SALT charges 7.49%–10.5% 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.
Terms checked individually — SALT: 2026-09-29; Strike: 2026-09-29.
For the standardized $250,000, 50% LTV, 12-month scenario, SALT is 8.75% APR and Strike is 10% APR. SALT: 50% LTV · 1-year term. Strike: Monthly-pay option; 12-month fixed term.
On a $250,000 loan held for 12 months, SALT saves $3,125 in total first-year cost (interest plus applicable fees or charges).
To keep the comparison clean, both lenders are modeled at $250,000 principal, 50% starting LTV, and a 12-month term, using monthly-pay pricing where available. SALT pricing varies by starting ltv and term; Strike pricing varies by loan size and payment schedule. Actual offers can differ when those inputs change.
| Loan Size | SALT APR | Strike APR | SALT Total Year-1 Cost | Strike Total Year-1 Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | 8.75% | 10% | $21,875 | $25,000 | $3,125 with SALT |
Assumptions: $250,000 principal, 50% starting LTV, 12-month term, and monthly-pay pricing where offered. Total year-1 cost includes annualized interest and fees, but does not add a fee again when the lender's published APR already includes it. Terms checked individually — SALT: 2026-09-29; Strike: 2026-09-29.
Both SALT and Strike use similar custody approaches: custodial and custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ BTC) respectively. SALT uses custodial. Your Bitcoin depends on the security and solvency of that custody arrangement 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 depends on the security and solvency of that custody arrangement and could be at risk in the event of a hack, insolvency, or regulatory action.
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.
| Threshold | SALT | Strike |
|---|---|---|
| Max Starting LTV | 70% | 50% |
| Margin Call | 83.33% LTV | 70% LTV |
| Margin Call Window | 48 hours | 72 hours |
| Liquidation | 90.91% LTV | 85% LTV |
This comparison uses each lender's own maximum starting LTV, not a common 50% starting position. SALT: 20.9 percentage point modeled buffer between maximum starting LTV (70%) and liquidation (90.91% LTV). Strike: 35.0 percentage point modeled buffer between maximum starting LTV (50%) and liquidation (85% LTV). Strike provides a wider safety margin.
Choosing between SALT and Strike requires evaluating total cost, custody risk, and which platform aligns with your borrowing profile. SALT uses custodial with 7.49%–10.5% APR, while Strike uses custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ BTC) with 7.49%–10.5% APR.
On the standardized $250,000, 50% LTV, 12-month scenario, SALT costs $21,875 in the first year versus $25,000 at Strike, a difference of $3,125. SALT 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: Standard rates vary by starting LTV and term, not loan size. Published one-year APRs are 7. Strike: 0.79% fee if repaying with BTC collateral, 0.
SALT is cheaper under the stated assumptions. On a $250,000 loan at 50% LTV held for 12 months, SALT costs $21,875 (8.75% APR) while Strike costs $25,000 (10% APR). That is a $3,125 difference in the first year.
SALT uses custodial. Strike uses custodial (proof-of-reserves for 50+ BTC). Both platforms present similar custody risk profiles.
SALT's minimum loan is $1,000. Strike's minimum is $10,000. SALT 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. Strike issues a margin call at 70% LTV with a 72-hour response window and liquidates at 85% LTV. For a common 50% starting LTV (rather than each lender's maximum), the modeled buffers are 41 points at SALT and 35 points at Strike.
It depends on your priorities. SALT (7.49%–10.5% 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.
Already borrowing with Strike? See your interest savings, terms head-to-head, and counterparty risk on your own numbers.
Open Loan Comparison CalculatorLygos offers 10% APR, $0 origination fees, and DLC-secured collateral with contract flows designed to constrain rehypothecation.