Better vs Rate
A side-by-side comparison of rates, custody models, and loan terms, built from data we verify weekly.
Rates as of May 2026 · Verified weekly · By Michael Song
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Better vs Rate, side by side
 Better |  Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Max LTV | 97% | Not published |
| Custody model | Qualified custodian (Coinbase Prime) | Borrower-held |
| Rehypothecation | No | No |
| Maximum loan | $806,500 | No stated maximum |
| Prepayment | Standard conforming prepayment terms | Standard non-QM |
| Operating since | 2016 | 2000 |
| Availability | All 50 states | All 50 states |
Custody and counterparty risk
Better holds collateral via qualified custodian (Coinbase Prime), while Rate uses borrower-held. Neither rehypothecates collateral.
Track record and availability
Rate has the longer history, operating since 2000 versus 2016.
Strengths and trade-offs
Better
- First Fannie Mae-conforming crypto mortgage (March 2026)
- No margin calls triggered by Bitcoin price movements
- All 50 states, Better's standard footprint
- 30-year fixed conforming rate
- Coinbase Prime qualified custody
- Full-doc Fannie Mae underwriting required (income, DTI, credit, appraisal)
- Foreign nationals not eligible, Fannie Mae conforming requires US borrower
- ≥250% BTC over-collateralization required for the down payment portion
- Loan capped at conforming limit ($766,550 baseline; higher in high-cost areas)
Rate
- Major established lender, founded 2000 (formerly Guaranteed Rate)
- No collateral pledge, borrower keeps Bitcoin
- No margin call risk
- All 50 states
- Refinance available (purchase, rate-and-term, cash-out)
- Borrower funds down payment in USD
- Non-QM rate premium (typically 0.5-1% above conventional)
- DEX/non-custodial wallets not accepted
About each lender
Better
First Fannie Mae-conforming crypto-backed mortgage, launched March 26, 2026 by Better in partnership with Coinbase. Standard Fannie Mae conforming first mortgage + BTC-pledged second loan funds the down payment. All 50 states. No-margin-call structure.
Rate
Major established mortgage lender (Rate, formerly Guaranteed Rate, founded 2000). RateFi crypto product launched Feb 2026. Asset-qualification model: crypto counts toward qualification, no pledge. All 50 states.
Frequently asked
Which has lower custody risk, Better or Rate?
Better uses qualified custodian and Rate uses borrower-held. Neither rehypothecates pledged collateral.
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borrowonbitcoin.com is a comparison publisher, not a lender or financial advisor. Rate data verified May 15, 2026. How we verify rates · Full disclosures.