Masterworks vs Alt.xyz Comparison

Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms

Invest in fractionalized multimillion-dollar paintings

Invest in trading cards

444,000 visits/month 9,700 search keywords
132,000 visits/month 1,300 search keywords

Investments
$15,000

The minimum investment required is $15,000, which can be used to buy one or more assets.

Investments
$2

The minimum investment on Alt begins at $2.


Moderate Risk
3/5

Investing in art through Masterworks has risks, including concentration in a single artwork, limited insurance coverage, market volatility, and uncertainty in the secondary market.

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.


Moderate Liquidity
2/5

You have the option to trade shares on the platform's secondary market, but there are certain restrictions on what and how you can trade.

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.

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Moderate Return
12.6 %

Profits come from selling the painting or when investors sell their shares.

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.


Long-term Investment
3-7 years

Masterworks keeps the artwork for 3 to 10 years.

Long-term Investment
5+ years

The investment time horizon for trading cards on Alt is typically long-term.


Who can invest
International

Masterworks welcomes individuals, corporations, or entities from any location, including the United States.

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.


Moderate Volatility
3/5

Art market fluctuations can lead to rapid price increases and declines, posing risks for short-term investors who may lose a significant portion of their capital.

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.


Regulation and audits
SEC Regulated

Masterworks provides SEC-approved offering circulars for each artwork, allowing public investment. AGD Legal reviews art investments annually.

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.


Insurance
Yes

Artworks are insured for up to $500 million by Lloyd's of London, but coverage may not fully match the artwork's value.

Insurance
Yes

Alt offers insurance for trading cards stored in its vault, safeguarding investors' assets against theft, damage, and loss.


Payouts
No Recurring Payouts

The company doesn't generate revenue.

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.


Withdrawals

Investors should wait for the company to sell the painting to receive their share of the proceeds, after deducting fees.

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.


Extra Fees
Yes

Masterworks charges a 1.5% yearly fee in equity, takes a 20% cut on art sales profits, and has a one-time sourcing fee per 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.


Taxes
Tax Form

US taxpayers: subject to collectible gains rate (capped at 28%), unless owning 10%+ of a single painting. Masterworks provides a free Consolidated Tax Statement. Foreign investors: no US taxes or tax withholding.

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.

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