How do Arch and Strike compare for Bitcoin-backed loans?
Arch offers a lower headline rate at 7.75%–9% compared to Strike's 7.49%–10.5%. On a $1M loan held for 12 months, Strike saves $4,900 in total first-year cost (interest plus origination fees).
Bitcoin Loan Comparison
Arch vs. Strike
Arch charges 7.75%–9% APR with a 1.49% origination fee using custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian). Strike charges 7.49%–10.5% APR with $0 origination fees using custodial. See the full breakdown of rates, thresholds, and custody risk below.
Rates verified 2026-06-09
Arch vs. Strike: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Arch
Strike
Interest Rate (APR)
7.75%–9%Arch
7.49%–10.5%
Origination Fee
1.49%
$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
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 Size | Arch APR | Strike APR | Arch Total Year-1 Cost | Strike Total Year-1 Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | 9% | 10.5% | $10,490 | $10,500 | $10 with Arch |
| $250,000 | 8.5% | 10% | $24,975 | $25,000 | $25 with Arch |
| $500,000 | 8.5% | 10% | $49,950 | $50,000 | $50 with Arch |
| $1M | 8% | 9% | $94,900 | $90,000 | $4,900 with Strike |
| $5M | 7.75% | 7.49% | $462,000 | $374,500 | $87,500 with Strike |
Total year-1 cost includes annualized interest plus origination fees. Arch: 1.49% origination fee. Rates sourced from each lender's public rate pages as of 2026-06-09.
Custody and Collateral Security
Both Arch and Strike use similar custody approaches: custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian) and custodial 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. 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
- •Origination fee is tiered and falls with loan size: 1.
Strike: High (Custodial)
- •Custodial
- •Rehypothecation: No
- •Monthly interest payments
- •Monthly-payment interest rates shown (10.
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.
| Threshold | Arch | Strike |
|---|---|---|
| Max Starting LTV | 60% | 50% |
| Margin Call | 70% LTV | 70% LTV |
| Margin Call Window | 24 hours | 72 hours |
| Liquidation | 80% LTV | 85% 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 7.75%–9% APR, while Strike uses custodial 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. 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: Origination fee is tiered and falls with loan size: 1.49% below $750K, 0. Strike: Monthly-payment interest rates shown (10.5% = 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arch or Strike cheaper for a $500,000 Bitcoin-backed loan?
The costs are nearly identical. Arch totals $49,950 and Strike totals $50,000 on a $500,000 loan over 12 months. Other factors like custody model and liquidation terms may be more important in this case.
How does Arch's custody model compare to Strike?
Arch uses custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian). Strike uses custodial. 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 (7.75%–9% 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, min $10,000) is better for borrowers who value custodial 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.