Nexo Review 2026
Nexo is a leading crypto lending platform supporting 60+ cryptocurrencies as collateral with instant credit lines and loyalty-based rate reductions.
Last updated: 2026-02-27 · Independently reviewed
Key Details
Nexo Ratings Breakdown
What Is Nexo?
Nexo is one of the most established crypto lending platforms in the market, offering instant credit lines backed by 60+ cryptocurrencies. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Nexo has built a user base of over 7 million across 200+ jurisdictions. In February 2026, Nexo made headlines by returning to the US market through a partnership with Bakkt, three years after its regulatory-driven exit.
How Nexo Loans Work
Nexo operates as a centralized lending platform where you deposit crypto as collateral and receive a credit line in fiat or stablecoins. Unlike traditional loans, Nexo's credit lines are open-ended — there's no fixed repayment schedule. You only pay interest on what you actually borrow, and you can repay at any time with zero penalties. Your collateral stays in your account and continues to earn interest while it secures your loan. The maximum loan-to-value ratio is 80%, meaning you can borrow up to 80% of your collateral's value. If your collateral drops in value and your LTV exceeds a threshold, Nexo will automatically liquidate a portion to cover the loan.
Nexo Interest Rates
Nexo's borrowing rates range from 2.9% to 13.9% APR, making it one of the most competitive options in the CeFi space. Your actual rate depends on your loyalty tier, which is determined by what percentage of your portfolio is held in NEXO tokens. Platinum tier members (10%+ NEXO holdings) get the lowest rates at 2.9%, while base tier users pay up to 13.9%. This tiered system rewards long-term Nexo ecosystem participants but means casual borrowers will pay closer to the higher end.
Is Nexo Available in the US?
After exiting the US market in late 2022 due to regulatory pressure from the SEC, Nexo officially returned to the United States in February 2026. The relaunch is built on infrastructure from US-based Bakkt, with Nexo emphasizing compliance and risk management. New US users currently need a minimum of $5,000 in assets to get started. Not all features available to international users may be available in the US initially.
Security & Safety
Nexo takes a multi-layered approach to security. Your assets are custodied through partnerships with Ledger Vault, Fireblocks, and Bakkt (for US users). Insurance coverage comes from Lloyd's of London and Arch Insurance, covering custodied assets against theft and hacks. Nexo also publishes real-time proof-of-reserves through Armanino, allowing anyone to verify that customer assets are fully backed. That said, as a centralized platform, Nexo does have the right to rehypothecate deposited assets — meaning they can use your crypto as collateral for their own operations. This is standard practice for CeFi platforms but worth understanding.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lowest rates in the market (from 2.9% with NEXO token staking)
- 60+ cryptocurrencies accepted as collateral
- Instant disbursement — no waiting period
- Open-ended credit lines (no fixed terms)
- Real-time audit by Armanino
- Available in 200+ jurisdictions
Cons
- Best rates require NEXO token holdings
- Loyalty tiers can be complex to understand
- Returned to US in Feb 2026 — still limited services
- Auto-liquidation at LTV threshold
Who Is Nexo Best For?
Nexo is best suited for crypto holders who want to borrow against their portfolio without selling. It's particularly attractive if you hold a variety of altcoins (not just BTC) since Nexo supports 60+ assets as collateral. The platform rewards loyalty — if you're willing to hold NEXO tokens, you'll get significantly better rates. It's less ideal if you want maximum decentralization, prefer not to complete KYC, or are looking for the absolute lowest rates without holding a platform token.
Nexo vs Alternatives
| Feature | Nexo | Ledn | YouHodler | Unchained Capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate (APR) | 2.9% – 13.9% | 12.4% – 13.9% | 3% – 26% | 14% – 16% |
| Max LTV | 80% | 50% | 97% | 40% |
| KYC Required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Collateral Options | 10+ | 1+ | 10+ | 1+ |
| Disbursement | instant | 24-48 hours | instant | 3-5 business days |
| Our Rating | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Final Verdict
Nexo earns a 8.5/10 in our review. It stands out for its broad collateral support, competitive rates for loyal users, and instant credit line activation. The return to the US market with proper compliance infrastructure is a positive signal. The main drawbacks are the reliance on NEXO token holdings for the best rates, the rehypothecation risk inherent to CeFi platforms, and the complexity of the loyalty tier system. For most crypto borrowers who want a well-established platform with flexibility, Nexo remains one of the top choices in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nexo safe in 2026?
Nexo uses institutional-grade custody through Ledger Vault, Fireblocks, and Bakkt, with insurance from Lloyd's of London. They publish real-time proof-of-reserves via Armanino. While no CeFi platform is risk-free, Nexo has operated since 2018 without a security breach affecting customer funds.
Is Nexo available in the US?
Yes, Nexo returned to the US market in February 2026 through a partnership with Bakkt. New US users need a minimum of $5,000 in assets. Some features available internationally may be limited for US users initially.
What are Nexo's interest rates for borrowing?
Nexo's borrowing rates range from 2.9% to 13.9% APR depending on your loyalty tier. Platinum tier (10%+ portfolio in NEXO tokens) gets 2.9%, while base tier pays up to 13.9%.
Does Nexo require KYC?
Yes, Nexo requires full identity verification (KYC) to use its lending and borrowing services. This includes government-issued ID and proof of address.
What happens if my collateral drops in value on Nexo?
If your loan-to-value ratio exceeds Nexo's liquidation threshold, they will automatically sell a portion of your collateral to bring your LTV back to a safe level. You can add more collateral or repay part of your loan to avoid liquidation.
How does Nexo compare to Aave?
Nexo is a centralized platform requiring KYC but offering customer support, insurance, and fiat payouts. Aave is fully decentralized with no KYC, lower potential rates, but requires Web3 knowledge and has no customer support. Nexo is better for beginners; Aave for DeFi-native users who want self-custody.