Bitcoin Loan Comparison

Arch vs. Strike

Arch charges 8.49%–11% APR with a 1.5% origination fee using custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian). Strike charges 7.49%–10.5% APR with $0 origination fees using custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc). See the full breakdown of rates, thresholds, and custody risk below.

Rates verified 2026-05-14

How do Arch and Strike compare for Bitcoin-backed loans?

Strike advertises a lower headline rate at 7.49%–10.5% compared to Arch's 8.49%–11%. On a $1M loan held for 12 months, Strike saves $4,900 in total first-year cost (interest plus origination fees).

Arch vs. Strike: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Arch
Strike
Interest Rate (APR)
8.49%–11%
7.49%–10.5%Strike
Origination Fee
1.5%
$0Strike
Max Starting LTV
60%Arch
50%
Margin Call Threshold
70% LTV
70% LTV
Liquidation Threshold
80% LTV
85% LTVStrike
Margin Call Window
24 hours
72 hoursStrike
Custody Model
Custodial (Anchorage, qualified custodian)
Custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ BTC)
Rehypothecation
No
No
Interest Payment
Monthly
Monthly
Minimum Loan
$5,000Arch
$10,000

APR by Loan Size: Arch vs. Strike

Arch offers tiered rates that decrease with larger loan amounts, while Strike structures rates by loan-size. Total year-1 cost includes both annualized interest and any origination fees charged upfront.

Loan SizeArch APRStrike APRArch Total Year-1 CostStrike Total Year-1 CostSavings
$100,00011%10.5%$12,500$10,500$2,000 with Strike
$250,00011%9.5%$31,250$23,750$7,500 with Strike
$500,00011%9.5%$62,500$47,500$15,000 with Strike
$1M8.49%9.5%$99,900$95,000$4,900 with Strike
$5M8.49%7.49%$499,500$374,500$125,000 with Strike

Total year-1 cost includes annualized interest plus origination fees. Arch: 1.5% origination fee. Rates sourced from each lender's public rate pages as of 2026-05-14.

Custody and Collateral Security

Both Arch and Strike use similar custody approaches: custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian) and custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc) respectively. Arch uses Custodial (Anchorage, qualified custodian). Your Bitcoin is held by Arch and could be at risk in the event of a hack, insolvency, or regulatory action. Strike uses Custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ BTC). Your Bitcoin is held by Strike and could be at risk in the event of a hack, insolvency, or regulatory action.

Arch: High (Custodial)
  • Custodial (Anchorage, qualified custodian)
  • Rehypothecation: No
  • Monthly interest payments
  • Proactive pre-threshold alerts before MC triggers.
Strike: High (Custodial)
  • Custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ BTC)
  • Rehypothecation: No
  • Monthly interest payments
  • 0.

Margin Call and Liquidation: Arch vs. Strike

Arch triggers margin calls at 70% LTV and liquidates at 80% LTV. Strike triggers margin calls at 70% LTV and liquidates at 85% LTV. Arch gives borrowers 24 hours to respond, while Strike provides 72 hours.

ThresholdArchStrike
Max Starting LTV60%50%
Margin Call70% LTV70% LTV
Margin Call Window24 hours72 hours
Liquidation80% LTV85% LTV

Safety Buffer Comparison

Arch: 20.0 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (60%) and liquidation (80%). Strike: 35.0 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (50%) and liquidation (85%). Strike provides a wider safety margin.

Which is better: Arch or Strike?

Choosing between Arch and Strike requires evaluating total cost, custody risk, and which platform aligns with your borrowing profile. Arch uses custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian) with 8.49%–11% APR, while Strike uses custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc) with 7.49%–10.5% APR.

On a $250,000 loan, Strike costs $23,750 in the first year versus $31,250 at Arch, a difference of $7,500. Part of Arch's higher cost comes from its 1.5% origination fee, which adds $3,750 upfront on this loan size. Strike charges no origination fee, so the only cost is interest.

Both platforms use similar custody approaches. Arch operates via custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian), and Strike uses custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc). Neither platform rehypothecates borrower collateral.

Arch is the better fit for borrowers who need smaller loans or instant access. Strike is the better fit for borrowers who are borrowing $10,000 or more and prefer this platform's specific features.

Key details to be aware of: Arch: Proactive pre-threshold alerts before MC triggers. Partial liquidation sells minimum to restore 60% LTV, 2% liquidation fee. Strike: 0.79% fee if repaying with BTC collateral, 0.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arch or Strike cheaper for a $500,000 Bitcoin-backed loan?

Strike is cheaper. On a $500,000 loan held for 12 months, Arch costs $62,500 (11% APR + 1.5% origination fee) while Strike costs $47,500 (9.5% APR). That is a $15,000 difference in the first year.

How does Arch's custody model compare to Strike?

Arch uses custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian). Strike uses custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc). Both platforms present similar custody risk profiles.

What is the minimum loan amount at Arch vs Strike?

Arch's minimum loan is $5,000. Strike's minimum is $10,000. Arch is more accessible for smaller borrowers.

What happens if Bitcoin drops while I have a loan with Arch or Strike?

Arch issues a margin call at 70% LTV with a 24-hour response window and liquidates at 80% LTV. Strike issues a margin call at 70% LTV with a 72-hour response window and liquidates at 85% LTV. Starting from a 50% LTV, Arch provides a 30-point buffer before liquidation, while Strike provides a 35-point buffer.

Should I use Arch or Strike for a Bitcoin-backed loan?

It depends on your priorities. Arch (8.49%–11% APR, custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian), min $5,000) is better for borrowers who value custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian) and need smaller loan access. Strike (7.49%–10.5% APR, custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc), min $10,000) is better for borrowers who value custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc) and prefer this platform's lending structure. Use the rate table and cost comparison above to model your specific scenario.

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Looking for a non-custodial alternative?

Lygos offers 10% APR, $0 origination fees, and DLC-secured collateral where rehypothecation is cryptographically impossible.