Bitcoin Loans
Borrow USD against your Bitcoin without selling. No forced liquidation. No tax event.
How Bitcoin Loans Work
A Bitcoin loan is a line of credit you can open by using your Bitcoin as collateral. You deposit BTC, receive fiat currency (USD/EUR), and repay the loan with interest — your Bitcoin stays in the platform's custody.
The appeal: Long-term Bitcoin holders often need cash for business, living expenses, or opportunities. Instead of selling (triggering capital gains tax), they can take a loan. The interest may be tax-deductible as a business expense.
The risk: If Bitcoin drops sharply, the platform may liquidate your collateral to protect themselves. Loan-to-value ratios (typically 50-70%) protect against small drops, but large crashes are dangerous.
Use Cases
Emergency Cash
Need liquidity without selling? Take a short-term loan and repay when Bitcoin rebounds.
Business Financing
Use Bitcoin collateral to fund operations or investments. Interest may be deductible.
Tax Strategy
Loan interest might be deductible, while a sale would trigger capital gains tax.
Top Bitcoin Lenders
| Lender | Interest Rate | LTV | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexo | 7-12% | 50-60% | Instant, flexible |
| BlockFi | 9.5-11.9% | 50% | 6-36 months |
| Unchained | Variable | 50-70% | Flexible |
⚠️ Risk Warning
If Bitcoin drops below the LTV threshold, your collateral may be liquidated. For example:
- You deposit 1 BTC (worth $40k) at 50% LTV
- You borrow $20,000
- If BTC falls to $25,000, your collateral is now worth less than your loan
- The platform may sell your BTC to recover their funds
Only borrow an amount you're comfortable losing.
FAQ
Is the interest tax deductible?
Possibly. Consult a tax professional. In some countries/circumstances, loan interest is deductible as a business expense.
What happens if Bitcoin crashes?
If collateral value falls below LTV, platforms may liquidate your Bitcoin. Set up price alerts.
Can I get a loan without KYC?
No. All regulated lenders require full identity verification.
Ready to explore Bitcoin loans?
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