also has 180-day purchase insurance, covering various incidents for the cardholder and their family. However, the card has a higher monthly fee of € 14.90, which may not be suitable for everyone. However, for those who value luxury perks and travel frequently, the Swedbank Platinum Credit Card is a good value and convenient.

Rating:

• Price: 3/5
• Luxury Benefits: 5/5
• Travel Benefits: 4/5
• Interest Rate: 4/5

LHV Gold Credit Card – for comprehensive insurance

Price: 7 euros/month

Features:

• Interest-free period: Up to 40 days
• Broad-cover travel insurance

Pros:

• Purchase protection for durable goods
• Flexible repayment management through the LHV mobile app

Cons:

• Interest rate from 16%

The LHV Gold Credit Card is designed for individuals seeking comprehensive insurance coverage. This card offers comprehensive travel insurance, valid for trips of up to 90 days anywhere in the world, allowing you to travel with peace of mind. And purchase protection for durable goods, so items bought with the card are covered for 180 days against unexpected breakage or theft.

Cardholders can also enjoy an interest-free period up to 40 days on purchases, so you have flexibility in financial management. While the card has a higher monthly fee of € 7 and an interest rate of 16%, the insurance benefits are worth it for those who value security and protection.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Insurance Benefits: 5/5
• Flexibility: 4/5
• Interest Rate: 3/5

LHV Premium Credit Card – for frequent flyers

Price: 20 euros/month

Features:

• Interest-free period: Up to 40 days
• No currency conversion fees

Pros:

• Priority access to airport VIP lounges
• Extensive travel benefits, including complimentary family travel insurance and other benefits

Cons:

• Higher monthly fee

The LHV Premium Credit Card is designed for frequent flyers, offering a range of premium travel benefits. Cardholders enjoy priority lounge access to airport VIP lounges, making travel more comfortable and relaxing. And Fast Track services at airports, so you can skip security lines and save time.

Another significant advantage is the comprehensive travel insurance that covers all family members travelling, allowing you to travel with peace of mind. However, the card has a higher monthly fee of € 20, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Despite the cost, the LHV Premium Credit Card is an excellent value for frequent flyers, offering travel benefits and no currency conversion fees, making it a top choice for international travellers.

Rating:

• Price: 3/5
• Travel Benefits: 5/5
• Flexibility: 4/5
• Interest Rate: 4/5

Holm Credit Card – Best for cashback rewards 

Price: 100 euros cashback on spending 2,000 euros; Monthly interest rate from 1.2%

Features:

• 15-day interest-free period
• 10% cashback at Tuhat1 Kodumasinat stores

Pros:

• Immediate savings through cash rewards
• No monthly fees

Cons:

The Holm Credit Card is great for cashback enthusiasts. Cardholders can receive 100 euros in cash back after spending 2,000 euros within the campaign period. And 10% cashback on purchases at Tuhat1 Kodumasinat stores, so you save on everyday expenses.

The card offers a 15-day interest-free period, making it suitable for short-term financial needs. One of the best features of the Holm Credit Card is that it has no monthly fees, allowing you to maximise your savings. However, the 15-day interest-free period may be too short for some users.

Overall, the Holm Credit Card is an excellent option for cash-back lovers and those seeking a convenient payment solution.

Rating:

• Price: 5/5
• Cashback Rewards: 5/5
• Flexibility: 4/5
• Interest Rate: 4/5

Luminor Black Payment Card – for everyday use

Price: Not specified

Features:

• Flexible payment solutions
• Enhanced security features

Pros:

• Easy management of daily expenses through the app
• Enhanced security features to prevent fraud

Cons:

• None

The Luminor Black Payment Card is for everyday use:

• Flexible payment solutions for your daily spending.
• Easy management of daily expenses through the app, so you can track your spending and stay within budget.
• Enhanced security features to prevent fraudulent transactions so that you can have peace of mind.

No cons are specified, but the Luminor Black Payment Card stands out for usability and security. Ideal for individuals seeking a dependable payment method for everyday purchases.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Everyday Usability: 5/5
• Security Features: 5/5
• Flexibility: 4/5

Luminor VISA Infinite Credit Card – for high spenders

Price: Not specified

Features:

• High credit limits
• Travel and purchase protections

Pros:

• Luxury benefits and travel benefits
• High credit limits for big spenders

Cons:

• None

The Luminor VISA Infinite Credit Card is for high spenders who want premium benefits and protections. Key features:

• High credit limits for big spenders
• Luxury benefits
• Travel benefits to enhance the spending experience
• Purchase protections against theft, loss and damage

No cons are specified, but the Luminor VISA Infinite Credit Card is ideal for affluent users seeking high credit limits and premium benefits.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• High Spending Capacity: 5/5
• Luxury Benefits: 5/5
• Security Features: 5/5

Placet Group Credit Card – for flexible repayment

Price: Varies based on usage

Features:

• Annual interest rate 18%-40%
• Flexible repayment options, including cashback through White card

Pros:

• Flexible repayment options
• Cashback and interest-free periods

Cons:

• Higher interest rates than some other bank cards. The Placet Group New Credit Card is designed for individuals who require repayment flexibility. It offers flexible repayment options, cashback through the White Card, and up to 45 days of interest-free credit with the Black Card. This flexibility is ideal for any financial situation, whether you need to manage unexpected expenses or take advantage of cashback rewards.

But the annual interest rates can vary from 18% to 40%, which might be a concern for some users. Despite the higher rates, the Placet Group Credit Card stands out for its flexibility and ability to cater to different financial situations.

Rating:

• Price: 3/5
• Flexibility: 5/5
• Cashback Rewards: 4/5
• Interest Rate: 2/5

SEB Credit Card – Best for financial management

Price: Monthly fees from 1.60 to 30 euros.

Features:

• Interest-free period up to 45 days
• Purchase insurance up to 180 days

Pros:

• Credit limits based on responsible credit use
• Financial management tools

Cons:

• Fees vary depending on the plan

SEB Credit Card is an excellent tool for financial management:

• Enjoy an interest-free period of up to 45 days to manage your payments effectively.
• Purchase insurance for theft or damage of items purchased with the card up to 180 days.
• Flexible credit limits to fit your financial needs so that you can manage bigger expenses.

Fees vary depending on the plan, but the SEB Credit Card offers financial management tools to help you stay on top of your finances. Perfect for those who want to organise their finances and security.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Financial Management: 5/5
• Flexibility: 4/5
• Interest Rate: 4/5

SEB Premium Credit Card – Best for premium benefits

Price: 7.50 euros monthly, Activation fee: 5 euros

Features:

• Credit limit: 1,200 euros minimum
• Interest-free period: Up to 45 days

Pros:

• Premium travel insurance and priority airport services
• High credit limit for frequent travellers

Cons:

• One-time activation fee: The SEB Premium Credit Card is for those who value premium benefits and a strong client relationship. Cardholders get:
• Premium travel insurance and priority airport services, to enhance the travel experience.
• High credit limit for frequent travellers and flexible spending.
• Interest-free credit period up to 45 days, for innovative financial management.

The card has a one-time activation fee of € 5, which may be a minor drawback for some. Despite this, the SEB Premium Credit Card stands out for its premium benefits and high credit limit, making it perfect for discerning customers.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Premium Benefits: 5/5
• Travel Benefits: 5/5
• Flexibility: 4/5

How to choose the best credit card for you

Choosing the right credit card involves considering several key factors to align with your financial goals and spending habits. One crucial aspect is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), especially if you don’t plan to pay off the entire balance monthly. Key points to consider:

• APR, which is the cost of borrowing, lower rates save you money over time.
• Many cards have an introductory interest rate that changes after a specific period.
• Understand the duration of the introductory rate and the rates after it ends.

Other features to consider are no annual fees, balance transfers and enhanced security programs. If you pay off your balance every month, interest rates may not be as important, allowing you to focus on rewards or cashback options. Rewards programs can add significant value to your transactions, offering benefits such as travel points, cash back, or discounts on purchases and future balance transfers.

Managing your credit card responsibly can improve your credit history, allowing you to secure more credit approvals and maintain a good credit score. Paying at least the minimum on time is also important to avoid late fees and interest on the remaining balance. Understanding your spending habits and financial situation can help you select a card that offers the most benefits and aligns with your lifestyle.

When choosing a credit card, consider the credit card issuers’ criteria, as different lenders have different acceptance decisions for the same applicant. So you apply for a card that suits your financial profile and offers the best terms for you.

Estonian credit cards summary

In summary, Estonia offers credit cards to suit every financial need and lifestyle. Whether you’re a frequent traveller, luxury seeker or cashback rewards fan, there’s a card for you. From the travel perks of the Swedbank Mastercard Gold Revolving Credit Card to the luxury benefits of the Swedbank Platinum Credit Card, each card has its unique advantages.

Using a credit card in Estonia offers convenience, security, and access to rewards and benefits that can enhance your financial well-being and travel experiences. Select a card that aligns with your spending habits and economic goals, allowing you to maximise the benefits.

We hope you found this guide helpful. By knowing the features, pros and cons of each card, you can make an informed decision that suits you best. Happy card hunting!

**Note that whilst great care has been taken to provide correct information, you should do your own research before making any decision on applying for a credit card.**

FAQ

What are the benefits of using a credit card in Estonia?

Using a credit card in Estonia offers secure and convenient payment options, as well as the potential for short-term loans and rewards, including travel insurance and purchase protection. These benefits provide you with greater financial flexibility and security.

Which credit card is best for frequent travellers in Estonia?

The Swedbank Mastercard Gold Revolving Credit Card is ideal for frequent travellers in Estonia, offering comprehensive travel insurance and free access to Mastercard Airport Security Fast Track services—a more convenient and secure travel experience.

What to consider when choosing a credit card?

When choosing a credit card, prioritise the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), fees, rewards programs, and credit limits, as these factors affect your financial management and credit history. Use the card responsibly to improve your credit profile.

Are there credit cards in Estonia that offer cashback rewards?

Yes, Holm Credit Card offers cashback rewards, 100 euros after spending 2,000 euros and 10% cashback at Tuhat1 Kodumasinat stores.

How to manage a credit card?

To manage your credit card effectively, utilise the tools provided by your card issuer to track spending, set personal limits, and pay on time to avoid late fees and interest charges. This way, you use the card responsibly and maintain a financially stable position.