Review Methodology
Every platform on Best Crypto Loans is reviewed using the same transparent criteria. Here's exactly how we evaluate and score crypto lending providers.
Scoring Categories
Each provider is rated across five categories on a scale of 1 to 10:
Rates (25%)
Interest rates, fee transparency, hidden costs, rate competitiveness relative to the market. We compare the effective annual cost including all fees.
Security (25%)
Custody model, insurance, audit history, proof of reserves, regulatory compliance, incident history. For DeFi, this includes smart contract audits and TVL stability.
Features (20%)
Collateral options, LTV flexibility, disbursement speed, repayment options, mobile app, API access, multi-chain support, and unique features.
Support (15%)
Customer service quality, response times, documentation, educational resources. DeFi protocols are scored on community support and documentation quality.
Transparency (15%)
Proof of reserves, public audits, clear terms, regulatory disclosures, fee transparency, and open communication about risks.
How We Calculate the Overall Score
The overall score is a weighted average: Rates (25%) + Security (25%) + Features (20%) + Support (15%) + Transparency (15%). This weighting reflects what matters most to borrowers — cost and safety account for half the score.
Data Collection & Verification
We collect data directly from each platform's website, documentation, and on-chain records. We do not rely on self-reported data from providers without verification. For DeFi protocols, we cross-reference key figures (TVL, rates, liquidation thresholds) against DefiLlama and the protocol's own smart contract parameters. For CeFi platforms, we verify rates and terms on the platform itself and note any discrepancies with marketing claims. All review pages display a "last verified" date.
Editorial Process
All guides and reviews are written by Fredric Maylander, a researcher focused on crypto lending markets. Factual claims — rates, LTV thresholds, liquidation penalties, regulatory filings — are sourced from official documentation, on-chain data, or credible third-party reporting (Reuters, IRS.gov, protocol governance forums). We do not publish unverified claims from social media, press releases, or anonymous sources.
Every guide is reviewed for accuracy before publication and re-checked when material market changes occur. If a source link breaks or data becomes outdated, we update the page and adjust the "last updated" date accordingly.
Hands-On Experience
We use the platforms we review. Our assessments of user experience, onboarding flow, disbursement speed, and support quality are based on first-hand testing — not screenshots or demo accounts. For DeFi protocols, this means connecting a wallet, supplying collateral, and borrowing against it on mainnet. For CeFi platforms, it means completing the full application and loan process where possible.
Affiliate Transparency & Independence
Some platforms listed on this site have affiliate programs that pay us a commission for referrals. This is clearly disclosed on every page with affiliate links. Affiliate status has zero influence on our scores — our methodology is applied identically whether or not a platform has an affiliate program. Platforms without affiliate programs (including most DeFi protocols) are reviewed with the same depth and rigor.
We do not accept payment for reviews, allow providers to preview content before publication, or adjust scores based on commercial relationships.
Updates and Corrections
The crypto lending market changes rapidly. We review all provider data at least monthly and update our reviews whenever material changes occur — rate changes, security incidents, feature launches, or regulatory actions. When we correct an error, we update the page immediately and note the change in the "last updated" date. If you spot an inaccuracy, contact us at hello@bestcryptoloans.org.