Bitcoin Loan Comparison

Nexo vs. Arch

Nexo charges 10.9%–17.9% APR with $0 origination fees using custodial. Arch charges 7.75%–9% APR with a 1.49% origination fee using custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian). See the full breakdown of rates, thresholds, and custody risk below.

Rates verified 2026-06-09

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

Arch advertises a lower headline rate at 7.75%–9% 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, Arch saves $44,100 in total first-year cost (interest plus origination fees).

Nexo vs. Arch: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Nexo
Arch
Interest Rate (APR)
10.9%–17.9%
7.75%–9%Arch
Origination Fee
$0Nexo
1.49%
Max Starting LTV
50%
60%Arch
Margin Call Threshold
71.4% LTVNexo
70% LTV
Liquidation Threshold
83.33% LTVNexo
80% LTV
Margin Call Window
Threshold-based
24 hoursArch
Custody Model
Custodial
Custodial (Anchorage, qualified custodian)
Rehypothecation
Yes
NoArch
Interest Payment
Capitalized
Monthly
Minimum Loan
$50Nexo
$5,000

APR by Loan Size: Nexo vs. Arch

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 SizeNexo APRArch APRNexo Total Year-1 CostArch Total Year-1 CostSavings
$100,00013.9%9%$13,900$10,490$3,410 with Arch
$250,00013.9%8.5%$34,750$24,975$9,775 with Arch
$500,00013.9%8.5%$69,500$49,950$19,550 with Arch
$1M13.9%8%$139,000$94,900$44,100 with Arch
$5M13.9%7.75%$695,000$462,000$233,000 with Arch

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 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: High (Custodial)
  • Custodial
  • Rehypothecation: Yes
  • Interest capitalized (compounding)
  • Standard tiers: Base 17.
Arch: High (Custodial)
  • Custodial (Anchorage, qualified custodian)
  • Rehypothecation: No
  • Monthly interest payments
  • Origination fee is tiered and falls with loan size: 1.

Margin Call and Liquidation: Nexo vs. Arch

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.

ThresholdNexoArch
Max Starting LTV50%60%
Margin Call71.4% LTV70% LTV
Margin Call WindowThreshold-based24 hours
Liquidation83.33% LTV80% LTV

Safety Buffer Comparison

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.

Which is better: Nexo or Arch?

Choosing between Nexo and Arch requires evaluating total cost, custody risk, and which platform aligns with your borrowing profile. Nexo uses custodial with 10.9%–17.9% APR, while Arch uses custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian) with 7.75%–9% APR.

On a $250,000 loan, Arch costs $24,975 in the first year versus $34,750 at Nexo, a difference of $9,775.

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: Standard tiers: Base 17.9% / Silver 15. Arch: Origination fee is tiered and falls with loan size: 1.49% below $750K, 0.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Arch is cheaper. On a $500,000 loan held for 12 months, Nexo costs $69,500 (13.9% APR) while Arch costs $49,950 (8.5% APR + 1.49% origination fee). That is a $19,550 difference in the first year.

How does Nexo's custody model compare to Arch?

Nexo uses custodial and rehypothecates deposited assets. Arch uses custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian). Both platforms present similar custody risk profiles.

What is the minimum loan amount at Nexo vs Arch?

Nexo's minimum loan is $50. Arch's minimum is $5,000. Nexo is more accessible for smaller borrowers.

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

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.

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

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

Nexo vs Arch: Bitcoin Loan Comparison | Lygos