Arch (Deferred) vs Nexo

Deferred interest with independent custody against a high-rate line that re-lends collateral.

Rates as of July 2026 · Verified weekly · By Borrow on Bitcoin

Arch (Deferred) logoArch (Deferred)
10.49%10.99%effective APR

Exclusive rate

$100k loan, 50% LTV · Max LTV 60%

Lower effective rateHigher max LTVIndependent custody
Visit Arch (Deferred)
Nexo logoNexo
18.9%effective APR

$100k loan, 50% LTV · Max LTV 50%

No origination feeLonger track record
Visit Nexo

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The bottom line

Arch (Deferred) is far cheaper (around 8.0% vs near 18.9%), uses Anchorage qualified custody, and does not rehypothecate. Nexo is an open revolving credit line, convenient to draw and repay, but it prices high and re-lends your pledged bitcoin. Choose Arch for the lower rate and untouched collateral; choose Nexo only if an always-open line outweighs the cost and rehypothecation.

Conditional guidance, not a recommendation. The right pick depends on your loan size, LTV, state, and what you value most. Rates can change; the table below is the live source.

Arch (Deferred) vs Nexo, side by side

Arch (Deferred)Nexo
Effective APR$100k loan, 50% LTV, all-in10.99%18.9%
Starting APR8%18.9%
Origination fee1.49%None
Liquidation fee2%None stated
Max LTV60%50%
Custody modelQualified custodian (Anchorage Digital)Lender-held
RehypothecationNoYes
Margin-call cure window24 hoursNot published
Funding speedSame day to 1 daySame day
Minimum loan$5,000$50
Maximum loanNo stated maximum$2,000,000
Loan terms1 to 12 months; deferred interest; settle at maturity or roll accrued interest into a new loan's principalNot published
PrepaymentNo prepayment penalty. Accrued interest can be settled at any time without penalty.Not published
Operating since20232018
Availability39 states (excludes 11)All 50 states

Rates and fees

On a $100,000 loan at 50% LTV, Arch (Deferred) is the cheaper borrow: an all-in effective APR of about 10.99% versus 18.9% at Nexo, a gap of roughly 7.91 points before fees. Nexo charges no origination fee; Arch (Deferred) adds 1.49% up front, which matters most on shorter terms.

Custody and counterparty risk

Arch (Deferred) holds collateral via qualified custodian (Anchorage Digital), while Nexo uses lender-held. Nexo rehypothecates pledged Bitcoin (re-lends it); Arch (Deferred) does not, which means less exposure if the lender runs into trouble.

Loan terms and flexibility

Arch (Deferred) can run with no monthly payments, with interest deferring and capitalizing to the balance, while Nexo expects you to service interest along the way.

Leverage, limits, and speed

Arch (Deferred) allows the higher maximum LTV (60% vs 50%), so you can borrow more per Bitcoin, at the cost of a thinner buffer before a margin call if the price falls. Minimums differ: $5,000 at Arch (Deferred) versus $50 at Nexo. Funding runs same day to 1 day at Arch (Deferred) and same day at Nexo.

Track record and availability

Nexo has the longer history, operating since 2018 versus 2023. On availability, Arch (Deferred) is not available in 11 states, while Nexo covers all 50 states.

Strengths and trade-offs

Arch (Deferred)

  • No monthly payments, interest accrues to maturity
  • Option to roll accrued interest into a new loan's principal at renewal
  • Anchorage Digital qualified custody
  • $100M Lloyd's of London insurance
  • Zero rehypothecation, explicit policy
  • Carries a ~50 bps APR premium over the Monthly Payment tier; the deferral has a price
  • 1.49% origination fee plus 2.00% liquidation fee (origination tiers down at higher loan sizes)
  • Not available in 11 states: CA, DE, HI, MS, MT, NV, ND, RI, SC, TX, VT

Nexo

  • Relaunched in the US in February 2026 via Bakkt after a 2022 exit
  • Global credit line: 1.9% to 18.9% APR, 50% LTV on BTC, $50 to $2M, no origination or monthly fees
  • Liquidation is partial: Nexo repays part of the credit line from a portion of collateral
  • Instant funding once approved
  • US-specific terms pending confirmation from Nexo or Bakkt

About each lender

Arch (Deferred)

Bitcoin-backed loan with Anchorage Digital qualified custody, segregated wallets, $100M Lloyd's of London insurance, and explicit no-rehypothecation policy. The Deferred Interest variant (launched May 2026) carries no monthly payments, interest accrues to maturity or rolls into the next loan.

Visit Arch (Deferred)Full review →

Nexo

Nexo offers instant crypto-backed credit lines, letting you borrow against Bitcoin without selling. After a 2022 US exit and a 2023 SEC settlement over its Earn product, Nexo relaunched in the US in February 2026 through regulated partner Bakkt. US-specific credit-line terms had not been separately published as of mid-2026.

Visit NexoFull review →

Frequently asked

Is Arch (Deferred) or Nexo cheaper?

On a $100,000 loan at 50% LTV, Arch (Deferred) is cheaper, with an all-in effective APR of about 10.99% versus 18.9%. Nexo also charges no origination fee, while Arch (Deferred) adds 1.49% up front.

Which has lower custody risk, Arch (Deferred) or Nexo?

Arch (Deferred) uses qualified custodian and Nexo uses lender-held. Check the rehypothecation row above, as re-lending of collateral adds counterparty risk.

Can I borrow more with Arch (Deferred) or Nexo?

Arch (Deferred) allows the higher maximum LTV (60% versus 50%), so you can borrow more per Bitcoin pledged. The trade-off is a thinner buffer before a margin call if Bitcoin's price drops.

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borrowonbitcoin.com is a comparison publisher, not a lender or financial advisor. Rate data verified July 5, 2026. How we verify rates · Full disclosures.