Best For
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Arch partners with Anchorage Digital, a federally chartered bank.
- Your collateral is held in a segregated account and is never lent out to third parties to generate yield.
- Arch provides a 48-hour window for you to add collateral or pay down the loan, protecting you from temporary price spikes.
- One of the only platforms allowing you to borrow against shares in private companies (e.g., SpaceX, OpenAI, Stripe) alongside your crypto.
- Once your account is verified, loans are typically approved and funded in under 5 minutes via USDC or direct USD wire.
Cons
- They currently do not serve the UK or EU, and individual lending is limited to roughly 33 U.S. states (with NY included, but others like TX and CA often restricted for retail).
- Arch strictly supports BTC, ETH, and SOL as crypto collateral.
- Arch charges a 1.5% origination fee on the total loan amount.
- Standard terms are capped at 12 months.
- As a regulated US entity, Full KYC (Know Your Customer) is non-negotiable.
Feature Breakdown
| Feature | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Asset custody | 5.0 | Assets are held in a federally chartered bank (Anchorage) rather than private hot/cold wallets. |
| Collateral diversity | 3.0 | While they only support BTC, ETH, and SOL, their support for Private Equity (SpaceX, Stripe, etc.) is a standout "killer feature" for tech founders. |
| Margin protection window | 5.0 | Offers a 24–48 hour window to resolve margin calls. |
| Loan customization | 4.0 | Offers both Interest-Only (balloon at end) and Principal + Interest structures. |
| Mobile and web interface | 5.0 | Consistently rated as the most "bank-like" and intuitive UI in the space. |
| Geographic availability | 2.0 | Restricted in the UK, EU, and key U.S. states like Texas and California for individuals (though Business lending is more widely available). |
See It In Action
Video Tutorials
Taking out a loan with Arch
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Learn MoreFinal Verdict
Arch Lending has solidified its reputation as the most “bank-like” and secure platform in the crypto-lending space. It is not the cheapest option, nor the one with the most assets, but it is arguably the safest for U.S.-based investors who cannot afford to lose their principal.
Recommended For
Not Suitable For
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum loan amount?
For standard crypto-backed loans (BTC, ETH, SOL), the minimum typically starts at $1,000. For private equity-backed loans, the minimum is significantly higher, usually starting at $100,000.
Which U.S. states are supported?
As of early 2026, Arch supports individuals in 33 states (including NY, FL, and NJ). Business lending is more widely available in 41 states (including TX, IL, and OH). It is currently not available for individuals in California or Washington.
How does the "48-Hour Margin Call" work?
If your Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio hits the 70% threshold (for BTC), Arch sends an alert and pauses automatic liquidations for up to 48 hours. This gives you a window to add more collateral or pay down the loan before a partial liquidation is triggered at 80% LTV.
What are the exact fees?
Expect a 1.5% origination fee upfront. There are no prepayment penalties, so you can close your loan early for free. If a liquidation occurs, a 2.0% to 2.5% fee is applied to the sold portion of your collateral.
Is my crypto safe from platform bankruptcy?
Yes. Unlike "Earn" programs of the past, Arch uses a bankruptcy-remote trust with Anchorage Digital. Your assets are held in a segregated account under your name/ID, meaning they cannot be used to pay off Arch’s corporate debts.