Masterworks FAQs – How to Sign Up & More

Masterworks FAQs

Before you invest with Masterworks, it is important you have an understanding of what to expect and how to maximize your experience on the investing platform. Below you will find a collection of the most Frequently Asked Questions that new investors have when starting their journey into the Blue Chip art investment space with Masterworks.

Masterworks FAQs:

How do you Sign Up to Masterworks?

Step 1.

Apply for Membership: It takes less than 5 minutes to provide your name, email, phone number, and create a login password. You’ll also answer a few short questions about your investor status and investment preferences.


Step 2.

Quick Phone Call: Schedule a 15-minute phone call with a non-commissioned financial advisor. They will explain how Masterworks acquires and securitizes artwork and ask about your investment style. You have the freedom to invest in the artworks you prefer, even if they differ from the advisor’s suggestions.


Step 3.

Activate Your Membership: Transfer an initial deposit, which takes 3 to 5 minutes, to activate your membership. You’ll then receive shares in the chosen artworks. As a member, you gain exclusive access to the Masterworks platform, including the secondary marketplace (currently limited to US citizens), upcoming acquisitions, and priority investment opportunities.

How can you Skip the Masterworks Waiting List?

A significant number of individuals have applied to become members of Masterworks and are currently on the waiting list. However, there are ways to enhance your likelihood of bypassing the waiting list and gaining immediate membership. Here are three strategies to consider:

  1. Consider investing more than the minimum requirement
  2. Choose to invest as soon as possible rather than delaying
  3. Book a phone call with the Masterworks team

By implementing these approaches, you can enhance your chances of becoming a Masterworks member without being placed on the waiting list.

Why Does Masterworks Require a Phone Call?

To invest with Masterworks, you’ll need to have a 15-minute phone call with one of their financial advisors. While it’s sometimes called an “interview,” it’s actually a relaxed conversation rather than a formal interview process.

This phone call is necessary for Masterworks to meet regulatory requirements. They have a responsibility to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and benefits associated with investing in blue-chip art.

Moreover, this conversation serves as an opportunity for both parties to directly communicate, ask questions, and address any concerns. It helps build trust and allows Masterworks to gain insight into your investment goals.

Must you be an Accredited Investor to Join Masterworks?

Masterworks does not require you to be an Accredited Investor to join their platform. Membership is open to anyone interested in participating. However, there are two crucial steps to ensure your membership application is accepted:

  1. Meet the Minimum Deposit: You need to satisfy the minimum deposit requirement set by Masterworks.
  2. Schedule a Phone Call: It is essential to book a phone call with the Masterworks team as part of the application process.
Does Masterworks have a Minimum Deposit?

While Masterworks does not have an official “minimum deposit” requirement, depositing a larger amount, preferably between $5,000 to $10,000, will allow you to bypass the current waiting list, which consists of several thousand investors. This deposit can be made initially or gradually increased over a few months, following an initial deposit of around $1,000 to test the waters.

If your total deposit is less than $2,000, you are likely to be placed on the waiting list. Therefore, while there is no strict minimum requirement, opting for a larger investment will significantly expedite your membership process and enable you to become a Masterworks member much faster than if you deposited a smaller amount.

How Much Money should you Invest with Masterworks?

Determining the appropriate investment amount in Masterworks depends on two factors:

  • Investing Style: As art is an alternative asset class, a common guideline is to consider allocating up to 10% of your total net worth. For instance, if your overall assets (stocks, cash, etc.) amount to $200,000, a reasonable investment in Masterworks would be approximately $20,000.

However, if you have a more aggressive approach to diversifying away from traditional assets, allocating 15% to 20% of your net worth may be suitable. In the above scenario, this would translate to doubling the investment to $40,000. Similarly, if you have a high income but low wealth, allocating a larger portion of your net worth to Masterworks could be advantageous due to the potential for quick recoupment.

  • Personal Art Collection: If you also plan to start your own physical art collection, the investment amount in Masterworks might be revised downward. For example, if you intend to spend around $10,000 on investment-grade artwork for your home, the recommended investment in Masterworks would be adjusted accordingly.

Ultimately, the ideal investment amount in Masterworks depends on your investing style, financial circumstances, and personal art collection goals.

What Artworks are on Masterworks?

If you’re considering signing up for Masterworks, it’s natural to want to know which artworks are available for investment. Each month, Masterworks typically adds 3 to 5 new artworks to their platform. These artworks are made available for investment to new members.

After submitting your membership application but before being accepted, you will have the opportunity to view these 3 to 5 artworks. Once you have made your initial investments in any of these newly acquired artworks, you will gain access to the Masterworks Secondary Marketplace. In the marketplace, you can explore and browse all the available shares of artworks that were previously listed on the platform and are now being offered for sale by other member.

If you are interested to learn what artworks are available on Masterworks without signing up, you can email mark@easelinvesting.com and we will respond with the current list of artworks that are open for investment.


If you have any further questions about investing in art funds, like that offered by Masterworks or Yieldstreet, please reach out to mark@easelinvesting.com, and we would be happy to set you on the right path. Additionally, you can learn more about Art ETFs here.