Charles Schwab: margin rates for borrowing against a Bitcoin ETF

How Charles Schwab prices a margin loan, the leverage it allows, and what to verify before borrowing against IBIT or another spot Bitcoin ETF. Figures verified 2026-06-11; margin rates are variable.

Margin rate

Verify

Reg T leverage

~2x

Portfolio margin

$125K min equity

Can you margin IBIT here?

Charles Schwab does not publish whether a specific spot Bitcoin ETF is marginable, or the house maintenance requirement it would apply. That is set per security and changes with volatility, so confirm it directly with the broker before relying on it. Holding an ETF is not the same as being allowed to borrow against it.

Tiered rate table is manual-verify (Schwab blocks automated reads; third-party sources conflict)
Portfolio margin: $125k min equity, ~6.6:1 (from a page snippet - confirm)
IBIT house requirement not public

Visit Charles Schwab margin page →

Common questions

What is Charles Schwab's margin interest rate?

Charles Schwab does not publish a full margin-rate table; rates are based on a 10% base rate and should be confirmed directly. Margin rates are variable and were verified 2026-06-11.

Can I borrow against a Bitcoin ETF like IBIT at Charles Schwab?

Whether Charles Schwab will let you margin a specific spot Bitcoin ETF, and the house maintenance requirement it sets, is decided per security and is generally not published. Charles Schwab Confirm IBIT's marginability and maintenance requirement with Charles Schwab before relying on it.

Does Charles Schwab offer portfolio margin?

Yes. Charles Schwab offers portfolio margin to approved accounts, typically requiring at least $125K in equity. Portfolio margin is risk-based and can allow materially higher leverage than the standard 2x Reg T limit; it also raises the stakes of a margin call.

What are the risks of borrowing against a Bitcoin ETF at Charles Schwab?

Margin uses leverage, which amplifies losses. If your ETF drops, Charles Schwab can issue a margin call and sell your shares without notice, and you can lose more than you invested. Margin rates are variable. This is a higher-risk path than an over-collateralized Bitcoin-backed loan. This is general information, not advice.

Borrowing against a Bitcoin ETF through a brokerage is margin lending, a fundamentally different and higher-risk path than an over-collateralized Bitcoin-backed loan. Margin uses leverage, which amplifies losses as well as gains. If your ETF falls in value the broker can issue a margin call and sell your shares without notice, possibly at the worst time, and you can lose more than you put in. Margin interest rates are variable and reset when benchmark rates move. Each broker sets its own house maintenance requirement on a single volatile crypto ETF, which is often higher than the standard 25 to 30 percent, is set per security, and can change without notice. We are a publisher, not a broker, lender, or investment adviser, and nothing here is a recommendation to use margin or leverage. Verify every figure, and your own eligibility, with the broker before acting.

borrowonbitcoin.com is a publisher, not a broker-dealer, bank, or investment adviser. We may receive compensation from some brokers when you visit them through our site; affiliate links are labeled. Compensation never changes a broker's ranking, position, or the data we publish. Comparing or listing a broker is not an endorsement of that broker or of margin trading. Margin and leverage involve a real risk of losing more than you invest; verify all terms with the broker before applying.