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How Much Can I Borrow Against 1 Bitcoin?

One Bitcoin can unlock significant borrowing power—but exactly how much depends on the current BTC price and your chosen loan-to-value ratio. Our calculator shows you real-time borrowing capacity for ...

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One Bitcoin can unlock significant borrowing power—but exactly how much depends on the current BTC price and your chosen loan-to-value ratio. Our calculator shows you real-time borrowing capacity for 1 BTC across different risk levels, helping you make informed decisions about your Bitcoin-backed loan.

Calculating Your 1 BTC Borrowing Power

Your borrowing power against 1 Bitcoin depends on two factors: **Current BTC Price**: This determines your collateral value. At $100,000 per BTC, you have $100,000 in collateral. **Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio**: This is the percentage of your collateral value you can borrow. Common LTV options: - 30% LTV (conservative): $30,000 loan on 1 BTC at $100K - 50% LTV (moderate): $50,000 loan on 1 BTC at $100K - 70% LTV (aggressive): $70,000 loan on 1 BTC at $100K **The formula**: Maximum Loan = BTC Price × LTV Ratio Our calculator uses live Bitcoin prices to show your exact borrowing capacity at each LTV tier.

Conservative vs. Aggressive Borrowing

The amount you CAN borrow and the amount you SHOULD borrow are often different: **Conservative approach (30-40% LTV)** - Borrow: $30,000-$40,000 per BTC at $100K - Safety margin: ~50% before liquidation - Survives: Most bear markets without action needed - Best for: Long-term holders who want to "set and forget" **Moderate approach (40-50% LTV)** - Borrow: $40,000-$50,000 per BTC at $100K - Safety margin: ~35-45% before liquidation - Survives: Significant corrections, may need action in severe crashes - Best for: Active managers comfortable with monitoring **Aggressive approach (50-70% LTV)** - Borrow: $50,000-$70,000 per BTC at $100K - Safety margin: <30% before liquidation - Survives: Only mild corrections without intervention - Best for: Short-term loans or traders hedging positions Choose your approach based on how actively you want to manage and how much volatility you can stomach.

Real-World Borrowing Scenarios

Let's look at practical scenarios for borrowing against 1 BTC: **Scenario 1: Home Down Payment** You need $40,000 for a down payment but don't want to sell your Bitcoin. At 40% LTV, 1 BTC at $100K gives you exactly $40,000—enough for your down payment while maintaining BTC exposure. **Scenario 2: Investment Opportunity** A time-sensitive investment opportunity requires $60,000. At 60% LTV, you can access $60,000 against 1 BTC. Higher risk, but you capture the opportunity without selling. **Scenario 3: Tax Bill** You owe $25,000 in taxes. Rather than selling BTC and creating more taxable gains, borrow at 25% LTV. Ultra-conservative, and you keep your Bitcoin. **Scenario 4: Emergency Fund** Keep a 30% LTV loan open as an emergency credit line. Access $30,000 instantly if needed, only paying interest when you draw funds.

How Price Changes Affect Your Loan

Understanding how Bitcoin price movements affect your 1 BTC loan is critical: **If you borrow $50,000 (50% LTV at $100K BTC)**: BTC drops to $80,000: - Collateral value: $80,000 - Your LTV rises to: 62.5% - Approaching margin call territory BTC drops to $60,000: - Collateral value: $60,000 - Your LTV rises to: 83% - Likely liquidated at most platforms BTC rises to $150,000: - Collateral value: $150,000 - Your LTV drops to: 33% - You could withdraw excess collateral or borrow more This is why starting with lower LTV provides crucial breathing room during Bitcoin's inevitable volatility.

Platform Comparison for 1 BTC Loans

Different platforms offer different terms for Bitcoin-backed loans: **Maximum LTV varies**: Some cap at 50%, others allow up to 70% **Interest rates range**: Typically 4-15% APR depending on platform and LTV **Minimum loans differ**: Some require $1,000 minimum, others $10,000+ **Liquidation thresholds vary**: 70-90% across platforms For a 1 BTC loan, consider: - Does the platform's max LTV meet your borrowing needs? - What's the liquidation threshold and your safety margin? - Are interest rates competitive for your chosen LTV? - Is the platform secure and reputable? Use our calculator to model different scenarios before committing to a platform.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I borrow against 1 Bitcoin right now?

Your borrowing power depends on the current BTC price and your chosen LTV. At 50% LTV, you can borrow half the current Bitcoin value. Our calculator shows real-time borrowing capacity at multiple LTV levels using live Bitcoin prices.

What LTV should I use for a 1 BTC loan?

For most borrowers, 40-50% LTV offers a good balance of borrowing power and safety margin. Conservative borrowers prefer 30-40% LTV for maximum protection against volatility. Only experienced borrowers should consider 60%+ LTV due to liquidation risk.

Can I borrow against less than 1 Bitcoin?

Yes, most platforms accept fractional Bitcoin as collateral. Minimum loan amounts vary by platform (typically $1,000-$10,000), so you may need a minimum BTC amount to meet these thresholds at your desired LTV.

Do I keep my 1 Bitcoin if the price goes up?

Yes! When you repay your loan, you get your full 1 BTC back regardless of price changes. If Bitcoin increased, you benefit from the appreciation. This is a key advantage over selling—you maintain upside exposure.

What if Bitcoin drops after I borrow against 1 BTC?

If BTC drops significantly, your LTV increases and you may face margin calls or liquidation. To prevent this, start with conservative LTV, monitor your loan with Margin Watch, and be prepared to add collateral or pay down the loan if needed.

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