SALT Review: 2026 Bitcoin Loan Comparison
Operating since 2016. APR tiered by LTV: 9.95% at 30% LTV, 10.95% at 50%, 14.45% at 70%. Terms explicitly allow rehypothecation. California DFPI suspended lending license in 2024; SEC fined in 2020 for unregistered ICO; paused withdrawals Nov 2022.
What SALT Offers
Salt has operated since 2016 — among the longest-running Bitcoin lenders in this market. The rate structure is LTV-based: 9.95% APR at 30% LTV, 10.95% at 50%, and 14.45% at 70%. Salt's 70% maximum LTV is the highest among US-accessible lenders in this comparison. The 1% origination fee is baked into those APR figures. Loans run 1, 3, or 5 years with a $5,000 minimum, and Salt funds within 1–2 days.
The liquidation system runs four stages: a warning at 75% LTV, a formal margin call at 83.33% (48-hour cure window to restore below 70%), a final notice at 88%, and forced stabilization at 90.91%. A 5% liquidation fee applies if Salt sells collateral — among the highest in this market and a material cost to factor in if a margin call goes uncured. Prepayment carries no penalty; repaying via cryptocurrency sale adds a 1.5% processing fee. Salt is also available internationally in Australia, Canada, Brazil, Portugal, Switzerland, UK, UAE, and Vietnam.
Salt's regulatory history requires disclosure. In 2020, Salt received an SEC fine for conducting an unregistered ICO. In November 2022, following the FTX collapse, Salt paused withdrawals before resuming operations. In 2024, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation issued a consent order and suspended Salt's California lending license — Salt is not available to California borrowers. Rehypothecation is explicitly permitted in Salt's current terms of service. Prospective borrowers should read the current terms and verify active license status in their state before proceeding.
Key Facts
- Operating since 2016
- Up to 70% LTV — highest among general loans on this list
- APR tiered by LTV (9.95%/10.95%/14.45%)
- International availability: Australia, Canada, Brazil, Portugal, Switzerland, UK, UAE, Vietnam
What to Consider
- Rehypothecation explicitly permitted in terms of service
- 2020 SEC fine for unregistered ICO
- 2022 withdrawal pause following FTX collapse
- 2024 California DFPI license suspension and consent order
Key Risks
- ⚠ Active California regulatory enforcement (2024 DFPI consent order)
- ⚠ Explicit rehypothecation per current terms of service
- ⚠ History of operational pauses
How SALT Compares
SALT is one of several options in the Bitcoin loan market. Borrowers often compare it alongside Ledn, CoinRabbit, and Arch. Each lender differs on APR range, custody model, rehypothecation posture, max LTV, and state coverage — factors that matter differently depending on your loan size and how much you care about custody transparency. The side-by-side comparison lets you sort and filter all Bitcoin loan lenders at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SALT safe to borrow against Bitcoin?
SALT is operating since 2016. Your collateral is handled via lender-held pool (rehypothecation disclosed). SALT does rehypothecate (re-lend) your Bitcoin collateral per its disclosed terms. Note: SALT Lending has a 2024 California DFPI consent order and a 2020 SEC fine for an unregistered ICO. Verify current status and availability in your state before proceeding. Insurance coverage: Not publicly posted. As with any Bitcoin-backed loan, review the custody model, liquidation thresholds, and loan terms carefully before borrowing.
What rates does SALT charge?
SALT charges 9.95%–14.45% APR. Tiered by LTV: 9.95% at 30%, 10.95% at 50%, 14.45% at 70%. Lower LTV = lower rate. There is a 1% origination fee.
Does SALT rehypothecate my Bitcoin?
Yes — SALT rehypothecates (re-lends) your Bitcoin collateral per its disclosed terms. Rehypothecation means your Bitcoin can be lent to other counterparties. If those counterparties default, your collateral may be at risk. The custody model is lender-held pool (rehypothecation disclosed).
What states does SALT serve?
SALT is available in Not publicly posted. State availability not publicly posted Always confirm current availability directly with SALT before applying, as state coverage can change.
How fast does SALT fund loans?
SALT typically funds within 1–2 business days. Loan terms: 1, 3, or 5 years. Actual timing may vary based on verification requirements and your specific situation.
What fees does SALT charge?
Known fees include: a 1% origination fee; a 5% liquidation fee if collateral is sold; No prepayment penalty ($0 prepayment fee). 1.5% processing fee if repaying via crypto collateral sale.. Always request a full fee disclosure from SALT before signing any loan agreement.
How does SALT compare to other Bitcoin loan lenders?
To see SALT side-by-side with every other major Bitcoin loan lender — rates, custody model, LTV, and more — use the free comparison tool at borrowonbitcoin.com. You can sort by APR, LTV, funding speed, or custody model and filter to your state.
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Compare all Bitcoin loan lenders →We are not a lender, broker, or registered investment advisor. We may receive compensation from some lenders featured; this does not influence our default ordering or the factual data we publish. Rates and terms are subject to change; verify directly with each lender before applying. Full disclosures.