Coinbase and Better Home & Finance have launched a crypto mortgage option for eligible U.S. homebuyers, allowing borrowers to pledge Bitcoin or USDC held on Coinbase to secure a separate loan for the cash down payment. That loan is paired with a standard conforming mortgage, giving buyers a way to complete a home purchase without selling their crypto at closing.
Down payment financing is separated from the main mortgage
The structure keeps the down payment loan distinct from the primary home loan. Better originates and services the loans, while the first Crypto Mortgage is designed under Fannie Mae guidelines. The pledged-asset portion, according to Better, is privately financed. The setup is meant to help borrowers keep exposure to their digital holdings and avoid a taxable sale tied to the home purchase process.
No margin calls while payments stay current
Coinbase said mortgage terms and rates do not change after the loan begins, even if bitcoin prices move sharply. As long as the borrower remains current on payments, there are no margin calls. Better added that pledged collateral would generally face liquidation risk only after a borrower becomes 60 days delinquent. That feature sets this product apart from many crypto-backed lending models that react quickly to market swings.
Sovcombank is testing a similar collateral model in Russia
A related approach has also appeared in Russia. Sovcombank said it launched BTC-backed lending for companies, including mining firms and other business clients. This product is aimed at corporate borrowers rather than retail homebuyers. Reports on the rollout said the bank uses a 50% collateral haircut, meaning a company pledging $100,000 in bitcoin could typically borrow about $50,000. The buffer is intended to protect the lender against sharp price declines.
Digital assets are moving into familiar credit products
Together, the two launches show lenders in different markets experimenting with digital assets as collateral inside established credit structures. There is no verified indication that one product was modeled on the other. What they do share is a common objective: giving borrowers access to liquidity without forcing the sale of crypto holdings. The products remain limited and tightly structured, but they show how token-based assets are starting to enter real-world financing models.