Update: December 2025 – LenderMarket has launched version 2.0 and appears to be recovering from its major issues. However, given the platform’s history, I remain cautious about recommending it.
I’ll be completely honest with you. LenderMarket is on my list of worst P2P platforms in Europe, and there’s a good reason for that. The platform has had serious issues with delayed loans, non-fulfillment of buyback guarantees, and blocking withdrawals through pending payments.
That said, with the launch of LenderMarket 2.0 in April 2024, some investors are reporting improvements. So let me give you the full picture.
The Troubled History You Need to Know
Before I get into the current state of the platform, you need to understand what happened.
Between 2022 and 2024, LenderMarket was essentially broken. Investors had their funds locked in “pending payments” for months, sometimes years. I’m talking about people waiting 5+ years to get their money back through tiny monthly payments.
The core problem was with Creditstar, LenderMarket’s main loan originator. When Creditstar faced liquidity issues, it affected virtually all investments on the platform. Loans were being extended up to 180 days (6 extensions of 30 days each), making the maximum delay 240 days total.
Some investors called it a Ponzi scheme. While the platform continued offering cashback bonuses to attract new money, existing investors couldn’t withdraw their funds.
This is why I included LenderMarket in my worst platforms list. When an investment platform blocks withdrawals and delays returns for years, that’s a major red flag.
LenderMarket 2.0: A Fresh Start?
In April 2024, LenderMarket launched version 2.0. This wasn’t just a cosmetic update – they rebuilt the entire infrastructure.
The strategy seems to be separating the old problems (version 1.0) from the new platform (version 2.0). Version 1.0 still exists with all the old pending payments, while version 2.0 operates as a clean slate.
Early signs are promising. Investors on version 2.0 haven’t reported the same issues that plagued the original platform. Cash flows are working properly, and withdrawals seem to be processing normally.
As of July 2025, several users have reported finally receiving funds that were stuck in pending payments for years. This suggests the platform is making genuine efforts to resolve past issues.
Current Investment Offering
Returns: 15.58% average annual return
Fees: 0% commission (one of their genuine advantages)
Minimum: €10 investment
Auto-Invest: Available and well-designed
Buyback Guarantee: Yes, but remember their track record
The platform works with three main loan originators:
- Rapicredit (Colombia) – 18% returns, 10% skin in the game, focuses on microlending
- CrediFiel (Mexico) – 12% returns, consumer loans with financial inclusion focus
- Dineo (Spain) – 12% returns, online and offline consumer loans with physical presence
The Auto-Invest feature is actually quite good. It automatically diversifies across originators and regions based on your preferences. However, auto-invested loans have a minimum term of 360 days when reinvesting pending payments, which limits flexibility.
The Risks You’re Taking
Let me be clear about what you’re signing up for:
- Platform Risk: Despite improvements, LenderMarket has a history of major operational failures. Version 2.0 might be better, but it’s only been running for about a year.
- Creditstar Dependency: The platform is still heavily dependent on Creditstar’s financial health. If Creditstar faces problems again, it could affect all your investments.
- No Deposit Insurance: Your money isn’t protected like it would be in a bank account.
- Limited Transparency: The platform doesn’t provide detailed insights into loan performance or risk management processes.
- Regulatory Uncertainty: They’ve had issues obtaining proper regulatory licenses, which delayed platform operations.
My Personal Take
I haven’t invested in LenderMarket, and I won’t be changing that stance anytime soon.
Yes, version 2.0 shows promise. Yes, they offer attractive returns with zero fees. But their track record speaks volumes about risk management and investor protection.
When a platform locks up investor funds for years and then launches a “new” version while the old problems persist, that raises serious questions about management competence and priorities.
I much prefer platforms like Mintos, where I’ve consistently achieved 11.42% returns without the drama and uncertainty that comes with LenderMarket.
Who Might Consider LenderMarket
If you’re determined to try LenderMarket despite these warnings, here’s who it might suit:
- Experienced P2P investors who understand platform risks
- Investors willing to limit exposure to 2-3% of total portfolio
- People attracted to high returns who can afford potential losses
- Investors with 3+ year time horizons
Who Should Definitely Avoid It
- First-time P2P investors
- Anyone needing guaranteed safety or liquidity
- Investors who can’t afford to lose their entire investment
- People uncomfortable with platforms that have troubled histories
The Bottom Line
LenderMarket 2.0 might eventually prove that the platform has learned from its mistakes. The zero fees and high returns are genuinely attractive.
But I’ve seen too many investors get burned by platforms with similar track records. When you’re choosing where to put your money, past behavior is often the best predictor of future performance.
If you want exposure to P2P lending, I’d suggest starting with more established platforms like Mintos or Twino. Once you’re comfortable with P2P investing and have built a diversified portfolio, then you might consider allocating a small portion to higher-risk platforms like LenderMarket.
Remember, in P2P lending, the goal isn’t just to chase the highest returns. It’s to build a sustainable portfolio that generates steady income without keeping you awake at night wondering if your money is safe.
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