Best Bitcoin Loans 2026
Borrow against your Bitcoin without selling it. A BTC-backed loan lets you access cash while keeping your long-term position — and in most jurisdictions, without triggering a taxable event. We've compared 5 platforms that accept Bitcoin as collateral.
Bitcoin Loans at a Glance
Bitcoin Loan Platform Comparison
| Provider | Type | Interest Rate | Max LTV | KYC | Speed | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledn Top Pick | CEFI | 12.4% – 13.9% | 50% | Required | 24-48 hours | Review | |
| Nexo Top Pick | CEFI | 2.9% – 13.9% | 80% | Required | instant | Review | |
| CoinRabbit Top Pick | CEFI | 12% – 17% | 70% | None | 10 minutes | Review | |
| Unchained Capital | CEFI | 14% – 16% | 40% | Required | 3-5 business days | Review | |
| YouHodler Top Pick | CEFI | 3% – 26% | 97% | Required | instant | Review |
All BTC Loan Providers
Ledn
Regulated BTC-backed loans with proof-of-reserves
Nexo
60+ collateral options with instant credit lines
CoinRabbit
No-KYC instant crypto loans with 70+ collateral options
Unchained Capital
Multisig BTC loans — you hold your keys
YouHodler
Ultra-high LTV loans (up to 97%) with 50+ assets
Why Borrow Against Bitcoin Instead of Selling?
Tax Efficiency
Taking a loan against BTC typically isn't a taxable event. If you've held Bitcoin for years with large unrealized gains, borrowing lets you access liquidity without owing capital gains tax.
Keep Your Upside
If Bitcoin's price rises while your loan is active, you benefit. You repay the fixed loan amount and get back collateral that's worth more. Selling would mean missing that upside entirely.
Flexible Use of Funds
Use loan proceeds for anything — real estate down payments, business expenses, covering bills, or even buying more crypto. Most platforms don't restrict how you use the borrowed funds.
Bitcoin-Only Security
Platforms like Unchained use multisig custody where you hold one of three keys. Ledn offers proof-of-reserves. For Bitcoin maximalists, BTC-only platforms offer a more focused, auditable security model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I borrow against Bitcoin without selling it?
Yes. A Bitcoin-backed loan lets you deposit BTC as collateral and receive a loan in USD, stablecoins, or other currencies. You keep ownership of your Bitcoin — when you repay the loan, you get your BTC back. This lets you access liquidity without triggering a taxable sale event.
What is the best interest rate for a Bitcoin loan?
As of 2026, the lowest BTC loan rates start at 2.9% APR (Nexo, with loyalty tier benefits) and go up to 16%+ depending on the platform and LTV. MakerDAO offers DeFi BTC loans via WBTC at 4–8% stability fees. Most CeFi platforms range from 8–14% for standard Bitcoin loans.
What LTV can I get on a Bitcoin loan?
Typical BTC loan LTV ranges from 40–50% on most platforms. YouHodler offers up to 97% LTV (with higher rates and liquidation risk). Aave allows up to 82.5% LTV on WBTC. Conservative platforms like Unchained cap at 40%. Lower LTV means less borrowing power but more safety margin.
Is a Bitcoin loan a taxable event?
In most jurisdictions, taking a loan against Bitcoin is NOT a taxable event — you're borrowing, not selling. This is one of the main reasons people use BTC-backed loans: to access liquidity without realizing capital gains. However, if your collateral gets liquidated, that IS typically a taxable event. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Calculate Your Bitcoin Loan
Enter your loan amount and see estimated costs across all platforms — including how much BTC collateral you'll need.