Best CeFi Crypto Loans 2026
Centralized lending platforms offer the most familiar crypto loan experience — deposit collateral, receive funds, get customer support if something goes wrong. We've compared every major CeFi lender on rates, security, transparency, and loan terms.
CeFi Lending at a Glance
CeFi Crypto Loan Comparison
| Provider | Interest Rate | Max LTV | KYC | Speed | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledn Top Pick | 12.4% – 13.9% | 50% | Required | 24-48 hours | Review | |
| Nexo Top Pick | 2.9% – 13.9% | 80% | Required | instant | Review | |
| CoinRabbit Top Pick | 12% – 17% | 70% | None | 10 minutes | Review | |
| Unchained Capital | 14% – 16% | 40% | Required | 3-5 business days | Review | |
| YouHodler Top Pick | 3% – 26% | 97% | Required | instant | Review |
Detailed CeFi Provider Overview
Ledn
Regulated BTC-backed loans with proof-of-reserves
Nexo
60+ collateral options with instant credit lines
CoinRabbit
No-KYC instant crypto loans with 70+ collateral options
Unchained Capital
Multisig BTC loans — you hold your keys
YouHodler
Ultra-high LTV loans (up to 97%) with 50+ assets
What to Look for in a CeFi Crypto Lender
After the CeFi collapses of 2022 (Celsius, BlockFi, Voyager), choosing a trustworthy centralized lender matters more than ever. Here's what separates the safe platforms from the risky ones:
Proof of Reserves
The best CeFi lenders publish regular attestations from independent auditors (like Armanino) showing they hold enough assets to cover all customer deposits. This is the single most important trust signal after 2022.
Reputable Custodians
Your collateral should be held by institutional-grade custodians (BitGo, Fireblocks, Ledger Vault) — not on the platform's own hot wallets. Third-party custody adds a critical layer of protection.
Transparent Rate Structure
Watch for hidden fees, penalty rates, and complex loyalty tiers. The best platforms show you the total cost upfront with no surprises. Rates ranging from 2.9% to 17% across platforms — the differences add up fast on larger loans.
Liquidation Terms
Understand the exact LTV threshold where liquidation happens, whether you get margin call warnings, and how much collateral gets sold. Some platforms liquidate your entire position; others sell only what's needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CeFi crypto loan?
A CeFi (Centralized Finance) crypto loan is offered by a company that holds your collateral, manages the loan, and provides customer support. You deposit crypto as collateral and receive a loan in fiat or stablecoins. CeFi platforms handle everything — unlike DeFi, where you interact directly with smart contracts.
Are CeFi crypto loans safe?
CeFi loan safety depends on the platform. Look for proof-of-reserves attestations, reputable custodians (BitGo, Fireblocks, Ledger Vault), insurance coverage, and regulatory compliance. The collapse of Celsius and BlockFi in 2022 showed that not all CeFi lenders are equal — due diligence is essential.
What happens if my collateral drops in value?
If your collateral value drops, your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio increases. Most CeFi platforms issue margin calls asking you to add collateral or repay part of the loan. If you don't act and the LTV reaches the liquidation threshold (typically 83–90%), the platform will sell enough collateral to bring the loan back within safe limits.
How do CeFi loans compare to DeFi loans?
CeFi loans offer customer support, fiat payouts, and a familiar experience but require KYC and trusting a company with your collateral. DeFi loans are permissionless and non-custodial but require technical knowledge, have no customer support, and expose you to smart contract risk. CeFi is generally better for beginners; DeFi for experienced crypto users who value self-custody.
Not sure which type is right for you?
Use our calculator to estimate costs across all platforms, or compare CeFi vs DeFi side by side.