Bitcoin Loan Comparison

Ledn vs. Nexo

Ledn charges 9.25%–11.49% APR with a 2% origination fee using custodial (segregated). Nexo charges 10.9%–17.9% APR with $0 origination fees using custodial. See the full breakdown of rates, thresholds, and custody risk below.

Rates verified 2026-06-09

How do Ledn and Nexo compare for Bitcoin-backed loans?

Ledn offers a lower headline rate at 9.25%–11.49% compared to Nexo's 10.9%–17.9%. However, Nexo's lowest rates require loyalty tier qualifications, and most borrowers pay significantly more than the headline rate. On a $1M loan held for 12 months, Ledn saves $19,100 in total first-year cost (interest plus origination fees).

Ledn vs. Nexo: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Ledn
Nexo
Interest Rate (APR)
9.25%–11.49%Ledn
10.9%–17.9%
Origination Fee
2%
$0Nexo
Max Starting LTV
50%
50%
Margin Call Threshold
70% LTV
71.4% LTVNexo
Liquidation Threshold
80% LTV
83.33% LTVNexo
Margin Call Window
Threshold-based
Threshold-based
Custody Model
Custodial (segregated)
Custodial
Rehypothecation
NoLedn
Yes
Interest Payment
At maturity
Capitalized
Minimum Loan
$500
$50Nexo

APR by Loan Size: Ledn vs. Nexo

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

Loan SizeLedn APRNexo APRLedn Total Year-1 CostNexo Total Year-1 CostSavings
$100,00011.49%13.9%$13,490$13,900$410 with Ledn
$250,00010.99%13.9%$32,475$34,750$2,275 with Ledn
$500,00010.19%13.9%$60,950$69,500$8,550 with Ledn
$1M9.99%13.9%$119,900$139,000$19,100 with Ledn
$5M9.25%13.9%$562,500$695,000$132,500 with Ledn

Total year-1 cost includes annualized interest plus origination fees. Ledn: 2% origination fee. Rates sourced from each lender's public rate pages as of 2026-06-09.

Custody and Collateral Security

Both Ledn and Nexo use similar custody approaches: custodial (segregated) and custodial respectively. Ledn uses Custodial (segregated). Your Bitcoin is held by Ledn and could be at risk in the event of a hack, insolvency, or regulatory action. Nexo uses Custodial. Your Bitcoin is held by Nexo and could be at risk in the event of a hack, insolvency, or regulatory action. Nexo also rehypothecates deposited assets, meaning your collateral may be lent to third parties.

Ledn: High (Custodial)
  • Custodial (segregated)
  • Rehypothecation: No
  • At-maturity interest payments
  • 2% admin fee waived US/Canada.
Nexo: High (Custodial)
  • Custodial
  • Rehypothecation: Yes
  • Interest capitalized (compounding)
  • Standard tiers: Base 17.

Margin Call and Liquidation: Ledn vs. Nexo

Ledn triggers margin calls at 70% LTV and liquidates at 80% LTV. Nexo triggers margin calls at 71.4% LTV and liquidates at 83.33% LTV.

ThresholdLednNexo
Max Starting LTV50%50%
Margin Call70% LTV71.4% LTV
Margin Call WindowThreshold-basedThreshold-based
Liquidation80% LTV83.33% LTV

Safety Buffer Comparison

Ledn: 30.0 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (50%) and liquidation (80%). Nexo: 33.3 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (50%) and liquidation (83.33%). Nexo provides a wider safety margin.

Which is better: Ledn or Nexo?

Choosing between Ledn and Nexo requires evaluating total cost, custody risk, and which platform aligns with your borrowing profile. Ledn uses custodial (segregated) with 9.25%–11.49% APR, while Nexo uses custodial with 10.9%–17.9% APR.

On a $250,000 loan, Ledn costs $32,475 in the first year versus $34,750 at Nexo, a difference of $2,275.

Both platforms use similar custody approaches. Ledn operates via custodial (segregated), and Nexo uses custodial. Nexo rehypothecates collateral.

Ledn is the better fit for borrowers who need smaller loans or instant access. Nexo is the better fit for borrowers who need smaller loans or more flexible access.

Key details to be aware of: Ledn: 2% admin fee waived US/Canada. Bitcoin-only and fully custodied (no rehypothecation) since Jul 2025; monthly proof-of-reserves. Nexo: Standard tiers: Base 17.9% / Silver 15.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledn or Nexo cheaper for a $500,000 Bitcoin-backed loan?

Ledn is cheaper. On a $500,000 loan held for 12 months, Ledn costs $60,950 (10.19% APR + 2% origination fee) while Nexo costs $69,500 (13.9% APR). That is a $8,550 difference in the first year.

How does Ledn's custody model compare to Nexo?

Ledn uses custodial (segregated). Nexo uses custodial and rehypothecates deposited assets. Both platforms present similar custody risk profiles.

What is the minimum loan amount at Ledn vs Nexo?

Ledn's minimum loan is $500. Nexo's minimum is $50. Nexo is more accessible for smaller borrowers.

What happens if Bitcoin drops while I have a loan with Ledn or Nexo?

Ledn issues a margin call at 70% LTV (threshold-based, no fixed window) and liquidates at 80% LTV. Nexo issues a margin call at 71.4% LTV (threshold-based, no fixed window) and liquidates at 83.33% LTV. Starting from a 50% LTV, Ledn provides a 30-point buffer before liquidation, while Nexo provides a 33-point buffer.

Should I use Ledn or Nexo for a Bitcoin-backed loan?

It depends on your priorities. Ledn (9.25%–11.49% APR, custodial (segregated), min $500) is better for borrowers who value custodial (segregated) and need smaller loan access. Nexo (10.9%–17.9% APR, custodial, min $50) is better for borrowers who value custodial 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.

Ledn vs Nexo: Bitcoin Loan Comparison | Lygos