Educational content only. Crowdlending involves risk — including loss of principal. This guide does not include personalized financial advice.
Always perform your own due diligence and comply with local regulations and taxes.
Why this guide? Most coverage of P2P and crowdlending swings between hype and horror stories.
You need something in the middle: a clear explanation of how platforms actually work, which risks matter,
what you can automate, and how to evaluate platforms with a consistent framework. This article is written for long‑term, systems‑oriented investors
who want process over prediction, and who value transparency, diversification and rule‑based “autoinvest” more than flashy yields.
What you’ll get:
- A plain‑English model of how crowdlending platforms operate and where risk really lives.
- A due‑diligence framework (with scoring rubrics) you can reuse across platforms.
- In‑depth reviews of 10 notable platforms (business model, automation features, liquidity, transparency).
- Automation recipes: position sizing, issuer caps, reinvestment rules, and withdrawal drills.
- A summary table to compare at a glance.
How P2P & Crowdlending Platforms Work (and why “autoinvest” is the real product)
A crowdlending platform matches financing demand (borrowers or loan originators) with investor capital.
The platform earns fees for origination, servicing, or marketplace operations. Investors earn interest if loans perform;
losses occur when borrowers default and recoveries are insufficient. Some platforms are pure marketplaces for third‑party originators,
others originate loans directly, and a few fund real‑asset projects like real estate or SMEs.
While every platform markets a headline yield, the deeper value to the investor is automation: rules that deploy capital across many loans,
reinvest repayments, and enforce diversification caps. Autoinvest removes the temptation to cherry‑pick and helps you achieve the only free lunch in lending:
wide diversification at tiny position sizes.
Risk Map: where things can break
- Borrower & loan performance: credit risk, collateral quality, and recovery processes.
- Originator risk: underwriting discipline, capital buffer, and track record through cycles.
- Platform risk: governance, regulation, segregation of client funds, audits, continuity plans.
- Liquidity risk: secondary market depth, buyback reliability, and the ability to pause withdrawals during stress.
- Concentration risk: too much in one originator, country, sector, or loan type.
- Regulatory & tax: local rules, appropriateness tests, reporting, and withholding taxes.
Automation can enforce risk discipline, but it cannot remove risk. The goal is to survive adverse scenarios without forced selling.
The AIF Due‑Diligence Framework (use it for any platform)
Score each platform 1–5 (1 = poor, 5 = excellent) on:
- Transparency: loan tapes, originator financials, regular performance updates, independent audits.
- Alignment: skin‑in‑the‑game, buyback terms spelled out, conflict policy, default handling.
- Operations: segregated client funds, regulated entity, downtime/SLA, support responsiveness.
- Diversification: number of originators/loans, countries/sectors, position‑size controls in autoinvest.
- Liquidity: secondary market mechanics, fees, settlement times, stress‑test history.
- Data: downloadable loan‑level data, API access, clear definitions for status/arrears.
Only compare platforms on like‑for‑like loan types. Real‑estate bridge loans behave differently from short‑term consumer credit.
Mintos: Multi‑originator consumer & SME marketplace
Overview. Mintos operates in the European crowdlending ecosystem and offers investors a way to allocate capital across curated loans.
Always read the platform’s current terms and disclosures; features (buybacks, fees, secondary markets) can change.
What we like
- Large selection of loan originators and countries.
- Robust autoinvest with issuer/country caps.
- Granular reporting and borrower‑level data on many loans.
Trade‑offs & caveats
- Complexity for beginners; originator risk varies widely.
- Secondary market pricing can widen during stress.
- Terms differ by originator; read buyback conditions carefully.
Automation recipe
- Set tiny position sizes (e.g., 0.2–0.5% per loan) so no single note matters.
- Enforce issuer caps (e.g., ≤5%) and country caps (e.g., ≤20%).
- Mix terms to stagger cash flow (short + medium duration).
- Enable autoinvest & automatic reinvestment of repayments.
- Keep a small cash buffer if you plan periodic withdrawals.
Best for: Best for diversified investors who want breadth and detailed autoinvest rules.
Bondora (incl. Go & Grow): Consumer loans; simplified investment product (country/loan selection managed by platform)
Overview. Bondora (incl. Go & Grow) operates in the European crowdlending ecosystem and offers investors a way to allocate capital across curated loans.
Always read the platform’s current terms and disclosures; features (buybacks, fees, secondary markets) can change.
What we like
- Very easy onboarding and hands‑off experience.
- Instant access features historically (subject to platform policies).
- Clear, simple UI for beginners.
Trade‑offs & caveats
- Less control over loan selection; platform sets the mix.
- Returns depend on platform underwriting and provisioning.
- Access terms can change in stress scenarios.
Automation recipe
- Set tiny position sizes (e.g., 0.2–0.5% per loan) so no single note matters.
- Enforce issuer caps (e.g., ≤5%) and country caps (e.g., ≤20%).
- Mix terms to stagger cash flow (short + medium duration).
- Enable autoinvest & automatic reinvestment of repayments.
- Keep a small cash buffer if you plan periodic withdrawals.
Best for: Best for beginners prioritizing simplicity over control.
PeerBerry: Consumer loans via partner originators (some buyback)
Overview. PeerBerry operates in the European crowdlending ecosystem and offers investors a way to allocate capital across curated loans.
Always read the platform’s current terms and disclosures; features (buybacks, fees, secondary markets) can change.
What we like
- Straightforward autoinvest; predictable user experience.
- Conservative position sizes easy to set.
- Regular communication on portfolio status.
Trade‑offs & caveats
- Originator concentration can creep up — enforce caps.
- Buybacks depend on originator health.
- Limited loan types vs broader marketplaces.
Automation recipe
- Set tiny position sizes (e.g., 0.2–0.5% per loan) so no single note matters.
- Enforce issuer caps (e.g., ≤5%) and country caps (e.g., ≤20%).
- Mix terms to stagger cash flow (short + medium duration).
- Enable autoinvest & automatic reinvestment of repayments.
- Keep a small cash buffer if you plan periodic withdrawals.
Best for: Best for set‑and‑forget autoinvest with tight issuer caps.
EstateGuru: Real‑estate backed loans (development, bridge) in Europe
Overview. EstateGuru operates in the European crowdlending ecosystem and offers investors a way to allocate capital across curated loans.
Always read the platform’s current terms and disclosures; features (buybacks, fees, secondary markets) can change.
What we like
- Asset‑backed with valuations and project details.
- Secondary market available; milestone‑based updates.
- Good fit for those who want property exposure without landlords.
Trade‑offs & caveats
- Project‑level due diligence required; timelines can extend.
- Real estate cycles can be lumpy; recoveries take time.
- Lower loan count vs consumer platforms → bigger project risk.
Automation recipe
- Set tiny position sizes (e.g., 0.2–0.5% per loan) so no single note matters.
- Enforce issuer caps (e.g., ≤5%) and country caps (e.g., ≤20%).
- Mix terms to stagger cash flow (short + medium duration).
- Enable autoinvest & automatic reinvestment of repayments.
- Keep a small cash buffer if you plan periodic withdrawals.
Best for: Best for investors who want collateralized projects and can tolerate longer timelines.
October: SME lending across multiple European countries
Overview. October operates in the European crowdlending ecosystem and offers investors a way to allocate capital across curated loans.
Always read the platform’s current terms and disclosures; features (buybacks, fees, secondary markets) can change.
What we like
- Strong focus on SMEs with clear borrower summaries.
- Institutional co‑lenders add validation.
- Autoinvest tiering by risk bands.
Trade‑offs & caveats
- SME defaults can spike in recessions.
- Less granular control than pure marketplaces.
- Country rules and guarantees vary.
Automation recipe
- Set tiny position sizes (e.g., 0.2–0.5% per loan) so no single note matters.
- Enforce issuer caps (e.g., ≤5%) and country caps (e.g., ≤20%).
- Mix terms to stagger cash flow (short + medium duration).
- Enable autoinvest & automatic reinvestment of repayments.
- Keep a small cash buffer if you plan periodic withdrawals.
Best for: Best for those seeking SME exposure with platform‑curated selection.
ViaInvest: Consumer & short‑term loans via group originators
Overview. ViaInvest operates in the European crowdlending ecosystem and offers investors a way to allocate capital across curated loans.
Always read the platform’s current terms and disclosures; features (buybacks, fees, secondary markets) can change.
What we like
- User‑friendly autoinvest; straightforward fee model.
- Regular platform communications.
- Stable day‑to‑day operations for many users.
Trade‑offs & caveats
- Originator concentration risk — mandate strict caps.
- Loan availability can be cyclical.
- Buyback terms are originator‑dependent.
Automation recipe
- Set tiny position sizes (e.g., 0.2–0.5% per loan) so no single note matters.
- Enforce issuer caps (e.g., ≤5%) and country caps (e.g., ≤20%).
- Mix terms to stagger cash flow (short + medium duration).
- Enable autoinvest & automatic reinvestment of repayments.
- Keep a small cash buffer if you plan periodic withdrawals.
Best for: Best for investors who want simplicity and predictable rules.
Twino: Consumer loans with listed buyback on many loans
Overview. Twino operates in the European crowdlending ecosystem and offers investors a way to allocate capital across curated loans.
Always read the platform’s current terms and disclosures; features (buybacks, fees, secondary markets) can change.
What we like
- Long operating history in EU crowdlending.
- Autoinvest with filters for countries/rates.
- Occasional promotional loans diversify flow.
Trade‑offs & caveats
- Country risk differs across originators.
- Secondary market liquidity varies.
- Need to track policy changes over time.
Automation recipe
- Set tiny position sizes (e.g., 0.2–0.5% per loan) so no single note matters.
- Enforce issuer caps (e.g., ≤5%) and country caps (e.g., ≤20%).
- Mix terms to stagger cash flow (short + medium duration).
- Enable autoinvest & automatic reinvestment of repayments.
- Keep a small cash buffer if you plan periodic withdrawals.
Best for: Best for intermediate users comfortable with marketplace dynamics.
Esketit: Marketplace aligned with specific loan groups
Overview. Esketit operates in the European crowdlending ecosystem and offers investors a way to allocate capital across curated loans.
Always read the platform’s current terms and disclosures; features (buybacks, fees, secondary markets) can change.
What we like
- Clear presentation of originators and pipeline.
- Competitive marketplace rates historically (varies).
- Autoinvest with caps by issuer and country.
Trade‑offs & caveats
- Concentration in a few groups increases dependence.
- You must monitor originator updates.
- Secondary market depth can be episodic.
Automation recipe
- Set tiny position sizes (e.g., 0.2–0.5% per loan) so no single note matters.
- Enforce issuer caps (e.g., ≤5%) and country caps (e.g., ≤20%).
- Mix terms to stagger cash flow (short + medium duration).
- Enable autoinvest & automatic reinvestment of repayments.
- Keep a small cash buffer if you plan periodic withdrawals.
Best for: Best for focused investors who actively manage issuer caps.
Debitum: SME and asset‑backed financing marketplace
Overview. Debitum operates in the European crowdlending ecosystem and offers investors a way to allocate capital across curated loans.
Always read the platform’s current terms and disclosures; features (buybacks, fees, secondary markets) can change.
What we like
- Blend of secured loans and invoices.
- Institutional‑leaning risk framework and reporting.
- Autoinvest by risk class and collateral type.
Trade‑offs & caveats
- Loan volumes can be sporadic.
- SME recoveries take time if defaults occur.
- Read collateral terms carefully.
Automation recipe
- Set tiny position sizes (e.g., 0.2–0.5% per loan) so no single note matters.
- Enforce issuer caps (e.g., ≤5%) and country caps (e.g., ≤20%).
- Mix terms to stagger cash flow (short + medium duration).
- Enable autoinvest & automatic reinvestment of repayments.
- Keep a small cash buffer if you plan periodic withdrawals.
Best for: Best for investors seeking SME exposure with a rules‑based approach.
Lendermarket: Consumer loans from connected originators
Overview. Lendermarket operates in the European crowdlending ecosystem and offers investors a way to allocate capital across curated loans.
Always read the platform’s current terms and disclosures; features (buybacks, fees, secondary markets) can change.
What we like
- Simple interface and fast autoinvest setup.
- Attractive offers periodically (varies).
- Convenient reinvest features.
Trade‑offs & caveats
- Originator dependency — diversification is your job.
- Policy updates can affect availability.
- Secondary market depth varies.
Automation recipe
- Set tiny position sizes (e.g., 0.2–0.5% per loan) so no single note matters.
- Enforce issuer caps (e.g., ≤5%) and country caps (e.g., ≤20%).
- Mix terms to stagger cash flow (short + medium duration).
- Enable autoinvest & automatic reinvestment of repayments.
- Keep a small cash buffer if you plan periodic withdrawals.
Best for: Best for experienced users who enforce strict issuer and country caps.
Portfolio Construction: building a resilient crowdlending sleeve
Treat crowdlending as a satellite allocation. For many diversified investors, a 5–15% sleeve is a prudent ceiling,
with the rest in liquid public markets and cash reserves. Within the sleeve:
- Breadth first: hundreds of notes across multiple originators and countries.
- Small bites: position sizes so small you don’t care if any single loan defaults.
- Sequenced liquidity: mix maturities so repayments arrive monthly.
- Issuer governance: prefer platforms that publish originator financials and default handling.
Document your rules in a 1‑page policy and stick to them. That document is your defense against headline noise.
Tax, Reporting, and Record‑Keeping
Most jurisdictions tax crowdlending interest as ordinary income. Keep downloadable statements, loan‑level exports, and reconciliation notes.
If a platform provides withholding or tax certificates, archive them annually. Consider separate email labels and a dedicated cloud folder for each platform.
For advanced users, a simple ledger (date, platform, deposit/withdrawal, interest, fees) makes year‑end painless.
Risk Scenarios to Rehearse
- Originator stress: repayments slow or stop. Action: halt reinvestment into that issuer, track announcements, and wait for recoveries.
- Platform downtime: delays in withdrawals or UI. Action: rely on diversification and cash reserves outside the platform.
- Country shock: currency or policy change. Action: country cap discipline; avoid concentration.
- Personal liquidity need: you require cash during a risk event. Action: keep an external emergency fund and avoid forced sales.
Implementation Checklist (print this)
- Open accounts on 2–3 platforms with complementary loan types.
- Enable autoinvest with tiny position sizes and strict issuer/country caps.
- Stagger maturities; keep a small cash buffer on each platform.
- Quarterly: export loan data, check concentration, test a small withdrawal.
- Update your one‑page policy only when data justifies it — not headlines.
Summary Table: the 10 platforms at a glance
| Platform | Focus | Autoinvest | Secondary Market | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mintos | Multi‑originator consumer/SME marketplace | Yes | Yes (varies by issuer) | Investor‑controlled caps & filters | Experienced diversifiers |
| Bondora Go & Grow | Consumer loans; platform‑managed mix | Partial (platform‑managed) | Access policies may vary | Minimal setup; very simple UX | Beginners seeking simplicity |
| PeerBerry | Consumer via partner originators | Yes | Yes (check terms) | Issuer/country caps; small tickets | Hands‑off users with strict caps |
| EstateGuru | Real‑estate backed projects | Yes | Yes | Project‑level filters; milestones | Property‑oriented investors |
| October | SME loans | Yes | Some liquidity tools; varies | Autoinvest tiers by risk band | SME exposure with curation |
| ViaInvest | Consumer & short‑term loans | Yes | Varies | Simple filters; issuer caps | Simplicity seekers |
| Twino | Consumer marketplace | Yes | Yes | Country and term filters | Intermediates comfortable with markets |
| Esketit | Loans linked to specific groups | Yes | Varies | Issuer/country caps | Focused, active allocators |
| Debitum | SME & asset‑backed | Yes | Varies | Risk class & collateral filters | SME‑tilt investors |
| Lendermarket | Consumer via connected originators | Yes | Varies | Simple autoinvest; issuer caps | Yield‑seekers with discipline |
Note: Features and policies can change. Always verify current terms on each platform before investing.