Who is C24 for?
C24 is ideal for digitally-savvy Germans who want a no-fee daily bank account with a real Mastercard, cashback rewards and a modern app — all from a BaFin-regulated bank with a German IBAN.
Pros and cons
After three months of daily use, here's what stood out.
- + Genuinely free, no hidden conditions
- + Cashback meaningfully adds up at supermarkets
- + App is fast, clean and reliable
- − Cash withdrawals outside the partner network cost €0.99-2
- − No physical branches
The C24 banking app
The app is excellent. Push notifications fire within a second of any transaction, you can lock the card with a tap, set spending limits and categorize transactions automatically. It's on par with N26 and ahead of most traditional banks.
Alternatives to consider
If cashback isn't important and you travel often, N26 might suit better. If you withdraw cash worldwide, DKB Aktivkonto remains unbeatable. For most everyday users in Germany, C24 is hard to beat.
C24 Smart-Konto at a glance
| Feature | C24 Smart | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | 0 € | No conditions |
| Mastercard | Free | Physical + virtual |
| Cashback | Yes | At partner shops |
| Mobile payment | Apple/Google Pay | Supported |
| ATM withdrawal | €0.99-2 | Outside partner network |
| Foreign transactions | Free in EUR | 1.5% non-EUR |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C24 Bank legit?
Yes — C24 Bank holds a full German banking license, is regulated by BaFin and deposits are protected up to €100,000 by the statutory scheme.
Is the C24 account really free?
Yes, with no minimum deposit or salary requirement. Only specific actions (foreign-currency ATM, premium support) carry small fees.
How long does account opening take?
Usually 10-15 minutes online plus a video-ident call. The account and virtual Mastercard are typically active within an hour.
Does C24 support Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Yes, both are supported out of the box.
Can non-German residents open a C24 account?
No — a registered German address (Anmeldung) is required.
Ready to get started?
Open your account in minutes — fully digital, BaFin-regulated, with German IBAN.