Compare Lygos to Other Bitcoin Lenders
See how non-custodial, DLC-secured Bitcoin loans compare to custodial and multisig alternatives across pricing, security, and fees.
Last updated March 2026
| Feature | Lygos | Ledn | Nexo | Unchained |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APR | 10% | 9.99–11.49% | 2.9%+ (tier) | 14.18% |
| Origination Fee | $0 | 2% admin fee | N/D | 2% |
| Min Loan | $50K | $500 | $50 | $150K |
| Custody | Non-custodial (DLC) | Custodial | Custodial | 2-of-3 multisig |
| Rehypothecation | 0% (impossible) | Yes (B2X) | Yes | No |
| Technology | DLC (Bitcoin-native) | Centralized | Centralized | Multisig (manual) |
| Best For | $50K–$50M, security-first | Small loans, convenience | Token holders, low rates | DIY multisig users |
APR
Lygos
Best10%
Ledn
9.99–11.49%
Nexo
2.9%+ (tier)
Unchained
14.18%
Origination Fee
Lygos
Best$0
Ledn
2% admin fee
Nexo
N/D
Unchained
2%
Min Loan
Lygos
Best$50,000
Ledn
~$500
Nexo
~$50
Unchained
$150,000
Custody
Lygos
BestNon-custodial (DLC)
Ledn
Custodial
Nexo
Custodial
Unchained
Collaborative multisig
Rehypothecation
Lygos
Best0%
Ledn
Yes (B2X)
Nexo
Yes
Unchained
No
Why Comparing Bitcoin Lenders Matters
Interest rates compound fast
A 2-percentage-point APR difference on a $500,000 loan means over $10,000 in extra interest per year.
Custody model matters
Custodial platforms like Ledn and Nexo take possession of your BTC. Non-custodial platforms use DLCs to lock collateral on-chain.
Rehypothecation risk
Some lenders lend out your deposited Bitcoin to generate yield, exposing your collateral to third-party default risk.
Minimums vary widely
Unchained requires $150,000 minimum. Lygos starts at $50,000 with the same institutional-grade security.
Detailed Comparisons
Lygos vs. Ledn
Custodial risk vs. DLC security
- •Ledn: 9.99–11.49% APR, custodial, rehypothecates via B2X
- •Lygos: 10% APR, non-custodial, 0% rehypothecation
Lygos vs. Nexo
Loyalty tiers vs. transparent pricing
- •Nexo: 2.9%+ APR (requires NEXO token holdings), custodial
- •Lygos: 10% flat APR, no tokens required, non-custodial
Lygos vs. Unchained
Manual multisig vs. automated DLC
- •Unchained: 14.18% APR + 2% fee, $150K minimum, manual 2-of-3 multisig
- •Lygos: 10% APR + $0 fees, $50K minimum, automated DLC settlement
Frequently Asked Questions
Nexo advertises rates starting at 2.9%, but that rate requires holding large amounts of NEXO tokens and meeting loyalty tier requirements. Without tokens, rates are significantly higher. Lygos offers a flat 10% APR with no token requirements, no origination fees, and non-custodial DLC security, making it the best risk-adjusted rate for borrowers who prioritize transparency and collateral safety.
The safest way to borrow against Bitcoin is through a non-custodial model where the lender never takes possession of your BTC. Lygos uses Discreet Log Contracts (DLCs) to lock collateral on the Bitcoin blockchain itself. All loan outcomes are cryptographically pre-signed before collateral is committed, and neither party can unilaterally move funds. This eliminates the custodial risk that led to losses at Celsius and BlockFi.
Minimum loan amounts vary by lender. Nexo starts at $50, Ledn at $500, and Unchained requires $150,000. Lygos has a $50,000 minimum with the same institutional-grade DLC security available up to $50,000,000, making it accessible to individual holders while scaling to institutional borrowers.
Find the right Bitcoin lender for you
10% APR, $0 origination fees, and DLC-secured collateral. Compare the details that matter.