CIR animation

We compare platforms & may earn a commission. Learn more.

Figure Markets

How Much Can I Borrow Against Bitcoin?

Your borrowing capacity depends on two things: how much BTC you deposit as collateral, and which LTV tier you choose.

The formula

Loan Amount = BTC Value × (LTV% ÷ 100)
$50,000 BTC · 25% LTV
$12,500
Conservative
$50,000 BTC · 50% LTV
$25,000
Moderate
$50,000 BTC · 70% LTV
$35,000
Aggressive

LTV limits vary by platform. Not all platforms offer 70% LTV — check the maximum available on each platform in the rate comparison table. Some platforms offer higher LTV at a higher rate, or require additional verification.

BTC value fluctuates. Your borrowing capacity changes with BTC's price. A $50,000 BTC position at 50% LTV gives you $25,000 today — but if BTC drops to $40,000, you only have $20,000 in borrowing capacity. Plan for this when choosing your loan size.

Understanding Liquidation Risk

Liquidation is the biggest risk in Bitcoin lending. Understanding exactly when it happens lets you borrow safely.

How liquidation price is calculated

Liquidation BTC Value = Loan Amount ÷ (Maintenance LTV ÷ 100)

Example: $25,000 loan with 80% maintenance LTV threshold → liquidation triggers when collateral falls below $31,250 in BTC value.

Loan at BTC = $100k Starting LTV Liquidation at BTC = Drop needed
$25,000 25% $31,250 -69%
$40,000 40% $50,000 -50%
$50,000 50% $62,500 -38%
$60,000 60% $75,000 -25%
$70,000 70% $87,500 -13%

Assumes 80% maintenance LTV threshold. Actual threshold varies by platform — confirm before borrowing.

How to protect yourself from liquidation

  • Set a price alert at the BTC price where your LTV would reach ~65–70% — giving you time to act before the platform's margin call threshold.
  • Keep collateral in reserve — hold extra BTC unencumbered so you can top up quickly if needed.
  • Choose platforms with wide margin call buffers — some platforms issue margin calls at 70% LTV, others only at 85%. Know the buffer.
  • Borrow conservatively in bull markets — bull runs encourage high-LTV borrowing, but the correction that often follows is when liquidations happen.

True Cost of Borrowing Against Bitcoin

The headline APR is only part of the cost. Here's how to calculate what your loan will actually cost across platforms.

Total cost formula

Total Cost = (Loan × APR × Term) + (Loan × Origination Fee%)
$25,000 loan · 12 months
Platform A (6% + 0% fee)
$1,500
Platform B (4.9% + 2% fee)
$1,725
Platform C (8% + 1% fee)
$2,250
$25,000 loan · 6 months
Platform A (6% + 0% fee)
$750
Platform B (4.9% + 2% fee)
$1,113
Platform C (8% + 1% fee)
$1,250

Illustrative example. Note how the "lower rate" Platform B costs more than Platform A on both terms because of its origination fee.

Current Platform Rates — Quick Reference

Clapp Finance logo Clapp Finance
Rate
0-21.9%
LTV
0-65%
Borrow
Billz logo Billz
Rate
2-15%
LTV
30-80%
Borrow
Nexo logo Nexo
Rate
2.9-18.9%
LTV
50%
Borrow
Nebeus logo Nebeus
Rate
4-16.5%
LTV
95%
Borrow
Lava logo Lava
Rate
6.5-7.5%
LTV
Borrow

How to Use the Bitcoin Loan Calculator

The full crypto loan calculator walks you through every variable in one place. Here's how to get the most from it:

  1. Enter your BTC amount — this sets your collateral value. The calculator uses live BTC price to convert to USD.
  2. Select a platform — the calculator populates the current APR, LTV limits, and origination fee from that platform's live data.
  3. Set your LTV — move the slider to choose how much to borrow. Watch how the liquidation price and total cost change in real time.
  4. Choose a loan term — select 3, 6, or 12 months (or custom) to see how term length affects total interest paid.
  5. Compare platforms — switch between platforms to see which is cheapest for your specific loan size, term, and LTV.

The output shows total interest, origination fee, monthly payment (if applicable), and the BTC price at which you'd receive a margin call or face liquidation.

Bitcoin Loan Calculator FAQs

How much can I borrow against Bitcoin?

Typically 25–75% of your BTC's current market value, depending on the platform and LTV tier. Most conservative borrowers use 40–50% LTV to maintain a comfortable buffer against price volatility.

How is total Bitcoin loan cost calculated?

Total cost = (loan amount × APR × term in years) + origination fee. For example, $25,000 at 7% APR for 12 months = $1,750 in interest. If the platform charges 1% origination, add $250 for a total cost of $2,000.

At what BTC price will I get liquidated?

Liquidation price (in BTC portfolio value) = loan amount ÷ (maintenance LTV ÷ 100). The loan calculator converts this to a BTC/USD price for you automatically.

What's the difference between a margin call and liquidation?

A margin call is a warning — your LTV has hit the platform's alert threshold and you need to act (add collateral or repay). Liquidation is automatic — the platform sells your BTC to repay the loan without requiring your action. Some platforms trigger liquidation without a prior margin call, so always know the thresholds.

Which platform is best for a Bitcoin loan?

"Best" depends on your LTV need, loan term, and geography. See our Best Bitcoin Loan Rates page for a live comparison segmented by lowest rate, highest LTV, and US availability.