Groundfloor vs Percent

Groundfloor Overview

Groundfloor is best suited for investors who want non-accredited investors seeking short-term, high-yield real estate debt investments with low barriers to entry and automated portfolio management capabilities.. Founded in 2013, Groundfloor manages $2.2 billion+ lent out as of January 2026 in assets.

With a minimum investment of $10, Groundfloor is open to all investors regardless of accreditation status. The platform does not currently offer a secondary market and supports auto-invest features.

Key Strengths:

• Very low minimum investment ($10) makes it accessible to all investors
• No accreditation required - open to non-accredited investors
• SEC-qualified Regulation A offering provides regulatory oversight
• Strong historical returns averaging 10% annualized since 2013

Key Drawbacks:

• Illiquid investment with limited secondary market
• Loss ratio of less than 1% indicates real default risk exists
• Flywheel Portfolio charges 1.00% management fee on disbursements

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Percent Overview

Percent is best suited for investors who want accredited investors seeking higher yields through private credit exposure with relatively low minimums ($500), who can tolerate illiquid investments and understand default risks associated with lending to middle-market companies. The platform, Percent manages $350M in assets.

With a minimum investment of $500, Percent requires accredited investor status. The platform does not currently offer a secondary market and requires manual investment selection.

Key Strengths:

• Low minimum investment of $500 makes private credit accessible to retail accredited investors
• Competitive fee structure at 1% management fee plus 10% of yield, below industry standards
• Strong historical returns averaging 14.47% for matured deals with 14.9% in 2024
• Transparent fee disclosure and pricing model

Key Drawbacks:

• Requires accredited investor status, limiting accessibility to high-net-worth individuals
• Capital is illiquid and locked in for the duration of each deal
• 3.51% charge-off rate indicates default risk in portfolio

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Fees & Costs

Groundfloor carries a fee rating of 4.5/5, with fees structured as: 0.50%-1.00% on Flywheel Portfolio (assessed at disbursement). Percent scores 4.0/5 on fees, charging: 1% on Blended Notes; 0% on single note offerings; Performance: 10% of yield (variable by product).

Edge: Groundfloor. Lower cost structure gives investors more of their returns.

Minimum Investment

Groundfloor requires $10 to get started, while Percent requires $500. Groundfloor's lower minimum makes it more accessible for new investors.

Edge: Groundfloor. Lower barrier to entry.

Accreditation Requirements

Groundfloor does not require accreditation. Percent requires accreditation.

Edge: Groundfloor. Open to all investors.

Liquidity

Groundfloor offers semi-liquid investments. Percent provides illiquid investments.

Edge: Tie. Similar liquidity profiles.

Ease of Use & Platform Experience

Groundfloor scores 4.3/5 for ease of use and offers a mobile app. Percent scores 3.5/5 and also has a mobile app.

Edge: Groundfloor. Better overall user experience.

Transparency & Reporting

Groundfloor earns a 4.0/5 transparency rating. Percent scores 3.5/5.

Edge: Groundfloor. More transparent reporting and disclosures.

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Who Should Choose Groundfloor?

Groundfloor is the better choice if you:

• Want to start investing with a low minimum
• Are a non-accredited investor looking for access to alternatives
• Want exposure to diversified real estate portfolios
• Prefer a hands-off, auto-invest approach

Who Should Choose Percent?

Percent is the better choice if you:

• Want to start investing with a low minimum
• Meet accredited investor requirements and want institutional-quality deals
• Are interested in private credit as an asset class
• Prefer to hand-pick your investments

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Verdict

Winner: Groundfloor. With 4.2/5 overall rating versus Percent's 3.8/5, Groundfloor edges ahead with a lower minimum investment and better fees. That said, Percent may be the better fit if you specifically need accredited investors seeking higher yields through private credit exposure with .

For most investors exploring alternatives, we recommend starting with Groundfloor — but consider your specific goals before committing.

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FAQ

Is Groundfloor or Percent better for beginners?

Groundfloor is generally more beginner-friendly with its $10 minimum investment compared to Percent's $500. Additionally, Groundfloor doesn't require accreditation, making it accessible to more new investors.

Can I use both Groundfloor and Percent?

Yes. Many alternative investment portfolios benefit from diversification across platforms. Groundfloor and Percent focus on different asset classes, making them complementary choices for a diversified portfolio.

Which platform has better returns?

Historical returns vary by specific investment and time period. Groundfloor has a higher overall rating, but past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Both platforms provide different risk-return profiles depending on the specific offerings you choose.

Are Groundfloor and Percent safe?

Both platforms are legitimate, regulated investment services. Groundfloor is regulated by SEC. Percent is regulated by SEC. As with all alternative investments, there is inherent risk — these are generally illiquid, long-term investments and not FDIC insured.