Loan-to-value (LTV) simply means how much cryptocurrency you will need to put up as collateral before you get a loan.
A crypto-backed loan is one of the most exciting marvels of blockchain technology. We know that banks always ask for collateral when lending you money, whether it is property, stocks, or any other kind of asset. A crypto-backed loan has very similar procedures, but the assets here are cryptocurrencies, and the lenders are modern and thrilling platforms where you can go over the whole process on an app.
The rates offered on these cryptocurrency lending platforms vary per platform, but they are generally competitive.
LTV
Before getting to the platforms, let’s look at the concept of LTV. Loan-to-value (LTV) simply means how much cryptocurrency you will need to put up as collateral before you get a loan. The lender will hold this until the loan is paid back in full. The reason for this is to minimize risk for the lender. At the same time, users can also access larger loans at lesser interest rates by putting up collateral.
Nebeus
Founded in 2014, Nebeus is a European platform that allows its users to use their digital assets investments to get crypto-backed loans. Nebeus is one of the longest existing platforms on the market, making them highly trustworthy. Additionally, Nebeus recently secured a partnership with Bitgo, allowing them to insure all of the crypto collateral that their users deposit, up to $100 million by Lloyds of London.
One of the best features that Nebeus has is the possibility to customize the loans according to each individual’s needs. With Quick Loans, Nebeus users can get 50% LTV and an interest rate of 0% for 3 months. With Flexible Loans, Nebeus users can choose their interest rate and LTV and can bring the LTV all the way up to 80%! Users can borrow up to 250.000€ for as long as 36 months while keeping the same 80% LTV. The combination of the high LTV and 36-month term puts Nebeus at the top of the list of the highest LTV crypto lending platforms.
Besides loans, Nebeus offers other services that make them one of the most comprehensive platforms out there. From worldwide cash transfers to mobile phone top-ups and even the possibility to rent Nebeus your crypto to earn interest as often as every 24 hours.
BlockFi
BlockFi is the leading crypto-backed loans platform in the USA and is also very well known globally. Seeing as they are primarily USA-based, BlockFi users can only get loans in USD. In terms of collateral, users can deposit Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. The LTVs value on BlockFi goes up to only 50%, and there are no other options. This low LTV can be a turndown for many, but BlockFi targets users who want to get bigger loans and for particular use cases and needs. Their low LTV helps minimize the risk of users hitting a trigger event or margin call.
BlockFi currently manages approximately $15 billion in digital assets, which shows just how popular the platform is.
YouHodler
This crypto lending platform provides several top-notch services and offers different types of loans. You can get crypto-backed loans in stablecoins, crypto, and multiple fiat currencies. In terms of LTV, YouHodler entices users with an LTV as high as 90%, making this the highest LTV in the market. However, this LTV is only for a maximum period of 30 days. The next LTV is 70% for 60 days and 50% for 180 days.
YouHodler accepts approximately 18 different types of cryptocurrencies as collateral for their loans, making their platform attractive for people owning multiple digital assets. As an official member of the Crypto Valley Association in Western Switzerland, YouHodler is well known in Europe and holds a sizable share of the crypto loan market.
Celsius Network
This world-known crypto asset management platform offers a series of crypto services. Their central service is crypto savings accounts, allowing people to earn using their assets. Crypto-backed loans also play a key role in the platform’s product and service ecosystem. Celsius offers different LTV ratios, but their highest is 50% for a maximum period of 36 months. The next LTV is 33%, and the lowest one is 25%.
These low LTV ratios put Celsius at the bottom of the crypto lending platform list, but seeing as crypto collateralized lending is not their main product, this is understandable. Celsius is still a top-rated platform with over 500k users. The brain behind it is Alex Mashinsky, who founded Voice over IP.
Conclusion
Cryptocurrencies are proving themselves as a game-changer in every way possible. Crypto-backed loans are another way this technology is challenging the traditional norms in the financial industry. It is getting to a point where people can’t just ignore crypto and blockchain anymore. Right now, you can either take part or get left behind. So, how do you see crypto shaping our spending culture and the financial industry in the nearest future?
Having obtained a diploma in Intercultural Communication, Julia continued her studies taking a Master’s degree in Economics and Management. Becoming captured by innovative technologies, Julia turned passionate about exploring emerging techs believing in their ability to transform all spheres of our life.
