Ledn vs Nexo - Why Ledn is the top Nexo Alternative

Looking to unlock liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? Ledn gives you verifiable custody, clear legal protection, and consistent performance.

See how it compares to Nexo and why long-term Bitcoin holders choose Ledn.

Ledn vs Nexo: What’s the difference?

Nexo provides a broad range of crypto services, including borrowing, trading, and interest-earning accounts. However, its approach differs from Ledn’s, particularly when it comes to transparency, regulatory history, and reliance on a platform token for preferred rates.

Ledn is built for people who want clarity and control. It offers Bitcoin-backed loans with simple terms, public audits, and a flawless security record.

Ledn Cayman SEZC Inc., which provides Ledn’s lending products (other than Ledn Growth accounts), is regulated as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).

At a glance: Ledn vs Nexo

Max LTV
50%
50 % for BTC
Starting APR/rate
10.4 interest + 2 admin ≈ 12.4 APR
2.9 %–18.9 % depending on loyalty tier & LTV (as low as 2.9 % for Platinum < 20 % LTV)
Minimum loan
US $500 loan (US $1 000 BTC collateral)
US $50 (stablecoin) / US $500 (fiat)
Standard term
12 months, repay any time
Open-ended credit line (no fixed maturity)
Is collateral lent out?
No
Assets custodied with licensed partners; automatic margin call at 83.33 % LTV

3 Reasons why Ledn is the better choice

1. Public audits 

Ledn has published biannual Proof-of-Reserves audits with a CPA since 2021. Nexo pioneered real-time audits, but its program was suspended after its audit partner withdrew. Today, no live audit is available.

2. Proven compliance 

Ledn operates with clear regulatory approvals and avoids jurisdictions where it lacks licensing. Nexo paid $45M to settle U.S. SEC charges, was raided in Bulgaria (case dropped), and only recently re-entered the U.S. market.

3. Clear lending 

Ledn loans are simple: no monthly payments, no early penalties, no platform token. Nexo’s model depends on its NEXO token for rate discounts, rewards, and platform access, adding complexity and potential volatility.

Why bitcoin holders choose Ledn over Nexo

Ledn is focused. It offers one thing and does it well: safe, transparent Bitcoin-backed lending. With Nexo, the offering is broader, but so are the risks and trade-offs.

Custody you can verify

Ledn clients’ Bitcoin stays in cold storage and is not lent out. Audited reserves back every loan. Nexo uses custodians like BitGo, but paused real-time reserves and hasn’t reinstated them.

No tokens, no tiers

Ledn doesn’t make you buy a platform token to get better terms. Nexo’s rates, features, and cashback depend on your NEXO token balance, adding complexity and exposure.

We are bigger than all other crypto lenders...combined

Ledn is the biggest consumer crypto lender, with over $9 billion in loan originations since 2018 thanks to our unbroken track record.

Loans funded since 2018

$9,000,000,000

Your collateral is secure

Collateral is held in custody with Ledn or our funding partner. Neither Ledn nor our funding partners have the right to lend out the collateral. Your Bitcoin is safe.

Every 6 months
Proof of Reserves
Collateral held securely in custody
Custodied Loans

Unmatched speed and flexilibity

Once collateral is received, our current funding ETA is 6.9 hours with no credit checks required. Repay whenever you want, without penalty. Use our auto top up feature to protect your collateral from Bitcoin price fluctuations.

Current funding ETA*  18 hours
Repay whenever you want, without penalty
Loan terms are 12 months. Renew as long as your LTV is healthy.
Redeem collateral when your LTV is healthy.

We strive for ever-more competitive rates

We are committed to offering the most competitive rates possible to our customers.

January 1st 2025
14.9% APR
May 1st 2025
13.4% APR
As of May 27th 2025
12.9 APR

Global accessibility is at the core of our mission

We believe in the power of Bitcoin to provide fair access to credit, no matter where you’re located.

Why hodlers love Ledn

Arrow leftArrow right

Ledn's Founding Story

Co-founders Adam and Mauricio explain why they started Ledn

What started as a passion project with a few close colleagues has grown to a global company with 50+ employees, offering a full suite of lending, savings and trading products in over 120 countries. Ledn strives to improve the everyday lives of Bitcoin holders today, while building generational wealth for the future. Through its products & services, Ledn makes a difference in the lives and futures of its clients - in real terms.

Ready to Unlock Your Bitcoin’s Potential?