Investor Caps Explained: Who Can Invest How Much in 2026?
One of the most common questions from first-time raisers is:
“How much can each person invest in my deal?”
If you are raising capital under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) in 2025, investor limits still apply especially for those who are not accredited. These limits are designed to protect everyday investors while allowing investors to raise up to $5 million per year through a regulated portal.
This guide will walk you through exactly how investor caps work, who they apply to, and how to structure your offering around them.
What Are Investor Caps?
Investor caps are rules that limit how much individuals can invest in a Reg CF offering, based on their income and net worth.
These caps are calculated per investor, per year, and apply across all Reg CF offerings not just yours.
The limits vary depending on whether the investor is considered accredited or non-accredited.
What’s the Difference Between Accredited and Non-Accredited Investors?
- Accredited investors are individuals with either:
- An annual income over $200,000 ($300,000 with a spouse or partner)
- OR a net worth over $1 million (excluding primary residence)
- Non-accredited investors fall below those thresholds and are subject to investment limits under Reg CF.
Investment Limits for 2025 (Non-Accredited Investors)
As of 2025, the maximum a non-accredited investor can invest in all Reg CF deals combined over 12 months is:
- The greater of:
- $2,500
- OR 5% of the lesser of their annual income or net worth
- If both annual income and net worth exceed $124,000:
- They may invest up to 10% of the lesser of those two amounts
- Capped at $124,000 annually regardless of net worth
Example 1: If someone earns $60,000 and has a net worth of $40,000, they can invest up to $2,000 (5% of $40,000).
Example 2: If someone earns $150,000 and has a $200,000 net worth, they can invest up to $15,000 (10% of $150,000).
Portals usually automate these calculations for the investor—but as an investor, it’s important to understand them, especially when forecasting how many backers you’ll need to reach your raise goal.
What About Accredited Investors?
Accredited investors face no investment caps under Reg CF. They can invest any amount they choose, subject to your offering terms and the total raise limit of $5 million per 12-month period.
Structuring Your Raise Around These Caps
Since the average non-accredited investment often falls between $500 and $2,000, most successful Reg CF investors plan to attract dozens or even hundreds of investors.
This is not a drawback. In fact, it creates an opportunity to:
- Build a broader investor base
- Increase visibility and momentum through shared networks
- Invite community participation from people who may not typically invest in real estate
Understanding these caps allows you to model your raise more clearly and set expectations with your team, investors, and platform partners.
Learn How to Launch Your Raise Efforts with Confidence
If you want to understand how to structure your capital raise legally, target the right investors, and navigate all compliance requirements—including investor caps—join our next live session.
Attend the Money Raisers Masterclass
Free to attend. 90 minutes. Limited seats available.