Bitcoin Loan Comparison

SALT vs. Strike

SALT charges 9.95%–14.45% APR with $0 origination fees using custodial. Strike charges 7.49%–10.5% APR with $0 origination fees using custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc). See the full breakdown of rates, thresholds, and custody risk below.

Rates verified 2026-05-14

How do SALT and Strike compare for Bitcoin-backed loans?

Strike advertises a lower headline rate at 7.49%–10.5% compared to SALT's 9.95%–14.45%. On a $1M loan held for 12 months, Strike saves $14,500 in total first-year cost (interest plus origination fees).

SALT vs. Strike: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

SALT
Strike
Interest Rate (APR)
9.95%–14.45%
7.49%–10.5%Strike
Origination Fee
$0
$0
Max Starting LTV
70%SALT
50%
Margin Call Threshold
83.33% LTVSALT
70% LTV
Liquidation Threshold
90.91% LTVSALT
85% LTV
Margin Call Window
48 hours
72 hoursStrike
Custody Model
Custodial
Custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ BTC)
Rehypothecation
No
No
Interest Payment
Monthly
Monthly
Minimum Loan
$1,000SALT
$10,000

APR by Loan Size: SALT vs. Strike

Strike 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 SizeSALT APRStrike APRSALT Total Year-1 CostStrike Total Year-1 CostSavings
$100,00010.95%10.5%$10,950$10,500$450 with Strike
$250,00010.95%9.5%$27,375$23,750$3,625 with Strike
$500,00010.95%9.5%$54,750$47,500$7,250 with Strike
$1M10.95%9.5%$109,500$95,000$14,500 with Strike
$5M10.95%7.49%$547,500$374,500$173,000 with Strike

Total year-1 cost includes annualized interest plus origination fees. Rates sourced from each lender's public rate pages as of 2026-05-14.

Custody and Collateral Security

Both SALT and Strike use similar custody approaches: custodial and custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc) 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. Strike uses Custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ BTC). Your Bitcoin is held by Strike 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.
Strike: High (Custodial)
  • Custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ BTC)
  • Rehypothecation: No
  • Monthly interest payments
  • 0.

Margin Call and Liquidation: SALT vs. Strike

SALT triggers margin calls at 83.33% LTV and liquidates at 90.91% LTV. Strike triggers margin calls at 70% LTV and liquidates at 85% LTV. SALT gives borrowers 48 hours to respond, while Strike provides 72 hours.

ThresholdSALTStrike
Max Starting LTV70%50%
Margin Call83.33% LTV70% LTV
Margin Call Window48 hours72 hours
Liquidation90.91% LTV85% LTV

Safety Buffer Comparison

SALT: 20.9 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (70%) and liquidation (90.91%). Strike: 35.0 percentage point buffer between starting LTV (50%) and liquidation (85%). Strike provides a wider safety margin.

Which is better: SALT or Strike?

Choosing between SALT and Strike requires evaluating total cost, custody risk, and which platform aligns with your borrowing profile. SALT uses custodial with 9.95%–14.45% APR, while Strike uses custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc) with 7.49%–10.5% APR.

On a $250,000 loan, Strike costs $23,750 in the first year versus $27,375 at SALT, a difference of $3,625. Strike charges no origination fee, so the only cost is interest.

Both platforms use similar custody approaches. SALT operates via custodial, and Strike uses custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc). Neither platform rehypothecates borrower collateral.

SALT is the better fit for borrowers who need smaller loans or instant access. Strike is the better fit for borrowers who are borrowing $10,000 or more and prefer this platform's specific features.

Key details to be aware of: SALT: Rates vary by LTV x term matrix. 'Stabilization' at 90. Strike: 0.79% fee if repaying with BTC collateral, 0.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SALT or Strike cheaper for a $500,000 Bitcoin-backed loan?

Strike is cheaper. On a $500,000 loan held for 12 months, SALT costs $54,750 (10.95% APR) while Strike costs $47,500 (9.5% APR). That is a $7,250 difference in the first year.

How does SALT's custody model compare to Strike?

SALT uses custodial. Strike uses custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc). Both platforms present similar custody risk profiles.

What is the minimum loan amount at SALT vs Strike?

SALT's minimum loan is $1,000. Strike's minimum is $10,000. SALT is more accessible for smaller borrowers.

What happens if Bitcoin drops while I have a loan with SALT or Strike?

SALT issues a margin call at 83.33% LTV with a 48-hour response window and liquidates at 90.91% LTV. Strike issues a margin call at 70% LTV with a 72-hour response window and liquidates at 85% LTV. Starting from a 50% LTV, SALT provides a 41-point buffer before liquidation, while Strike provides a 35-point buffer.

Should I use SALT or Strike 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. Strike (7.49%–10.5% APR, custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc), min $10,000) is better for borrowers who value custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ btc) and prefer this platform's lending structure. Use the rate table and cost comparison above to model your specific scenario.

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Looking for a non-custodial alternative?

Lygos offers 10% APR, $0 origination fees, and DLC-secured collateral where rehypothecation is cryptographically impossible.