Platform Comparison
Unchained vs Arch: Custody-First vs Higher LTV
Compare Unchained and Arch Lending for Bitcoin-backed loans. Multi-sig vs custodial, safety scores, APR, LTV, and which is right for your BTC.
Unchained and Arch represent two approaches to CeFi Bitcoin lending. Unchained has the strongest multi-sig-plus-no-rehypothecation safety profile in our tracked dataset, with a 9.0 safety score. Arch publishes APR tiers from 7.25% for top-tier qualified borrowers, with its tiered origination fee (0.49% to 1.49%) included in APR but still deducted from disbursement. It also offers 60% LTV — higher than the 50% ceiling at many mainstream CeFi lenders we track — but is newer with less regulatory track record.
Unchained is the custody-first route: 9.0/10 score, multi-sig custody where you hold 2 of 3 keys, no-rehypothecation language, and NMLS licensing. It is the clearest custody-first way to borrow against BTC in our tracked dataset.
Arch is stronger on LTV and pricing flexibility: up to 60% LTV (vs Unchained's 50%) plus lower advertised rate tiers for qualified borrowers. It fits borrowers who want to borrow more against the same BTC collateral.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Key Differences
- Unchained uses multi-sig collaborative custody while Arch Lending uses custodial (platform holds keys)
- Arch Lending offers a lower starting APR (7.25% vs 14.18%)
- Unchained scores higher on safety (9.0 vs 7.0)
- Unchained has no known US-state exclusions, while Arch Lending excludes 15 US states in our dataset
The Verdict
Which platform is right for you?
→ Pick Unchained if:
- • Custody-first safety is your top priority (9.0/10)
- • You want multi-sig custody with user-controlled keys
- • You want no-rehypothecation language in the tracked product
- • You value NMLS licensing and regulatory compliance
- • You have $150K+ to borrow
→ Pick Arch Lending if:
- • You want higher LTV (60% vs 50%)
- • You may qualify for Arch's lower advertised rate tiers than Unchained's public rate requires a current quote
- • You're borrowing $5K-$150K
- • You're comfortable with standard custodial model
- • You want a fast-growing platform
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