Invest in trading cards
Invest in exclusive collectibles
High Risk
4/5
Investing in trading cards on Alt involves market risk, liquidity risk, uncertainties in authentication and grading, regulatory changes, operational risks including cybersecurity threats, and risks related to the physical storage and insurance of assets.
High Risk
4/5
Investing on Timeless involves risks such as market volatility, liquidity constraints, regulatory changes, and asset-specific issues like authenticity. Additionally, platform-related risks such as data security and operational stability could affect investments. These factors highlight the importance of thorough risk assessment and consideration of personal risk tolerance before investing in collectibles through Timeless.
Moderate Liquidity
2/5
Alt enhances the liquidity of trading cards through the Alt Exchange and Alt Liquid Auctions, enabling quick and efficient buying and selling of authenticated, graded cards stored in the Alt Vault. Bi-weekly auctions provide regular opportunities for transactions, while Alt Lending allows users to access cash without selling their assets.
Moderate Liquidity
2/5
While traditional collectible investments are illiquid, Timeless offers a level of liquidity by enabling trading among investors during the average holding period of 2 to 8 years. However, liquidity is influenced by demand within the platform and the collective decision to sell the asset.
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Not Predictable Return
N/P
Returns on trading card investments via Alt are influenced by the rarity, condition, and market demand for specific cards, making them highly variable. While some cards may see substantial appreciation, others might not perform as well, reflecting the speculative nature of alternative investments. Investors should adopt a long-term view and be prepared for fluctuations, as significant returns are possible but not guaranteed.
High Return
40 %
Timeless cannot guarantee returns as the collectibles market is unpredictable. However, historical data shows an average annual return of 40% on their platform, with returns ranging from 9.1% to 93.1% per year. Investors should note that past performance is not indicative of future results.
Long-term Investment
5+ years
The investment time horizon for trading cards on Alt is typically long-term.
Long-term Investment
2-8 years
The typical investment time horizon on Timeless ranges from 2 to 8 years, varying by asset class. During this period, investors can trade shares for liquidity before a collective decision is made to sell the asset, subject to majority approval.
Who can invest
International
To invest on Alt, individuals must be at least 18 years old, provide a current address, a Social Security number for U.S. residents, and a valid government-issued photo ID for both U.S. and international users. Alt is inclusive of international investors, accepting payments from 76 additional countries.
Who can invest
European Union
To invest with Timeless, individuals must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid ID card or passport, have a SEPA bank account, and not be taxable outside the EU. Additionally, they must have a permanent residence. Importantly, US citizens and US taxpayers are excluded from using Timeless's services due to SEC restrictions and the implications of the FACTA, which targets tax evasion by US citizens abroad.
Moderate Volatility
3/5
Trading cards on Alt are subject to volatility due to factors like changing market demand, the rarity and condition of the cards, and broader economic trends. This niche market's limited buyer and seller base can lead to significant price fluctuations, making the value of these assets potentially change rapidly and unpredictably.
Moderate Volatility
3/5
The assets on Timeless, being exclusive collectibles, are subject to inherent volatility due to factors like fluctuating market demand, the rarity and exclusivity of items, condition and authenticity concerns, and broader economic and cultural trends. These factors can lead to significant price swings, making the value of collectibles unpredictable over short periods. While Timeless carefully selects collectibles with high potential for appreciation, investors should be mindful of this volatility and how it aligns with their investment goals and risk tolerance.
Regulation and audits
Not Regulated
Alt adheres to regulatory requirements by verifying the identity of all users, a step that aligns with legal standards for financial technology platforms. Although specific audit details aren't provided, such platforms typically undergo periodic audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations and cybersecurity standards.
Regulation and audits
BaFin Regulated
Timeless is registered with the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) as a contractually bound intermediary of CONCEDUS GmbH, under register number 80174023. This indicates regulatory compliance and oversight by BaFin in its operations.
Insurance
Yes
Alt offers insurance for trading cards stored in its vault, safeguarding investors' assets against theft, damage, and loss.
Insurance
Yes
Timeless stores collectibles in a secured German facility with insurance coverage, though it's crucial to note that not all damages, such as those from force majeure, may be covered. Additionally, there's no guarantee of compensation for losses, as there are no guarantee funds or deposit insurance for investors. This points to a risk of partial or complete value loss in certain scenarios.
Payouts
No Recurring Payouts
Trading cards on Alt do not offer dividends. Instead, the potential financial benefit for investors lies in the appreciation of the asset's value over time, with returns realized through capital gains upon sale.
Payouts
No Recurring Payouts
Timeless does not provide traditional dividends. Instead, investors gain returns from the appreciation of collectibles, realized when these assets are sold for a higher value than their purchase price. Profits from such sales are distributed among investors based on their shareholdings, acting as a one-time capital gain rather than regular dividends.
Withdrawals
To get their money back, investors on Alt can sell their trading cards through the Alt Exchange or Alt Liquid Auctions. Once a sale is processed, the funds are credited to the seller's account, from which they can be withdrawn. The time and price at which cards sell may vary based on market demand and card rarity.
Withdrawals
Investors on Timeless receive their money back after the sale of a collectible by entering their SEPA bank account details on the platform. After the sale and distribution of profits, the funds are automatically transferred to the investor's bank account within 10 banking days, allowing for a straightforward return on their investment.
Extra Fees
Yes
Alt charges no fees for vaulting services for cards graded by supported companies, while charging $5 for each unsupported graded and ungraded card. Sales transactions on Alt's marketplace incur a tiered selling fee based on the card's final sale price: 10% for sales up to $7,499, 8% for sales between $7,500 and $9,999, and 5% for sales of $10,000 or more.
Extra Fees
Yes
Timeless charges a one-time 2% service fee and a management fee at the initial purchase of fractions, covering costs like division of collectibles, documentation, transport, maintenance, and insurance, with management fees varying from 1% to 6% depending on the asset. Trading involves a 2% service fee for buyers, with no fees for sellers. There are no ongoing fees for the storage or operation of the platform, and no fees are charged to investors upon the sale of a collectible.
Taxes
Tax Form
Alt supports tax reporting for investors by issuing 1099-K forms to those who meet specific criteria: being a verified Alt customer, filing taxes in the US, and receiving payments over $600 in a calendar year. This ensures compliance with tax obligations by reporting to the IRS and relevant state tax authorities.
Taxes
Annual Statement
Timeless assists investors with tax reporting by enabling the download of an Excel spreadsheet that records their purchases and sales, simplifying the process of tracking transactions and preparing tax documents.