Background Corynebacterium species are often dismissed as contaminants in blood cultures but they can also cause infective endocarditis (IE) which is a severe condition. Antibiotic resistance of corynebacteria is increasing making treatment challenging. Reports on IE caused by Corynebacterium species are scarce and more knowledge is needed. Methods Cases of IE caused by Corynebacterium species were identified through the Swedish Registry of Infective Endocarditis (SRIE). Isolates were collected for species re-determination by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF MS) and for antibiotic susceptibility testing using Etests. Results Thirty episodes of IE due to Corynebacterium species were identified between 2008 and 2017. The median age of patients was 71 years (IQR: 60-76) and 77% were male. Corynebacterium striatum (n = 11) was the most common IE causing pathogen followed by Corynebacterium jeikeium (n = 5). Surgery was performed in 50% and in-hospital mortality rate was 13%. Patients with IE caused by Corynebacterium species were significantly more likely to have prosthetic valve endocarditis (70%), compared to patients with IE due to Staphylococcus aureus or non-beta-haemolytic streptococci (14 and 26% respectively) (p < 0.0001). Vancomycin was active towards all Corynebacterium isolates whereas resistance towards penicillin G was common. Conclusions Corynebacterium species cause IE, where prosthetic valves mainly are affected and surgery is often performed. C. striatum is an important causative agent of IE within the genus. Antibiotic resistance of corynebacteria is relatively common but resistance towards vancomycin could not be detected in vitro.