C24 Bank review 2026
How good is C24 Bank really?
BaFin-regulated 86/100 points
kosten.org editorial team
Last updated: 2026-02-01
86/100
Points
Based on published terms and features
C24 Bank, a subsidiary of the CHECK24 group, has given the German banking market a good shake-up since its launch in 2020. With a consistently digital approach, a first-class app and the unconditionally free Smart account, it sets new standards for transparency and user-friendliness. In our review, we check whether the Munich-based neobank lives up to the high expectations.
Highlights of our C24 Bank review
- C24 scores 88/100 points in our rating – the best-rated neobank in our comparison.
- Unconditionally free account management with no minimum monthly deposit on the Smart account.
- Innovative "Pockets" (sub-accounts) with their own IBAN and interest.
- Free instant transfers and top ratings in all app stores.
Table of contents
1 Account management
22/25
Points
C24 Bank's Smart account is one of the few remaining current accounts in Germany that is unconditionally free. No minimum monthly deposit of income is required, which makes it particularly attractive for students, low earners or as a second account. Anyone who needs more features can upgrade to the paid Plus or Max plans, but for most people the Smart account already offers unbeatable value for money.
A minor drawback is the overdraft (Dispositionskredit), whose current rate of 11.49% p.a. is in the upper midfield. Even so, the bank impresses with an extremely fair fee structure with no hidden costs and very fast, fully digital account opening.
2 Cards
12/15
Points
The free account comes with a Mastercard debit card, which is attractively designed and can be used for payments worldwide. A classic Girocard is not included automatically but can be added as an option, which often makes sense in Germany given its widespread acceptance in retail.
C24 does not offer genuine credit cards with monthly billing – it relies fully on the debit principle, where transactions are debited from the account immediately. This makes for maximum clarity but could occasionally cause problems with car rental bookings abroad.
3 Cash withdrawals
15/20
Points
C24 Bank customers can withdraw cash free of charge with the Mastercard debit card at almost all ATMs across Germany and the whole eurozone – up to four times a month on the Smart account. That is a big advantage over branch-based banks, which are often limited to their own network.
The situation is more difficult when paying in cash: this is currently only possible via retail partners (through Viacash) and is not included in the free Smart version. Anyone who regularly needs to put cash on their account will run into limits here.
4 Payments
7/8
Points
C24 Bank supports Apple Pay and Google Pay from the very first second after opening the account, using virtual cards. There are no fees for payments abroad within the eurozone. Outside the eurozone, the bank charges a standard market foreign currency fee of 1.75%.
Thanks to integration into the CHECK24 world, the app also offers smart features such as automatic contract detection. This way you not only keep track of your spending but can also see straight away where you could save money by switching provider.
5 Interest & saving
6/7
Points
C24 is one of the pioneers in introducing interest on balances. Customers receive attractive interest on both the current account and the Pockets, adjusted regularly to market levels. This sets the bank clearly apart from many competitors that pay little or no interest on money left on the account.
The integrated instant-access savings Pocket makes it easy to manage savings goals and benefit from interest without tying up your money. For customers looking for a simple and profitable savings solution, C24 is currently one of the best addresses.
6 Banking app & features
10/10
Points
The C24 app sets technical standards. It is fast, intuitive and offers features that you often look for in vain at other banks: free instant transfers are standard here, not the exception. The "Pockets" with their own IBAN allow perfect budgeting for rent, holidays or fixed costs.
The app also offers integrated multi-banking, which lets you add and manage accounts at other banks. Biometric security and clear categorisation of spending round off the digital experience perfectly. It is currently hard to find a better banking app on the German market.
7 Customer service
7/8
Points
C24's customer service is geared primarily towards digital channels such as chat and email. According to the provider, chat is one of the central service channels. Telephone support is available but is given priority for customers on the paid account plans.
Since C24 is a pure direct bank, there is no branch network. Anyone looking for personal on-site service is in the wrong place. For digitally savvy users, however, the offer is thoroughly up to date and the quality of digital support is above average.
8 Security & extras
7/7
Points
As a German bank with a full BaFin licence, C24 is subject to the strictest regulatory requirements. Deposits are protected by the statutory German deposit protection scheme (Einlagensicherung) up to €100,000 per person. On the technical side, the bank relies on modern security standards such as two-factor authentication via app linking.
C24 earns additional points for regular new-customer benefits and the innovative cashback system, which gives you money back on purchases made via the CHECK24 platform. The combination of maximum security and smart added value is exemplary.
Pros & cons at a glance
Pros
- Unconditionally free current account (Smart plan)
- First-class, multi-award-winning banking app
- Interest on the current account and Pockets
- Free instant transfers included
- Pockets with their own IBAN for a perfect overview
- Clever contract detection and optimisation suggestions
Cons
- Cash deposits only possible to a limited extent
- No genuine credit card on offer
- Overdraft rate in the upper market average
- Link to CHECK24 too prominent for some users
Conclusion: C24 Bank review
86/100
Very good (1.7)
With 88 out of 100 points, C24 Bank is currently the best-rated neobank in our comparison. It combines the cost advantages of a direct bank with technical innovation and German security. The unconditionally free account and the excellent app in particular make it the ideal choice for all age groups. Anyone who can do without branches and wants to handle their banking efficiently on a smartphone will currently struggle to find a better overall package on the German market.
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