If you’ve lived in Germany for more than about five minutes, someone has probably told you about Check24. It’s on TV, on billboards, and almost certainly in your Google results whenever you search for anything from electricity to hotel rooms.
But for expats, it can feel like a maze of contracts, tariffs, and small print when you first arrive. Whether you’re trying to find internet for your new flat or looking for the best car insurance, Check24 is often the easiest place to start.
This post gives you a quick tour of how it works, what to watch out for, and why it’s become such a big part of daily life in Germany.
What Is Check24?
Check24 is Germany’s biggest online comparison platform. Think of it as a mix of Skyscanner, Booking.com, and MoneySuperMarket, but all rolled into one German website. You can compare prices for almost anything: energy, loans, travel, mobile plans, credit cards, and even dentists or parcel services.
The company has been around since the late 1990s and now covers almost every financial or consumer product in the country. It’s so widely used that many Germans will instinctively say, “Just check Check24!” when they’re about to sign a contract.
For expats, it’s a powerful tool because you can find Internet contracts, hotel deals, and insurance options (see our article on public vs private health insurance in Germany) in one place — even if your German isn’t perfect yet.
How Check24 Works
At its core, Check24 is simple: it shows you a list of providers, their prices, contract lengths, and key features. You can apply filters for contract term, customer ratings, speed (for Check24 Internet searches), or cancellation options.
Once you choose a deal, you’re redirected to sign up either directly with the provider or through Check24 itself. The company earns a small commission from the provider, not from you. That means it’s free to use for consumers.
You can also create an account to save your searches, get reminders when your contract is about to end, and collect cashback from certain deals.
Is There a Check24 in English?
Unfortunately, the website is mostly in German. But don’t let that stop you — the layout is clean, and automatic translation tools (like Chrome’s built-in “Translate Page” feature) make it easy to use. Many sections, such as Check24 Internet and Check24 Hotel, have numbers, icons, and terms that are simple to understand even if your German is still work-in-progress.
Check24 doesn’t currently offer a dedicated English version of the site, but the company is clearly aware that many international users rely on it. Customer service emails, for example, are often friendly and straightforward even if written in German.
Tip: open Check24 in Chrome or Edge and right-click → Translate to English. It works surprisingly well.
The Most Useful Categories for Expats
If you’re new to Germany, some Check24 categories are much more relevant than others. Here are the big ones you’ll probably use first:
1. Check24 Internet (Broadband & Mobile Contracts)
Setting up Wi-Fi in a German apartment can be… character-building. Providers like Telekom, Vodafone, and o2 all have different speeds, prices, and hidden setup fees.
With Check24 Internet, you can quickly compare these offers and see what’s actually available in your area by entering your postcode.
You’ll get details on connection speed, monthly price, contract length (often 24 months), and any one-time activation costs.
2. Check24 Hotel (Accommodation & Travel)
The Check24 Hotel section functions much like Booking.com: you can compare thousands of hotels in Germany and across Europe, filter by rating or location, and often cancel for free. Prices are competitive, and users earn cashback or travel bonuses when booking through the site.
3. Energy & Electricity (Strom & Gas)
Germany’s energy prices fluctuate wildly. Each household can choose its electricity and gas provider, and switching can save hundreds of euros per year. Check24’s Stromvergleich (electricity comparison) tool makes that easy. Just enter your postal code and estimated usage.
4. Car Insurance (Kfz-Versicherung)
If you own a car, this is a must. Every year in November, drivers across Germany rush to Check24 to switch car insurance before renewal season. The site clearly shows what each tariff covers, and users often save hundreds annually.
5. Loans, Credit Cards & Banking
The financial section of Check24 compares personal loans, credit cards, and savings accounts. It’s not usually the first stop for expats, but it’s good to know it exists once you’ve settled in.
Is It Always the Cheapest?
Mostly, but not always. Check24 is very good at showing competitive deals, but it doesn’t necessarily include every provider. Some smaller companies choose not to appear on the platform because of the commission fees.
Still, it’s one of the most transparent places to start. Many users compare prices on Check24, then visit the provider’s own website to see if the same deal is offered directly. In most cases, it is, and it is sometimes even cheaper via Check24 because of their bonus program.
The Check24 Bonus and Cashback System
One thing that makes Check24 stand out from sites like Verivox is its bonus program.
When you sign a new contract (for internet, mobile, insurance, etc.), you often see a “Bonus” amount, for example, 100 € Bonus. That’s cashback you receive a few months after your contract starts, usually via bank transfer.
To qualify, you usually need to keep the contract active for a certain time (typically 3–6 months). It’s a nice extra and can make switching providers even more attractive.
Pros and Cons – A Quick Review
Pros:
- Huge selection of categories (Internet, Hotels, Insurance, Energy, etc.)
- Transparent comparisons with detailed filters
- Cashback and bonus programs
- Reminders when contracts are ending
- Generally reliable customer service
Cons:
- Interface is mostly in German (no full “Check24 English” site)
- Occasional marketing emails after registration
- Some smaller providers not listed
- Bonuses require patience as payout can take months
Alternatives to Check24
There are other comparison sites in Germany, like Verivox, Tarifcheck, and Idealo.
- Verivox is strong in energy and telecommunications.
- Idealo is better for online shopping and gadgets.
- Tarifcheck focuses mainly on insurance.
Still, Check24 remains the most comprehensive, combining all of those under one login.
Final Verdict
If you’re an expat in Germany looking to manage everyday essentials such as internet, hotel bookings, energy, or car insurance, Check24 is a platform you will likely come across.
It isn’t perfect, but it is fast, practical, and provides a clear overview of available options. For anyone navigating Germany’s often complex contract landscape, that can be very useful.
Once you understand how it works, you can easily move between categories, compare electricity tariffs, book hotels, or find a new internet provider within a few minutes.
In a country known for its paperwork, Check24 offers a relatively straightforward digital solution.
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