SALT charges 9.95%–14.45% APR with $0 origination fees using custodial. Nexo charges 6.9%–18.9% APR with $0 origination fees using custodial. See the full breakdown of rates, thresholds, and custody risk below.
Rates verified 2026-05-14
SALT offers a lower headline rate at 9.95%–14.45% 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, SALT saves $29,500 in total first-year cost (interest plus origination fees).
SALT structures rates by LTV ratio rather than loan amount, so the rate depends on how much collateral you pledge relative to the loan. Total year-1 cost includes both annualized interest and any origination fees charged upfront.
| Loan Size | SALT APR | Nexo APR | SALT Total Year-1 Cost | Nexo Total Year-1 Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | 10.95% | 13.9% | $10,950 | $13,900 | $2,950 with SALT |
| $250,000 | 10.95% | 13.9% | $27,375 | $34,750 | $7,375 with SALT |
| $500,000 | 10.95% | 13.9% | $54,750 | $69,500 | $14,750 with SALT |
| $1M | 10.95% | 13.9% | $109,500 | $139,000 | $29,500 with SALT |
| $5M | 10.95% | 13.9% | $547,500 | $695,000 | $147,500 with SALT |
Total year-1 cost includes annualized interest plus origination fees. Rates sourced from each lender's public rate pages as of 2026-05-14.
Both SALT and Nexo use similar custody approaches: custodial and custodial 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. 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.
SALT triggers margin calls at 83.33% LTV and liquidates at 90.91% LTV. Nexo triggers margin calls at 71.4% LTV and liquidates at 83.33% LTV. SALT gives borrowers 48 hours to respond to a margin call. Nexo uses threshold-based triggers without a fixed response window.
| Threshold | SALT | Nexo |
|---|---|---|
| Max Starting LTV | 70% | 50% |
| Margin Call | 83.33% LTV | 71.4% LTV |
| Margin Call Window | 48 hours | Threshold-based |
| Liquidation | 90.91% LTV | 83.33% LTV |
SALT: 20.9 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (70%) and liquidation (90.91%). Nexo: 33.3 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (50%) and liquidation (83.33%). Nexo provides a wider safety margin.
Choosing between SALT and Nexo requires evaluating total cost, custody risk, and which platform aligns with your borrowing profile. SALT uses custodial with 9.95%–14.45% APR, while Nexo uses custodial with 6.9%–18.9% APR.
On a $250,000 loan, SALT costs $27,375 in the first year versus $34,750 at Nexo, a difference of $7,375. SALT charges no origination fee, so the only cost is interest.
Both platforms use similar custody approaches. SALT operates via custodial, and Nexo uses custodial. Nexo rehypothecates collateral.
SALT 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: SALT: Rates vary by LTV x term matrix. 'Stabilization' at 90. Nexo: Base tier 18.9% is the rate most users actually get.
SALT is cheaper. On a $500,000 loan held for 12 months, SALT costs $54,750 (10.95% APR) while Nexo costs $69,500 (13.9% APR). That is a $14,750 difference in the first year.
SALT uses custodial. Nexo uses custodial and rehypothecates deposited assets. Both platforms present similar custody risk profiles.
SALT's minimum loan is $1,000. Nexo's minimum is $50. Nexo is more accessible for smaller borrowers.
SALT issues a margin call at 83.33% LTV with a 48-hour response window and liquidates at 90.91% 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, SALT provides a 41-point buffer before liquidation, while Nexo provides a 33-point buffer.
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. Nexo (6.9%–18.9% 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.
Already borrowing with Nexo? 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.