The most common question we hear: "How much can I actually borrow against my Bitcoin?" The answer depends on three variables — your BTC value, the lender's maximum LTV (loan-to-value ratio), and their minimum/maximum loan limits. Here's how to calculate it.
Key Takeaways
- 1Maximum loan = BTC value × max LTV. Most lenders cap at 50% LTV.
- 2A 1 BTC deposit (~$85,000) typically yields a $42,500–$51,000 loan on conservative BTC products. Only extreme short-term tiers like YouHodler's quote-form daily-fee product go far beyond that.
- 3LTV varies by lender, loan term, and your custody preference.
The Basic Formula
Your maximum loan amount is:
Loan = Collateral Value × Maximum LTV
Where:
- Collateral Value = Number of BTC × Current BTC Price
- Maximum LTV = The highest loan-to-value ratio the lender allows
LTV Ranges by Lender
| Platform | Max LTV | On 1 BTC (~$85K) | Effective APR Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ledn | 50% | $42,500 | 9.99–11.49% |
| Unchained | 50% | $42,500 | quote-only APR |
| Figure | 50% | $42,500 | 9.999% |
| Arch | 60% | $51,000 | 8.49–11.84% |
| Lava | 50% | $42,500 | 6.5–7.5% |
| Nexo | 50% | $42,500 | quote-dependent |
| YouHodler | Quote form | Quote form | Daily-fee model |
Important: Higher LTV means higher liquidation risk. YouHodler's exact LTV, tariff, and price-down-limit terms are shown inside the loan form. Nexo publishes from-rate marketing, but final borrower terms are quote-, collateral-, jurisdiction-, and account-dependent.
Real Examples
Example 1: Conservative Borrower
- Collateral: 2 BTC ($170,000)
- Lender: Ledn at 50% LTV
- Loan: $85,000
- Buffer before liquidation: ~33% BTC price drop
Example 2: Maximum LTV
- Collateral: 2 BTC ($170,000)
- Lender: YouHodler at loan-form LTV (30-day daily-fee tier)
- Loan: $164,900
- Buffer before liquidation: ~1.5% BTC price drop (extremely risky)
Example 3: Best Rate
- Collateral: 2 BTC ($170,000)
- Lender: Lava at 50% LTV
- Loan: $85,000
- APR: 6.5–7.5% (lowest in market)
Minimum Loan Requirements
Not every lender accepts small loans:
| Platform | Minimum Loan |
|---|---|
| Ledn | $500 |
| Unchained | $150,000 |
| Figure | $500 |
| Arch | $5,000 |
| Lava | $100 |
| Nexo | $100 |
| YouHodler | $100 |
If you have less than 1 BTC, Unchained is likely not an option. Lava and YouHodler have the lowest minimums.
Other Factors That Affect Your Loan
Origination fees reduce your net proceeds. A 2% origination fee on an $85,000 loan means you receive $83,300.
Custodial fees (like Unchained's $250/year vault fee) add to your effective APR.
Loan term affects both your LTV and interest rate. Shorter terms usually offer lower rates.
Calculate your exact loan amount
Enter your BTC holdings and compare reviewed platform terms side by side — including fees, effective APR, and liquidation thresholds.