Bitcoin Loan Comparison

Debifi vs. Surge Credit

Debifi charges 10%–14% (P2P) APR with a 1.5% origination fee using collaborative multisig (3-of-4, borrower holds a key). Surge Credit charges 6.9% variable / 9.9% fixed APR with $0 origination fees using collaborative multisig (taproot vault, 3-of-4 signer network). See the full breakdown of rates, thresholds, and custody risk below.

Rates verified 2026-06-09

How do Debifi and Surge Credit compare for Bitcoin-backed loans?

Surge Credit advertises a lower headline rate at 6.9% variable / 9.9% fixed compared to Debifi's 10%–14% (P2P). On a $1M loan held for 12 months, Surge Credit saves $36,000 in total first-year cost (interest plus origination fees).

Debifi vs. Surge Credit: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Debifi
Surge Credit
Interest Rate (APR)
10%–14% (P2P)
6.9% variable / 9.9% fixedSurge Credit
Origination Fee
1.5%
$0Surge Credit
Max Starting LTV
70%Debifi
50%
Margin Call Threshold
75% LTVDebifi
None — liquidation at 90% LTV
Liquidation Threshold
90% LTV
90% LTV
Margin Call Window
Threshold-basedDebifi
None — automated liquidation
Custody Model
Collaborative multisig (3-of-4, borrower holds a key)
Collaborative multisig (Taproot vault, 3-of-4 signer network)
Rehypothecation
No
No
Interest Payment
Monthly
Capitalized
Minimum Loan
$5,000
No minimumSurge Credit

APR by Loan Size: Debifi vs. Surge Credit

Total year-1 cost includes both annualized interest and any origination fees charged upfront.

Loan SizeDebifi APRSurge Credit APRDebifi Total Year-1 CostSurge Credit Total Year-1 CostSavings
$100,00012%9.9%$13,500$9,900$3,600 with Surge Credit
$250,00012%9.9%$33,750$24,750$9,000 with Surge Credit
$500,00012%9.9%$67,500$49,500$18,000 with Surge Credit
$1M12%9.9%$135,000$99,000$36,000 with Surge Credit
$5M12%9.9%$675,000$495,000$180,000 with Surge Credit

Total year-1 cost includes annualized interest plus origination fees. Debifi: 1.5% origination fee. Debifi rates are set by the lending marketplace; the table uses a representative recent rate. Surge Credit rates are variable; the table uses a representative recent rate. Rates sourced from each lender's public rate pages as of 2026-06-09.

Custody and Collateral Security

Both Debifi and Surge Credit use similar custody approaches: collaborative multisig (3-of-4, borrower holds a key) and collaborative multisig (taproot vault, 3-of-4 signer network) respectively. Debifi uses Collaborative multisig (3-of-4, borrower holds a key). Multiple key holders must coordinate to move funds, reducing single-point-of-failure risk but still requiring trust in the key coordination process. Surge Credit uses Collaborative multisig (Taproot vault, 3-of-4 signer network). Multiple key holders must coordinate to move funds, reducing single-point-of-failure risk but still requiring trust in the key coordination process.

Debifi: Medium (Multisig)
  • Collaborative multisig (3-of-4, borrower holds a key)
  • Rehypothecation: No
  • Monthly interest payments
  • P2P marketplace — institutional lenders set rates per offer: typically 10-14% APR (observed range ~9.
Surge Credit: Medium (Multisig)
  • Collaborative multisig (Taproot vault, 3-of-4 signer network)
  • Rehypothecation: No
  • Interest capitalized (compounding)
  • Revolving BTC-backed USDC credit line on Base — launched 2026, early-stage.

Margin Call and Liquidation: Debifi vs. Surge Credit

Debifi triggers margin calls at 75% LTV and liquidates at 90% LTV. Surge Credit has no margin-call mechanism: positions become liquidatable automatically the moment LTV crosses 90%, with no warning threshold or response window.

ThresholdDebifiSurge Credit
Max Starting LTV70%50%
Margin Call75% LTVNone
Margin Call WindowThreshold-basedNone — automated liquidation
Liquidation90% LTV90% LTV

Safety Buffer Comparison

Debifi: 20.0 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (70%) and liquidation (90%). Surge Credit: 40.0 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (50%) and liquidation (90%). Surge Credit provides a wider safety margin.

Which is better: Debifi or Surge Credit?

Choosing between Debifi and Surge Credit requires evaluating total cost, custody risk, and which platform aligns with your borrowing profile. Debifi uses collaborative multisig (3-of-4, borrower holds a key) with 10%–14% (P2P) APR, while Surge Credit uses collaborative multisig (taproot vault, 3-of-4 signer network) with 6.9% variable / 9.9% fixed APR.

On a $250,000 loan, Surge Credit costs $24,750 in the first year versus $33,750 at Debifi, a difference of $9,000. Part of Debifi's higher cost comes from its 1.5% origination fee, which adds $3,750 upfront on this loan size. Surge Credit charges no origination fee, so the only cost is interest.

Both platforms use similar custody approaches. Debifi operates via collaborative multisig (3-of-4, borrower holds a key), and Surge Credit uses collaborative multisig (taproot vault, 3-of-4 signer network). Neither platform rehypothecates borrower collateral.

Debifi is the better fit for borrowers who need smaller loans or instant access. Surge Credit is the better fit for borrowers who need smaller loans or more flexible access.

Key details to be aware of: Debifi: P2P marketplace — institutional lenders set rates per offer: typically 10-14% APR (observed range ~9.5-21. Surge Credit: Revolving BTC-backed USDC credit line on Base — launched 2026, early-stage. Variable rate from 6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Debifi or Surge Credit cheaper for a $500,000 Bitcoin-backed loan?

Surge Credit is cheaper. On a $500,000 loan held for 12 months, Debifi costs $67,500 (12% APR + 1.5% origination fee) while Surge Credit costs $49,500 (9.9% APR). That is a $18,000 difference in the first year.

How does Debifi's custody model compare to Surge Credit?

Debifi uses collaborative multisig (3-of-4, borrower holds a key). Surge Credit uses collaborative multisig (taproot vault, 3-of-4 signer network). Both platforms present similar custody risk profiles.

What is the minimum loan amount at Debifi vs Surge Credit?

Debifi's minimum loan is $5,000. Surge Credit has no minimum. Surge Credit is more accessible for smaller borrowers.

What happens if Bitcoin drops while I have a loan with Debifi or Surge Credit?

Debifi issues a margin call at 75% LTV (threshold-based, no fixed window) and liquidates at 90% LTV. Surge Credit has no margin call — positions are liquidated automatically the moment LTV crosses 90%. Starting from a 50% LTV, Debifi provides a 40-point buffer before liquidation, while Surge Credit provides a 40-point buffer.

Should I use Debifi or Surge Credit for a Bitcoin-backed loan?

It depends on your priorities. Debifi (10%–14% (P2P) APR, collaborative multisig (3-of-4, borrower holds a key), min $5,000) is better for borrowers who value collaborative multisig (3-of-4, borrower holds a key) and need smaller loan access. Surge Credit (6.9% variable / 9.9% fixed APR, collaborative multisig (taproot vault, 3-of-4 signer network), no minimum) is better for borrowers who value collaborative multisig (taproot vault, 3-of-4 signer network) and need smaller loan access. Use the rate table and cost comparison above to model your specific scenario.

Other comparisons

Looking for a non-custodial alternative?

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

Debifi vs Surge Credit: Bitcoin Loan Comparison | Lygos