Arch* now offers loans starting at 7.25% APR – configure yours today
How Crypto Loans Work

A complete guide

Crypto-backed loans let you borrow cash using cryptocurrency as collateral. You keep ownership of your assets, avoid capital gains tax, and access liquidity on demand.

Key concepts you should understand

What is a crypto-backed loan? A loan where you deposit cryptocurrency as collateral and receive cash (USD) or stablecoins (USDC). You keep ownership of your crypto and get it back when you repay.

How does Loan-to-Value (LTV) work? LTV is your loan amount divided by your collateral's value. Deposit $100K in BTC and borrow $50K = 50% LTV. Lower LTV means lower risk and better rates.

Why borrow instead of selling? Selling triggers capital gains tax. Borrowing lets you access liquidity without selling, so you keep your tax position and retain exposure to future price appreciation.

What are the risks? The main risk is a decline in your collateral's value. Arch provides proactive notifications at each collateral-specific LTV threshold, with a 24-hour cure window before any partial liquidation.

How a crypto-backed loan works

From application to funding in four simple steps.

11
Choose your terms

Select your collateral type (BTC, ETH, SOL, and more), loan amount, and LTV ratio. Our calculator shows real-time rates from 7.25% APR with terms up to 12 months.

22
Verify your identity

Sign documents and complete KYC online in under 5 minutes. We verify who you are with a government-issued ID - no credit check, no income verification, no hard credit pull.

33
Send your collateral

Transfer your crypto to a segregated wallet at Anchorage Digital, an OCC-chartered digital asset bank. Your assets are held in cold storage with $100M Lloyd's of London insurance.

44
Receive your funds

Get USD or USDC funded directly to your bank account or wallet, typically the same business day from collateral receipt to disbursement.

How Arch is different

Qualified custodian

Your collateral is held by Anchorage Digital Bank, a federally chartered national trust bank regulated by the OCC. It is not held on an exchange or in a self-custody multisig.

Zero rehypothecation

Your crypto is never lent out, traded, staked, or used by Arch for any other purpose. Each borrower's assets sit in individually segregated wallets.

$100M insurance

Anchorage Digital maintains $100M in coverage through Lloyd's of London, protecting against theft, hacking, and internal fraud.

Bitcoin LTV thresholds

These thresholds apply to Bitcoin-backed loans. Other collateral assets have their own LTV and liquidation terms.

LTV LevelStatusAction Required
≤ 60%HealthyNo action needed
65%WarningNotification sent; consider adding collateral
70%Margin Call24-hour cure window to add collateral or partially repay
80%Partial LiquidationMinimum collateral sold to restore healthy LTV

Frequently asked questions

Still can't find what you're looking for? Book a call or visit our help center.

Explore related resources

Crypto-Backed Loans
Our core lending product
Loan Rates
From 7.25% APR
Collateral
BTC, ETH & SOL accepted
Eligibility
No credit check required
Fees
No hidden costs

Ready to get started?

Start a crypto-backed loan in minutes, or book a call to learn more.