Cardone Capital Review (2026): Should You Invest With Grant Cardone?
On This Page
- Cardone Capital in One Minute
- The 2022 Ninth Circuit Ruling
- How the Funds Work: Fees, Minimums and Lock-Ups
- How to Invest in Cardone Capital
- Real Estate Plus Bitcoin
- Before You Invest
- Who It Suits
- Alternatives
- A Steadier Way to Protect Savings
- Is Cardone Capital Legit?
- Pros and Cons
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Verdict on Cardone Capital
Cardone Capital in One Minute
Cardone Capital is Grant Cardone's real estate investment firm. It raises money from investors, including non-accredited investors through some offerings, to buy large apartment properties. Its site claims $2 billion raised from 20,020 investors, $642 million in distributions and $5.4 billion in assets under management, and now promotes funds that pair real estate with Bitcoin.
| Firm | Cardone Capital |
|---|---|
| Founder | Grant Cardone |
| Investors | 20,020 (per its site) |
| Raised | $2 billion (per its site) |
| AUM | $5.4 billion (per its site) |
| New offerings | Real estate and Bitcoin hybrid funds |
| Litigation | Pino v. Cardone Capital (9th Cir. 2022) |
The 2022 Ninth Circuit Ruling
In Pino v. Cardone Capital, an investor alleged that Instagram posts and a YouTube video about Cardone's Regulation A funds were misleading, including a post asking "Want to double your money?" and a video citing a 15% annualized return. In December 2022 the Ninth Circuit held that social media posts can count as soliciting investors, reviving the claims against Cardone and Cardone Capital. That was a ruling on whether the case could proceed, not a final finding of fraud.
How the Funds Work: Fees, Minimums and Lock-Ups
Each Cardone fund raises money, buys apartment properties with significant debt and pays distributions from rental income. A Regulation A offering circular filed with the SEC for Cardone Equity Fund IX shows the typical terms:
| Term | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment | $5,000 |
| Asset management fee | 1% a year |
| Acquisition fee | 1% of each property's price |
| Distributions | 65% of distributable cash to investors, at the manager's discretion |
| Redemptions | None; expected hold about 10 years |
| Leverage | Up to 80% of property value |
| Disputes | Mandatory arbitration |
Terms differ by fund, so read the circular for the fund you're offered.
How to Invest in Cardone Capital
You apply through its site, answer whether you're accredited, and are matched to open offerings. Accredited investors see more options; non-accredited offerings open less often. Its site also invites investing through a self-directed IRA or 401(k). Before wiring money, download the offering circular and subscription agreement and read the risk factors.
Real Estate Plus Bitcoin
The newer hybrid funds add Bitcoin exposure to real estate. That combines an illiquid asset with a highly volatile one. Understand how much of the fund is in Bitcoin and how it's valued before investing.
Before You Invest
- Read the full offering circular.
- List every fee and how it's calculated.
- Check how and when you can exit.
- Don't rely on social media return claims.
- Invest only money you can lock up for years.
Who It Suits
Investors who want passive apartment exposure, can lock money away for years and accept the concentration and Bitcoin risks.
Alternatives
Lower-minimum platforms such as Fundrise offer diversified real estate funds. Read our Fundrise review and Groundfloor review.
A Steadier Way to Protect Savings
Real estate and precious metals are both tangible assets some savers use to diversify away from stocks. Our top pick, Augusta Precious Metals, offers a free guide to the sales tactics retirement savers should watch for; our budget pick Noble Gold offers a free economic-crisis guide. Precious metals carry their own risks and costs.
Is Cardone Capital Legit?
It's a real investment firm that owns real properties. Its performance claims come from its own marketing, its funds are illiquid, and a 2022 appeals ruling revived claims over its social media promotion. Read the offering documents carefully.
Pros and Cons
What Stands Out
- Real, large apartment portfolio
- Some offerings open to non-accredited investors
- Monthly distribution history claimed
What to Weigh Up
- Illiquid, long-term investments
- Marketing-driven performance claims
- Bitcoin adds volatility
- 2022 Ninth Circuit ruling revived investor claims
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Cardone Capital?
Grant Cardone's real estate investment firm.
Can Non-Accredited Investors Invest?
Some offerings have been open to them; check each offering.
Was Cardone Capital Sued?
Yes; in 2022 the Ninth Circuit revived claims over its social media posts.
Can I Withdraw Anytime?
Usually not; these funds are illiquid.
What Is the Cardone Capital Minimum?
$5,000 in its Fund IX offering circular; other funds vary.
Can I Sell My Cardone Capital Shares?
Usually not; Fund IX has no redemption program and an expected hold of about 10 years.
Our Verdict on Cardone Capital
Real properties, aggressive marketing. Read the offering circular, not the Instagram posts.
Precious metals prices can fall as well as rise, and a gold IRA carries setup, custody and storage fees. This page is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Consider speaking with a licensed financial professional before moving retirement savings.
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