Borrow Against Bitcoin

Access dollars without selling your BTC

Why Borrow Against Bitcoin?

Bitcoin isn't just savings technology - it's the best collateral on Earth.

⚠️ Golden Rule: Keep LTV at 25% or Less

General calculation: Safe LTV = 1/2 of the asset's CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate)

Lower LTV means less liquidation risk. Conservative borrowing lets you weather volatility without losing your Bitcoin.

Plan Your Bitcoin Strategy

Bitcoin Retirement Calculator

Model your Bitcoin holdings, borrowing strategy, and retirement timeline with this comprehensive calculator.

Open Calculator →

Bitcoin Loan Providers

Compare platforms to find the best fit for your needs. Pay attention to transparency, rehypothecation policies, and jurisdictional restrictions.

⚠️ Jurisdictional Restrictions (US & Other Limits)

Arch Lending

Restricted Jurisdictions

Institutional-grade Bitcoin-backed loans with competitive rates.

  • Not available in all jurisdictions
  • Focuses on larger loan amounts
  • Institutional infrastructure
Learn More

Salt Lending

Restricted Jurisdictions

Crypto-backed loans with multiple collateral options.

  • Geographic restrictions apply
  • Multiple cryptocurrency collateral
  • Various loan terms available
Learn More

Ledn

Restricted Jurisdictions

Bitcoin-backed loans with competitive interest rates.

  • Limited jurisdictions
  • Focus on Bitcoin & stablecoins
  • Transparent rate structure
Learn More

Strike

Restricted Jurisdictions

Lightning-native platform with Bitcoin services.

  • Limited availability by region
  • Lightning Network integration
  • Expanding loan services
Learn More

🌍 No Jurisdictional Limits

Libre.org

Recommended - Most Transparent

The only native Bitcoin vault where you can see your Bitcoin 100% transparently.

  • ✅ Full transparency - see your Bitcoin
  • ✅ No rehypothecation
  • ✅ Native Bitcoin protocol
  • ✅ Available worldwide
  • True self-custody with DLC technology
Visit Libre →

HodlHodl

Unclear Centralization

Peer-to-peer lending marketplace with multisig escrow.

  • ⚠️ Oracle & liquidation mechanics unclear
  • ⚠️ Uncertain which components are centralized
  • Limited liquidity (P2P marketplace)
  • Available worldwide
  • Direct peer-to-peer matching
Learn More

Lava.xyz

Transparency Concerns

DLC-based lending protocol with some controversy.

  • ⚠️ Not using DLC as originally claimed
  • ⚠️ May be centralized in practice
  • Available globally
  • Research carefully before using
Learn More

Aave (Ethereum)

Not Native Bitcoin

DeFi lending protocol on Ethereum (requires wrapped BTC).

  • ⚠️ Uses WBTC (wrapped Bitcoin on Ethereum)
  • ⚠️ Not native Bitcoin - trust required
  • Decentralized protocol
  • Available worldwide
  • Smart contract risks apply
Learn More

Best Practices for Bitcoin Loans

1. Maintain Conservative LTV

Recommended: 25% LTV or less

This gives you a 4x cushion before liquidation risk. If Bitcoin drops 75%, you're still safe.

2. Prefer Transparent Protocols

3. Avoid Rehypothecation

What is rehypothecation? When lenders use your Bitcoin collateral to lend or trade it, potentially offering you lower rates in exchange.

4. Understand Liquidation Terms

5. Consider Native Bitcoin Solutions

Protocols built on Bitcoin (using DLCs or native multisig) are preferable to wrapped Bitcoin on other chains, which introduce additional trust assumptions.

⚠️ Risks to Understand

Liquidation Risk

If Bitcoin's price drops and your LTV exceeds the platform's threshold, your collateral will be sold. Keep LTV low to avoid this.

Counterparty Risk

Centralized platforms can fail, freeze assets, or change terms. Transparent, decentralized protocols reduce but don't eliminate this risk.

Smart Contract Risk

DeFi protocols depend on code. Bugs or exploits can result in loss of funds. Use audited, battle-tested protocols.

Opportunity Cost

Interest payments reduce your overall returns. Make sure the loan serves a clear purpose.

Never Borrow More Than You Can Afford to Lose

Bitcoin-backed loans are powerful tools for the patient, long-term holder. Used recklessly, they can lead to liquidation and loss of your stack.

Start small. Keep LTV low. Stay humble. Stack sats.