LendFriend vs Newrez
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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LendFriend vs Newrez, side by side
 LendFriend |  Newrez | |
|---|---|---|
| Custody model | Borrower-held | Borrower-held |
| Rehypothecation | No | No |
| Maximum loan | $3,000,000 | No stated maximum |
| Prepayment | Varies by partner lender | Standard non-QM |
| Operating since | 2020 | 2008 |
| Availability | All 50 states | All 50 states |
Custody and counterparty risk
LendFriend holds collateral via borrower-held, while Newrez uses borrower-held. Neither rehypothecates collateral.
Track record and availability
Newrez has the longer history, operating since 2008 versus 2020.
Strengths and trade-offs
LendFriend
- Network of crypto-friendly partner lenders
- Asset depletion qualification model
- 13-state footprint
- Refinance available (purchase, refi, cash-out)
- Smaller broker operation, not a direct lender
- Some partner pathways involve pledged collateral
- Specific rate sheet not publicly posted, verify directly
- Only 13 states covered
Newrez
- Top-25 mortgage lender, Newrez is a major established originator
- No collateral pledge required, borrower keeps Bitcoin
- No margin call risk
- Nationwide (all 50 states)
- Standard 30-year fixed and ARMs available
- Borrower funds down payment in USD, Bitcoin holdings only qualify, not fund
- Non-QM rate premium (typically 0.5-1.5% above conventional)
- Crypto must be in US-regulated exchange or approved custodial wallet (not DEX)
- Doesn't help BTC-only borrowers without USD savings for down payment
About each lender
LendFriend
Broker-style mortgage operation specializing in crypto-holding borrowers. Works with a network of partner lenders. Asset-depletion qualification model standard; some partners use pledged collateral. 13-state footprint.
Newrez
First top-25 mortgage lender to formally accept crypto for income/asset qualification (2026). No collateral pledge. No margin call risk. Borrower keeps custody of their Bitcoin. Nationwide footprint.
Frequently asked
Which has lower custody risk, LendFriend or Newrez?
LendFriend uses borrower-held and Newrez 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.