10 Best Crypto Loans & Crypto Lending Platforms for July 2025

Borrowing against digital assets lets you unlock cash without giving up future upside or triggering a taxable sale. To help readers pick a reliable provider, we examined ten active lending venues, measuring collateral flexibility, loan-to-value ranges, interest costs, custody safeguards, and user support. Our list covers both regulated custodial lenders and fully autonomous DeFi protocols, so you can weigh convenience against self-custody and choose a platform that matches your risk tolerance.

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Crypto lending enables individuals to borrow funds by using their digital assets as collateral. Instead of selling their crypto, users can keep their investments while accessing cash or more cryptocurrency. This is helpful for those who want to maintain their cryptocurrency portfolio and avoid taxable events that occur when selling assets.

Lenders on these platforms also benefit by earning interest on the funds they lend to borrowers. There are two main types of crypto lending platforms: centralized finance (CeFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). Both have unique qualities, so users must understand how each type works before deciding which fits their needs.

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Crypto loans can be categorized into two main types: CeFi (Centralized Finance) and DeFi (Decentralized Finance). Here’s a quick breakdown of each.

What is a CeFi loan?

CeFi loans are issued by platforms that follow regulatory guidelines and usually require identity verification, known as KYC (Know Your Customer). These platforms offer structured loan terms and support services, which can make the lending process feel more secure and reliable.

What is a DeFi loan?

DeFi loans operate without middlemen, using automated smart contracts to enable direct transactions. These loans often provide more privacy and control but come with risks like potential smart contract bugs. DeFi and CeFi loans cater to different users, so it’s worth considering your goals and risk tolerance when choosing between them.

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The crypto lending world offers many options for both borrowers and lenders. We’ve reviewed leading platforms that stand out for different reasons: high loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, low interest rates, or special features for specific cryptocurrencies.

From highly secure CeFi options to flexible DeFi solutions, each platform has been reviewed for its reputation, loan terms, security features, and customer support. Here’s a closer look at the best crypto lending platforms.

Cryptocurrency loans can be valuable for users seeking liquidity without selling assets. Borrowers keep ownership of their assets, which means they benefit from any future appreciation while avoiding taxable events associated with selling. Crypto loans can also help with financial planning, allowing cash flow without impacting long-term crypto holdings.

However, crypto loans do have risks. The volatile nature of crypto markets can result in margin calls if the collateral loses value. Careful consideration of financial goals, risk tolerance, and specific loan terms will help determine if a crypto loan is the right option for you.

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Generally, taking out a crypto loan is not a taxable event. Borrowing against crypto assets does not create an immediate tax obligation. However, any interest earned from lending is classified as income and must be reported to the IRS.

If you eventually sell the collateral, you may face capital gains tax, depending on the asset’s value at the time of sale. Consulting a tax expert or using crypto tax software can help ensure compliance with tax rules.

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Here’s a quick breakdown of some risks and benefits of using crypto loans.

Crypto loan risks:

• Potential for margin calls during market downturns.

• Lack of regulation in the crypto lending sector.

• Security concerns, particularly with DeFi platforms.

Crypto loan benefits:

• Access to liquidity without selling assets.

• Potential to retain assets for future gains.

• May offer tax advantages by avoiding immediate capital gains.

Crypto loans are a powerful tool for accessing liquidity without selling digital assets, but they’re not the only option. For those interested in similar benefits without taking on a loan, there are several alternatives to consider:

• Staking and Yield Farming: Many platforms allow users to earn passive income through staking or yield farming, locking up crypto in a protocol and earning rewards. This approach avoids the debt risk associated with loans while still generating returns on your assets.

• Traditional Personal Loans: While traditional personal loans don’t use crypto as collateral, they provide access to funds without the potential volatility of crypto markets. These loans may be a good choice for users who prefer stability and are willing to go through a credit check.

• Crypto Savings Accounts: Some crypto platforms offer savings accounts that pay interest on your digital assets. While this method doesn’t provide immediate cash, it allows you to grow your holdings over time without selling your crypto or taking on loan risk.

• Crypto Credit Cards: Certain providers offer crypto-backed credit cards, letting users spend against their crypto holdings without selling assets. These cards often have unique benefits and offer a flexible way to leverage crypto for everyday purchases.

Each alternative has its own advantages and drawbacks, depending on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Exploring these options alongside crypto loans can help you determine the best approach for accessing liquidity with your digital assets.

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Crypto loans without collateral give borrowers access to funds without requiring them to use assets as security. Instead of using traditional guarantees, these loans rely on decentralized finance (DeFi) tools like smart contracts to enforce repayment. They’re a unique option for those needing liquidity but not wanting to lock up their crypto as collateral.

Flash loans are the most common form of no-collateral crypto loans. They allow users to borrow and repay within a single blockchain transaction, making them useful for time-sensitive arbitrage strategies. Flash loans don’t typically require collateral, but they do demand technical skill and carry risks, such as potential smart contract failures. Popular platforms for no-collateral loans include Aave, which is notable for reliable Ethereum flash loans, and Uniswap, which offers similar tools called flash swaps.

Methodology

How our crypto tax professionals selected the best crypto lending platforms

Our team of crypto tax experts at TokenTax have taken a comprehensive approach to identifying the best crypto loans available in the market. We’ve considered various crucial factors to assess the performance and reputation of each platform.

When looking for the best crypto lending platforms, we examined the range of cryptocurrencies supported for borrowing and the loan terms offered by each platform. We also considered the security measures implemented by the lending platforms to safeguard borrowers' assets. Customer support quality and the availability of educational resources were also vital aspects of our assessment. 

By taking this holistic approach, we aimed to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of each platform's crypto lending capabilities. Our focus on security and customer support ensures readers can confidently navigate the world of crypto loans with additional peace of mind based on our research.

As the crypto industry remains largely unregulated, our priority here is to highlight the more established and credible centralized cryptocurrency lending platforms and reputable DeFi platforms with proven track records to minimize potential risks associated with borrowing in the crypto space.

Investors should always do their own research and understand the risks involved before using any crypto lending platform.

Best crypto loans FAQs

Can I get a crypto loan without collateral?

Yes. Aave’s flash-loan module and Uniswap’s “flash swap” feature let developers borrow assets with no up-front collateral, provided the loan is repaid (plus a small fee) within the same blockchain transaction. Because repayment must occur atomically, these products are practical only for advanced use cases such as arbitrage or rapid refinancing, and they carry smart-contract and execution risks that are unsuitable for most retail borrowers.

Are crypto loans safe?

Crypto loans carry risks, so it's essential to use reputable platforms and fully understand loan terms. Platforms with strong security measures are, of course, generally safer.

Do crypto loans count as income?

No, receiving a loan is not income. However, interest earned from lending is taxable as income.

How much can I borrow on crypto?

Depending on the platform, loan-to-value (LTV) ratios range from 50% to 90%. Higher ratios carry additional risk.

What should I look for in a crypto loan platform?

Consider platform security, interest rates, LTV ratios, and supported assets when evaluating crypto loan platforms.