Bitcoin Loan Comparison

Arch vs. Strike

Arch charges 7.25%–10.49% APR with a 0.25%–1.49% 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.

Terms checked individually — Arch: 2026-09-29; Strike: 2026-09-29.

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

For the standardized $250,000, 50% LTV, 12-month scenario, Arch is 9.99% APR and Strike is 10% APR. Arch: Monthly-pay option; APR includes the size-based origination fee. Strike: Monthly-pay option; 12-month fixed term.

Arch's published APR already includes 1.49% origination fee.

Arch vs. Strike: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Arch
Strike
Interest Rate (APR)
9.99%
10%
Pricing Basis
Loan size and payment schedule
Loan size and payment schedule
Fees / Charges
1.49% origination fee
$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

Cost on a $250,000 Loan: Arch vs. Strike

To keep the comparison clean, both lenders are modeled at $250,000 principal, 50% starting LTV, and a 12-month term, using monthly-pay pricing where available. Arch pricing varies by loan size and payment schedule; Strike pricing varies by loan size and payment schedule. Actual offers can differ when those inputs change.

Loan SizeArch APRStrike APRArch Total Year-1 CostStrike Total Year-1 CostSavings
$250,0009.99%10%$24,975$25,000Nearly even

Assumptions: $250,000 principal, 50% starting LTV, 12-month term, and monthly-pay pricing where offered. Total year-1 cost includes annualized interest and fees, but does not add a fee again when the lender's published APR already includes it. Arch: 1.49% origination fee — already included in APR. Terms checked individually — Arch: 2026-09-29; Strike: 2026-09-29.

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 depends on the security and solvency of that custody arrangement 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 depends on the security and solvency of that custody arrangement 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
  • •APR and origination fee both vary by loan size; deferred-interest APR is 0.
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 at Each Lender's Maximum Starting LTV

This comparison uses each lender's own maximum starting LTV, not a common 50% starting position. Arch: 20.0 percentage point modeled buffer between maximum starting LTV (60%) and liquidation (80% LTV). Strike: 35.0 percentage point modeled buffer between maximum starting LTV (50%) and liquidation (85% LTV). 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 7.25%–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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arch or Strike cheaper for a $250,000 Bitcoin-backed loan?

The costs are nearly identical. Arch totals $24,975 and Strike totals $25,000 under the standardized scenario. 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 (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. For a common 50% starting LTV (rather than each lender's maximum), the modeled buffers are 30 points at Arch and 35 points at Strike.

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

It depends on your priorities. Arch (7.25%–10.49% 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 with contract flows designed to constrain rehypothecation.