New Customer Bonus
The new customer bonus is a one-time payment or credit that energy providers offer new customers as a switching incentive.
Key Takeaways
- •The new customer bonus is a one-time payment or credit that energy providers offer new customers as a switching incentive.
- •New Customer Bonus belongs to the Energy category. We explain it step by step for newcomers to Germany.
- •An electricity tariff costs 29 ct/kWh with 150 EUR new customer bonus. At 3,000 kWh consumption: Annual costs 870 EUR minus 150 EUR bonus = 720 EUR effective. In year 2 without bonus: full 870 EUR.
meinetarife24 Editorial Team
Our independent editorial team carefully reviews all information and regularly updates the content.
Detailed Explanation
The new customer bonus is a marketing tool for energy providers. It significantly reduces effective costs in the first contract year.
Types of bonuses: - New customer bonus: For first contract with this provider - Instant bonus: Faster payout (often a few weeks after supply starts, usually 60 to 90 days) - Loyalty model: Discount for longer contract duration - Switching bonus: Specifically for switchers
Payout conditions: - The classic new customer bonus is usually credited only after 12 months of supply, with the first annual bill - Only with full payment of all bills - No or reduced bonus with payment delays or early cancellation
Important - supply period vs contract duration: The German consumer advice centre (Verbraucherzentrale) points out that many bonuses are tied to the supply period, not the contract duration. Supply often starts noticeably later than the contract is signed. If you cancel exactly at the end of the first contract year, you may not reach a full 12 months of supply - and the bonus can be forfeited. A bonus linked to the contract duration is safer for you.
Caution: - Without the bonus, the price often rises noticeably in year 2 - Compare total costs over 2 years, not just the first year - Note cancellation and supply periods carefully - Read the bonus conditions calmly before signing
Practical Example
An electricity tariff costs 29 ct/kWh with 150 EUR new customer bonus. At 3,000 kWh consumption: Annual costs 870 EUR minus 150 EUR bonus = 720 EUR effective. In year 2 without bonus: full 870 EUR.
Legal Basis
§41 EnWG (Energy supply contracts with end customers)
Related Terms
Sources & Methodology
Our methodology: the meinetarife24 Editorial Team checks every definition against binding primary data sources and consumer-focused reference portals. We name the relevant legal basis, link related terms and update each entry regularly. We do not sell loans or tariffs ourselves. This explanation is provided purely for information.
- • Legal basis: §41 EnWG (Energy supply contracts with end customers)
- • Price Indication Regulation (PAngV) at Gesetze im Internet
- • Finanztip and the Deutsche Bundesbank as independent references on interest rates and consumer credit.