10 Best European P2P Lending Platforms in 2024
Looking for the best European P2P lending platforms in 2024? Compare Peer-to-Peer investment platforms in Europe here:
| Return | 14.59% |
| Investors | 14,000 |
| Minimum | €10 |
| Launched | 2022 |
About Hive5
Hive5 is the best P2P lending platform in Europe as it offers high potential returns of up to 16% with no fees and a buyback obligation on all loans, providing an added layer of security against defaults. Hive5’s strong management team, with extensive experience in corporate governance and risk management, adds credibility to the platform. Hive5 does not currently offer a secondary market for early exits, which might be a drawback for some investors, but the focus on short-term loans mitigates this concern to some extent. Hive5 is a suitable choice for investors seeking high returns in the P2P lending space, with the added benefits of transparency, ease of use, and experienced management.
Pros:
- Possible to use auto-invest for passive income.
- 60-day buyback obligation on all loans.
- New investors can receive a 0.5% cashback bonus for 90 days.
- The platform is highly rated on Trustpilot.
- No fees for investors.
Cons:
- No secondary market for making an early exit.
- Hive5 and some of its lenders have the same shareholders, which could cause a conflict of interest.
- The platform is unregulated.
| Return | 12.09% |
| Investors | 22,000 |
| Minimum | €10 |
| Launched | 2020 |
About Esketit
Esketit is the best European P2P lending platform for investors seeking a reliable option for investing in consumer loans with high returns, as it has one of the lowest default rates. The platform provides high returns on investments of around 12%, making it an attractive choice for investors looking to maximize their profits. Esketit’s strong affiliation with the AvaFin Group adds an extra layer of credibility and assurance, as the platform benefits from the group’s extensive experience and established track record in the lending industry. Esketit is an excellent choice for investors seeking a reliable and high-performing P2P lending platform in Europe, with the added benefits of competitive returns, strong risk management, and a user-friendly experience.
Pros:
- One of the highest-rated platforms on Trustpilot.
- 60-day buyback guarantee on most loans.
- New investors can receive a 1% cashback bonus for 90 days.
- Low historical default rate.
Cons:
- The platform is not regulated.
| Return | 14.83% |
| Investors | 16,000 |
| Minimum | €50 |
| Launched | 2018 |
About Debitum
Debitum is the best P2P lending platform in Europe for business loans. The platform offers a unique combination of asset-backed business loans, regulation by the Latvian financial supervisory authority, and competitive interest rates, making it a notable choice for investors. With a return potential of up to 15%, Debitum provides an attractive opportunity for those looking to diversify their P2P portfolios beyond consumer loans. Prospective investors should remain mindful of Debitum’s past issues, including loans affected by the war in Ukraine.
Pros:
- Best P2B lending platform for SME loans.
- Loans are secured by collateral.
- MiFID regulation and supervision of the central bank of Latvia.
- New investors can receive a 1% cashback bonus for 90 days.
- 90-day buyback guarantee on loans.
- Low historical default rate.
- No fees for investors.
Cons:
- No secondary market for early exit.
- Not all loan originators has skin in the game.
- Some loans were impacted by the war in Ukraine.
| Return | 10.00% |
| Investors | 36,000 |
| Minimum | €10 |
| Launched | 2017 |
About Robocash
Robocash is one of the best P2P lending platforms for investors who prioritize safety. The platform is owned by the large, profitable lending group UnaFinancial and has successfully navigated multiple crises, including Covid-19. Robocash has a low historical default rate, making it attractive to more conservative P2P investors. Robocash’s automated investment feature simplifies the investment process, allowing investors to efficiently deploy their funds across a diverse range of short-term consumer loans from various countries, including the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Spain.
Pros:
- 30-day buyback guarantee on loans.
- Strong track record navigating multiple crises including Covid-19.
- Owned by a profitable large lending group.
- Low historical default rate.
Cons:
- It is not possible to invest manually.
- The platform is not regulated.
| Return | 11.16% |
| Investors | 90,000 |
| Minimum | €10 |
| Launched | 2014 |
About PeerBerry
PeerBerry is considered one of the safest P2P lending platforms in Europe. The platform has a low historical default rate and a strong track record of stability. PeerBerry’s reputation is bolstered by its comprehensive buyback and group guarantees, which provide an added layer of security for investors. The platform’s commitment to transparency is evident through regular updates on portfolio performance and detailed information about loan originators, allowing investors to make informed decisions. PeerBerry’s combination of low default rates, strong guarantees, and consistent performance makes it a top choice for investors seeking a safe and reliable P2P lending platform in Europe.
Pros:
- High transparency and strong track record.
- Low historical default rate.
- New investors can receive a 0.5% cashback bonus for 90 days.
- Offers one of the best P2P lending apps for investors.
- Up to 1% loyalty bonus for large investors.
Cons:
- The platform is not regulated.
- No instant withdrawals.
| Return | 11.60% |
| Investors | 500,000 |
| Minimum | €50 |
| Launched | 2014 |
About Mintos
Mintos is the largest P2P lending platform in Europe, with more than €10 billion worth of loans funded. The platform allows individuals and institutions to invest in various types of loans, including mortgage loans, personal unsecured loans, secured car loans, small business loans, and others. The P2P loans are originated by a variety of lending companies, and Mintos acts as a marketplace to connect these loans with investors. Mintos has an average return of around 11.60%. The platform is regulated and helps protect investors with a buyback guarantee on loans. Mintos offers a range of features for investors, including a secondary market for selling investments, an auto-invest feature for automated investing according to set criteria, and a variety of currencies to invest in. Mintos is an excellent choice for investors looking for an all-in-one platform with a long track record.
Pros:
- Biggest P2P lending platform in Europe.
- Access to a broader mix of assets including ETF’s.
- Offers one of the best P2P investment apps.
- MiFID regulation and supervision of the central bank of Latvia.
Cons:
- Inactivity fee of €2.90 per month.
- 0.85% fee for selling investments.
- Large share of loans in recovery.
- Many suspended loan originators.
| Return | 13.50% |
| Investors | 1,900 |
| Minimum | €10 |
| Launched | 2022 |
About Loanch
Loanch is one of the best P2P investment platforms in Europe. The platform stands out with its high-interest rates and a 30-day buyback guarantee, providing a sense of security for investors. Loanch’s focus on short-term loans enhances liquidity, making it an attractive choice for those seeking quick returns. As Loanch is a relatively new platform, it has limited historical data and few loan originators, which may pose a risk.
Pros:
- Regular cashback campaigns to boost returns.
- 30-day buyback guarantee on loans.
Cons:
- Few lending companies make diversification hard.
- The platform is not regulated.
| Return | 14.00% |
| Investors | 6,000 |
| Minimum | €10 |
| Launched | 2016 |
About Swaper
Swaper is one of the best P2P lending platforms for beginners. The platform is easy to use on both the website and the app. Swaper offers attractive returns with a 60-day buyback guarantee, making it a popular choice among investors seeking short-term loan opportunities. Swaper’s user-friendly interface and responsive customer support make it an appealing option for those new to peer-to-peer lending. Potential investors should be cautious of the platform’s reliance on a few loan originators and the regulatory risks associated with its operations.
Pros:
- 60-day buyback guarantee on loans.
- Simple interface and easy to use.
- Offers one of the best peer-to-peer lending apps.
Cons:
- Limited number of loan originators for diversification.
- The platform is not regulated.
| Return | 11.00% |
| Investors | 40,000 |
| Minimum | €10 |
| Launched | 2016 |
About VIAINVEST
VIAINVEST is one of the best peer-to-peer lending platforms in Europe due to its regulated status and consistent double-digit returns. It offers a straightforward investment process with a buyback guarantee, providing a safety net for investors. VIAINVEST’s transparency and reliable track record make it a solid choice for those looking to invest in consumer loans. Potential investors should be aware of the platform’s usability issues and limited loan originators.
Pros:
- 60-day buyback guarantee on loans.
- Possible to automate investments with auto-invest.
- No fees for investors.
- Regulated platform.
Cons:
- No secondary market for making an early exit.
- Less transparent than other platforms.
| Return | 10.55% |
| Investors | 400 |
| Minimum | €10 |
| Launched | 2023 |
About Lonvest
Lonvest is a small European P2P lending company focused on consumer loans. It offers competitive interest rates ranging from 12% to 13% and features a 60-day buyback guarantee for added investor security. While Lonvest provides an intuitive platform and is backed by Space Crew Finance, its limited diversification and lack of a secondary market pose higher risks. Investors should carefully consider these factors and conduct thorough research before investing.
Pros:
- 60-day buyback guarantee on loans.
- New investors can receive a 1% cashback bonus for 90 days.
Cons:
- The platform is not regulated.
What is a P2P lending platform?
A P2P lending platform is an online service that matches lenders with borrowers. These platforms work by allowing investors to directly fund the loans of borrowers, eliminating the need for a traditional financial institution as an intermediary. This can often result in lower rates for borrowers and higher returns for lenders. P2P lending platforms are also known as crowdlending platforms.
There are different categories of P2P lending platforms. Some platforms make it possible for investors to fund loans directly while others make it possible to invest in pre-funded loans from different loan originators. The most common types of loans on P2P lending platforms are consumer loans, business loans, and real estate loans.
What are the best P2P lending platforms in Europe?
To find the best P2P lending platform, investors should consider factors like interest rates, risk, diversification options, user experience, apps, transparency, customer service, regulation, safety, reputation, fees, and features. The best P2P lending platforms have features like auto-invest, buyback guarantee, secondary market, and tax reports.
Overview of the 10 best P2P lending platforms in Europe:
| Platform | TrustScore | Yield | Loan Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hive5 | 4.5/5 | 14.59% | Consumer loans |
| Esketit | 4.4/5 | 12.09% | Consumer loans |
| Income Marketplace | 4.2/5 | 13.78% | Consumer loans |
| Robocash | 4.1/5 | 10.00% | Consumer loans |
| PeerBerry | 4.0/5 | 11.16% | Mixed loans |
| Mintos | 4.0/5 | 11.60% | Mixed loans |
| Debitum | 3.9/5 | 14.83% | Business loans |
| Loanch | 3.7/5 | 13.50% | Consumer loans |
| Swaper | 3.6/5 | 14.00% | Consumer loans |
| VIAINVEST | 3.6/5 | 11.00% | Consumer loans |
Who can invest via P2P lending websites?
The requirements to invest via P2P lending websites vary from platform to platform. Both individuals and companies are allowed to invest via most P2P lending platforms in Europe.
Requirements for investors on European P2P platforms:
- Minimum age of 18 years old
- Residency in the European Economic Area (EEA)
- EU bank account
The minimum investment requirement on European P2P lending platforms ranges from €1 to €50. The minimum investment required is generally lower on platforms focused on personal loans.
What are the investment returns on P2P lending sites?
P2P lending sites offer a high rate of return compared to traditional investments like bonds, stocks, or savings accounts. The average return on European Peer-to-Peer lending sites is around 10%. The best P2P lending platforms with the highest returns have a return of around 15%. Many platforms offer investment bonuses which can further increase the return. These investment returns come with a significant risk, which should be considered before investing.
The amount of money investors can make with Peer-to-Peer lending depends on the platform and market conditions. Factors such as inflation, interest rates, and the overall economic cycle have a huge impact on the yield. The return can also vary depending on the platform’s fees and costs.
Fees and costs
P2P lending platforms make money from fees charged to borrowers or lenders. Fees are typically as a percentage of the invested amount. Most P2P lenders in Europe don’t have any investment fees, but you should be aware of hidden costs and charges.
Normal fees on P2P platforms:
- Deposit fee
- Investment fee
- Inactivity fee
- Secondary market fee
- Withdrawal fee
The fees and costs can vary depending on the platform.
Tax consideration
The way you are taxed on the returns you make on P2P lending platforms depends on the country you are from and the platform you choose. You are taxed based on your country’s legislation, which can impact the profitability of investing in P2P loans. Usually, profits from P2P lending are taxed as personal income or capital gains. Most P2P lending platforms don’t withhold taxes, which makes it easy to declare your taxes to your local authorities.
How to start investing in P2P loans?
Here are the steps to start investing in P2P loans:
- Compare P2P lending platforms
- Select a P2P lending platform
- Create an account
- Send money to your account
- Set up auto-invest (if available)
These steps can vary depending on which platform you choose.
What are the biggest P2P lending platforms in Europe?
Mintos is the largest peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform in Europe and has funded over €10.53 billion in loans. Mintos was launched in 2014 and is one of the first platforms of its kind. It is currently the European market leader.
Overview of the 10 biggest P2P lending platforms in Europe by loans funded:
| Platform | Funded | Launched |
|---|---|---|
| Mintos | €10,530,000,000 | 2014 |
| PeerBerry | €2,790,000,000 | 2017 |
| TWINO | €1,090,000,000 | 2015 |
| Robocash | €982,000,000 | 2017 |
| Swaper | €668,000,000 | 2016 |
| Esketit | €630,000,000 | 2020 |
| VIAINVEST | €523,000,000 | 2016 |
| Lendermarket | €428,000,000 | 2019 |
| Finbee | €169,000,000 | 2015 |
| Income Marketplace | €122,000,000 | 2021 |
The biggest P2P lending platforms are not necessarily the best. To find the best P2P lending platform, investors should consider factors like track record, reputation, quality of customer service, interest rates offered, default rates, fees, ease of use, level of transparency, and the security measures in place to protect both lenders and borrowers.
What is the safest P2P lending platform?
Robocash is considered one of the safest P2P lending platforms in Europe as the platform has a minimal number of loans in recovery and is owned by the highly profitable lending group UnaFinancial. The platform has a solid track record, high transparency, and provides audited annual reports. Other platforms with few loans in recovery include Esketit, PeerBerry, and Income Marketplace.
Risk mitigation
Most P2P lending platforms help investors mitigate the default risk. The most common types of risk mitigation are:
- Buyback guarantee
- Group guarantee
Buyback and group guarantees on P2P lending platforms don’t mean your investments are 100% safe. These guarantees depend on the financial situation of the company issuing them.
How are European P2P lending companies regulated?
The best P2P lending companies in Europe adhere to stringent regulatory standards set by financial authorities in their respective countries, ensuring secure and transparent operations for both lenders and borrowers.