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 7.25%–10.49% APR, while Strike uses custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ BTC) with 7.49%–10.5% APR.
At $250,000, both lenders have comparable first-year costs: Arch at $24,975 and Strike at $25,000. The difference is marginal, so the decision turns on custody architecture, liquidation terms, and platform features rather than raw cost.
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: APR and origination fee both vary by loan size; deferred-interest APR is 0.50 percentage points higher than monthly-pay APR through $5M. Strike: 0.79% fee if repaying with BTC collateral, 0.