US Lenders Approve Bitcoin and Ethereum for Mortgage Qualification

Major US mortgage lenders have officially begun recognizing Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings as valid assets for home loan qualification in early 2026.

This shift allows cryptocurrency investors to leverage their digital wealth to secure financing without the need to liquidate their positions and trigger taxable events.

Key Takeaways

• Lenders like Newrez and Rate now accept BTC, ETH, and stablecoins for mortgage asset verification.

• Crypto holdings are subject to volatility discounts, often ranging from 20% to 50% of market value.

• Assets must be held on US-regulated platforms or with approved custodians to meet AML requirements.

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Participating Lenders and Program Specifics

Newrez has introduced the Smart Series, a non-QM loan program specifically targeting Millennial and Gen Z buyers with significant crypto portfolios.

The program recognizes Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD-pegged stablecoins, and even spot crypto ETFs as part of a borrower’s total asset or income profile.

Similarly, the lender Rate has launched the RateFi initiative, which integrates digital asset verification directly into its mortgage application platform.

These programs emerged following updated FHFA guidance under the current administration, which provided a framework for risk modeling in the digital asset space.

Read more: Why is Liquidity Important in Crypto?

Rules for Asset Verification and Compliance

To qualify for these programs, borrowers must hold their digital assets on regulated US exchanges like Coinbase or with FINRA-approved custodians.

Self-custody wallets and decentralized finance protocols are currently excluded from qualification due to strict Anti-Money Laundering and KYC protocols.

Lenders apply a "haircut" to the value of the crypto assets, typically discounting the current market price by 20% to 50% to account for price swings.

While crypto can prove financial stability, down payments and closing costs must still be paid in USD cash at the time of the transaction.

Limitations of Crypto-Backed Mortgage Loans

Mortgages that utilize cryptocurrency for qualification are classified as non-qualified mortgages, which often carry higher interest rates than traditional loans.

These programs are not yet available for government-backed financing options such as FHA or VA loans, which maintain more rigid asset requirements.

Availability varies significantly by state, and borrowers are encouraged to consult with mortgage experts who specialize in digital asset integration.

Because rules are evolving rapidly alongside federal regulation, eligibility criteria and discount rates are subject to frequent adjustments by participating lenders.

Conclusion

The acceptance of Bitcoin and Ethereum for mortgage qualification marks a major milestone in the institutional adoption of digital assets in 2026.

By bridging the gap between decentralized finance and the housing market, lenders are unlocking new opportunities for a generation of crypto-native homeowners.

While volatility discounts and higher interest rates remain a hurdle, the ability to keep long-term crypto positions intact is a significant financial advantage.

As the regulatory landscape for digital assets stabilizes, more traditional lenders are expected to follow the lead of pioneers like Newrez and Rate.

FAQ

Can I use Bitcoin to buy a house without selling it?

Yes, certain lenders allow you to use Bitcoin as proof of assets or income to qualify for a mortgage while keeping your coins in a regulated account.

Which cryptocurrencies are accepted for mortgage qualification?

Most lenders currently limit acceptance to Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and certain USD-pegged stablecoins like USDC or USDT.

Do I have to pay my mortgage in Bitcoin?

No, the mortgage itself is still denominated in US dollars, and monthly payments must be made using traditional currency.

Why do lenders apply a discount to my crypto value?

Lenders apply a 20% to 50% discount to protect against the high volatility of the crypto market during the loan approval process.

Are DeFi wallets like Metamask accepted for mortgage verification?

Currently, lenders require assets to be held on regulated US platforms or with approved custodians for verification and compliance reasons.

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