Bondster Referral Code 2026: 1% Cashback (First 90 Days)

Bondster's model relies on loan originators: credit firms that lend to individuals or businesses, then assign those receivables to platform investors. When you invest on Bondster, you are buying shares of loans issued by these originators. Most loans carry a buyback guarantee: if a borrower is more than 60 days late, the originator is supposed to buy back the loan. However, if the originator itself is in financial difficulty, that guarantee cannot be honoured — exactly what happened with some originators on Bondster in 2025. On the other hand, loan originator RapiCredit (over CZK 275 million invested through the platform) fully repaid investors, principal and interest included (17% p.a. return) — proof the guarantee works when the originator stays solvent. Only deposit funds you will not need in the short term.

Bondster advertises potential returns of up to 12% a year (10% average) depending on the originator and loan type. A 1% cashback applies, via referral code, to investments made during a new investor's first 90 days on the platform. Loans span various durations (a few months to several years) and geographies (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Spain). Returns scale with the originator's risk profile: the riskier the originator, the higher the advertised rate. It is advisable to diversify across several originators to limit concentration risk. Compare these returns with Bondora Go&Grow (6%, more stable, lower risk) to calibrate your risk appetite.

Warning: Bondster experienced serious difficulties in 2025-2026 that warrant great caution. Several loan originators defaulted on their buyback obligations, leaving investors unable to recover their funds on time. P2P investor forums report withdrawal freezes and repayment delays on some loans. The platform has published updates, but resolutions are slow. In March 2026, a new CEO (Martin Stibor) was appointed to turn the situation around. If you already have funds on Bondster, monitor the platform's communications closely. If you are considering investing, start small and favour the best-rated originators.

Comparing Bondster and Bondora captures the P2P return/risk dilemma. Bondora Go&Grow: 6% return, operating since 2008, profitable since 2017, funds managed directly without third-party originators. Bondster: up to 12% return (10% average), founded in 2017, dependent on third-party originator reliability, documented problems in 2025-2026. The return gap (up to 6 points) generally does not compensate for Bondster's extra risk, especially in the current context. For P2P beginners, Bondora is the recommended first choice. Bondster may suit experienced investors who accept higher risk for potentially higher returns.

If you decide to invest on Bondster despite the documented risks, here are some prudence rules: Diversify across as many originators as possible — never concentrate more than 20% on a single one. Limit your exposure to Bondster to a fraction of your overall portfolio (5-10% maximum). Favour the best-rated originators, even if their return is lower. Avoid very long-term loans to keep some liquidity. Actively track Bondster's communications on struggling originators. To round out your P2P portfolio, Bondora Go&Grow offers a more stable alternative, and Mintos provides broader originator diversification.

Interest earned via Bondster is investment income, taxable under your local rules. As a Czech platform, Bondster does not withhold tax at source for most foreign residents, so you typically declare this income yourself; Bondster provides an annual summary. On regulation, Bondster is a Czech company supervised by Czech financial authorities and operates under the EU crowdfunding (ECSP) framework. It is not regulated by local authorities in most other countries and carries no bank deposit guarantee. In the event of trouble, legal recourse for foreign investors is limited and complex due to Czech jurisdiction — an extra risk factor versus locally licensed platforms.

In March 2026, Bondster appointed Martin Stibor as new CEO to resolve the accumulated originator problems and restore investor confidence, while running a 1% promotional cashback to attract new capital — a double-edged signal. Deposits are by SEPA transfer (1-2 business days); withdrawals go to your registered bank account, though freezes have been reported on some defaulting originators.

Our verdict: in 2026, Bondster is a platform to approach with great caution. Strengths: advertised returns up to 12% (10% average), active 1% cashback, geographic diversification, new management. Weaknesses: funds locked at some defaulting originators, buyback guarantees not always honoured, distant Czech regulation, no local licensing in most markets. Our recommendation: if you want P2P lending, Bondora remains a better option with a stable 6% return and a 15-year track record. Bondster only suits experienced P2P investors with limited exposure.