How do SALT and Arch compare for Bitcoin-backed loans?
SALT offers a lower headline rate at 9.95%–14.45% compared to Arch's 8.49%–11%. On a $1M loan held for 12 months, Arch saves $9,600 in total first-year cost (interest plus origination fees).
Bitcoin Loan Comparison
SALT vs. Arch
SALT charges 9.95%–14.45% 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
SALT vs. Arch: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
SALT
Arch
Interest Rate (APR)
9.95%–14.45%SALT
8.49%–11%
Origination Fee
$0SALT
1.5%
Max Starting LTV
70%SALT
60%
Margin Call Threshold
83.33% LTVSALT
70% LTV
Liquidation Threshold
90.91% LTVSALT
80% LTV
Margin Call Window
48 hoursSALT
24 hours
Custody Model
Custodial
Custodial (Anchorage, qualified custodian)
Rehypothecation
No
No
Interest Payment
Monthly
Monthly
Minimum Loan
$1,000SALT
$5,000
APR by Loan Size: SALT vs. Arch
Arch offers tiered rates that decrease with larger loan amounts, while SALT structures rates by ltv. Total year-1 cost includes both annualized interest and any origination fees charged upfront.
| Loan Size | SALT APR | Arch APR | SALT Total Year-1 Cost | Arch Total Year-1 Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | 10.95% | 11% | $10,950 | $12,500 | $1,550 with SALT |
| $250,000 | 10.95% | 11% | $27,375 | $31,250 | $3,875 with SALT |
| $500,000 | 10.95% | 11% | $54,750 | $62,500 | $7,750 with SALT |
| $1M | 10.95% | 8.49% | $109,500 | $99,900 | $9,600 with Arch |
| $5M | 10.95% | 8.49% | $547,500 | $499,500 | $48,000 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.
Custody and Collateral Security
Both SALT and Arch use similar custody approaches: custodial and custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian) respectively. SALT uses Custodial. Your Bitcoin is held by SALT and could be at risk in the event of a hack, insolvency, or regulatory action. 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.
SALT: High (Custodial)
- •Custodial
- •Rehypothecation: No
- •Monthly interest payments
- •Rates vary by LTV x term matrix.
Arch: High (Custodial)
- •Custodial (Anchorage, qualified custodian)
- •Rehypothecation: No
- •Monthly interest payments
- •Proactive pre-threshold alerts before MC triggers.
Margin Call and Liquidation: SALT vs. Arch
SALT triggers margin calls at 83.33% LTV and liquidates at 90.91% LTV. Arch triggers margin calls at 70% LTV and liquidates at 80% LTV. SALT gives borrowers 48 hours to respond, while Arch provides 24 hours.
| Threshold | SALT | Arch |
|---|---|---|
| Max Starting LTV | 70% | 60% |
| Margin Call | 83.33% LTV | 70% LTV |
| Margin Call Window | 48 hours | 24 hours |
| Liquidation | 90.91% LTV | 80% LTV |
Safety Buffer Comparison
SALT: 20.9 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (70%) and liquidation (90.91%). Arch: 20.0 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (60%) and liquidation (80%). SALT provides a wider safety margin.
Which is better: SALT or Arch?
Choosing between SALT and Arch requires evaluating total cost, custody risk, and which platform aligns with your borrowing profile. SALT uses custodial with 9.95%–14.45% APR, while Arch uses custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian) with 8.49%–11% APR.
On a $250,000 loan, SALT costs $27,375 in the first year versus $31,250 at Arch, a difference of $3,875. Part of Arch's higher cost comes from its 1.5% origination fee, which adds $3,750 upfront on this loan size. SALT charges no origination fee, so the only cost is interest.
Both platforms use similar custody approaches. SALT operates via custodial, and Arch uses custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian). Neither platform rehypothecates borrower collateral.
SALT 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: SALT: Rates vary by LTV x term matrix. 'Stabilization' at 90. Arch: Proactive pre-threshold alerts before MC triggers. Partial liquidation sells minimum to restore 60% LTV, 2% liquidation fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SALT or Arch cheaper for a $500,000 Bitcoin-backed loan?
SALT is cheaper. On a $500,000 loan held for 12 months, SALT costs $54,750 (10.95% APR) while Arch costs $62,500 (11% APR + 1.5% origination fee). That is a $7,750 difference in the first year.
How does SALT's custody model compare to Arch?
SALT uses custodial. Arch uses custodial (anchorage, qualified custodian). Both platforms present similar custody risk profiles.
What is the minimum loan amount at SALT vs Arch?
SALT's minimum loan is $1,000. Arch's minimum is $5,000. SALT is more accessible for smaller borrowers.
What happens if Bitcoin drops while I have a loan with SALT or Arch?
SALT issues a margin call at 83.33% LTV with a 48-hour response window and liquidates at 90.91% 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, SALT provides a 41-point buffer before liquidation, while Arch provides a 30-point buffer.
Should I use SALT or Arch for a Bitcoin-backed loan?
It depends on your priorities. SALT (9.95%–14.45% APR, custodial, min $1,000) 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.
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