Nexo charges 6.9%–18.9% APR with $0 origination fees using custodial. Arch charges 8.49%–11% APR with a 1.5% origination fee using custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian). See the full breakdown of rates, thresholds, and custody risk below.
Rates verified 2026-05-14
Arch advertises a lower headline rate at 8.49%–11% compared to Nexo's 6.9%–18.9%. 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, Arch saves $39,100 in total first-year cost (interest plus origination fees).
Arch 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 Size | Nexo APR | Arch APR | Nexo Total Year-1 Cost | Arch Total Year-1 Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | 13.9% | 11% | $13,900 | $12,500 | $1,400 with Arch |
| $250,000 | 13.9% | 11% | $34,750 | $31,250 | $3,500 with Arch |
| $500,000 | 13.9% | 11% | $69,500 | $62,500 | $7,000 with Arch |
| $1M | 13.9% | 8.49% | $139,000 | $99,900 | $39,100 with Arch |
| $5M | 13.9% | 8.49% | $695,000 | $499,500 | $195,500 with Arch |
Total year-1 cost includes annualized interest plus origination fees. Arch: 1.5% origination fee. Rates sourced from each lender's public rate pages as of 2026-05-14.
Both Nexo and Arch use similar custody approaches: custodial and custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian) respectively. 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. 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.
Nexo triggers margin calls at 71.4% LTV and liquidates at 83.33% LTV. Arch triggers margin calls at 70% LTV and liquidates at 80% LTV. Arch gives borrowers 24 hours to respond to a margin call. Nexo uses threshold-based triggers without a fixed response window.
| Threshold | Nexo | Arch |
|---|---|---|
| Max Starting LTV | 50% | 60% |
| Margin Call | 71.4% LTV | 70% LTV |
| Margin Call Window | Threshold-based | 24 hours |
| Liquidation | 83.33% LTV | 80% LTV |
Nexo: 33.3 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (50%) and liquidation (83.33%). Arch: 20.0 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (60%) and liquidation (80%). Nexo provides a wider safety margin.
Choosing between Nexo and Arch requires evaluating total cost, custody risk, and which platform aligns with your borrowing profile. Nexo uses custodial with 6.9%–18.9% APR, while Arch uses custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian) with 8.49%–11% APR.
On a $250,000 loan, Arch costs $31,250 in the first year versus $34,750 at Nexo, a difference of $3,500.
Both platforms use similar custody approaches. Nexo operates via custodial, and Arch uses custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian). Nexo rehypothecates collateral.
Nexo is the better fit for borrowers who need smaller loans or instant access. Arch is the better fit for borrowers who need smaller loans or more flexible access.
Key details to be aware of: Nexo: Base tier 18.9% is the rate most users actually get. Arch: Proactive pre-threshold alerts before MC triggers. Partial liquidation sells minimum to restore 60% LTV, 2% liquidation fee.
Arch is cheaper. On a $500,000 loan held for 12 months, Nexo costs $69,500 (13.9% APR) while Arch costs $62,500 (11% APR + 1.5% origination fee). That is a $7,000 difference in the first year.
Nexo uses custodial and rehypothecates deposited assets. Arch uses custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian). Both platforms present similar custody risk profiles.
Nexo's minimum loan is $50. Arch's minimum is $5,000. Nexo is more accessible for smaller borrowers.
Nexo issues a margin call at 71.4% LTV (threshold-based, no fixed window) and liquidates at 83.33% LTV. Arch issues a margin call at 70% LTV with a 24-hour response window and liquidates at 80% LTV. Starting from a 50% LTV, Nexo provides a 33-point buffer before liquidation, while Arch provides a 30-point buffer.
It depends on your priorities. Nexo (6.9%–18.9% APR, custodial, min $50) is better for borrowers who value custodial and need smaller loan access. Arch (8.49%–11% APR, custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian), min $5,000) is better for borrowers who value custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian) and need smaller loan access. Use the rate table and cost comparison above to model your specific scenario.
Already borrowing with Arch? See your interest savings, terms head-to-head, and counterparty risk on your own numbers.
Open Compare LendersLygos offers 10% APR, $0 origination fees, and DLC-secured collateral where rehypothecation is cryptographically impossible.